Trying to Turn Red States to Blue in 04

Chrissy Gephardt is the openly lesbian daughter of US Representative Richard Gephardt (D-MO). Since publicly coming out, she has become a force in connecting with the GLBT community, especially during her father’s presidential campaign. A political consultant, she lives in Washington, DC, with her partner Amy.

Chrissy will be joining Governor Ruth Ann Minner and US Representative Barney Frank at the Delaware Stonewall Democrat’s summer benefit in Rehoboth Beach on Saturday, August 7 

Rich Barnett caught up with Chrissy at the National Stonewall Convention this past weekend in Providence, Rhode Island and she answered some questions for Letters.

Rich: We’re pleased you’ll be coming to Rehoboth. Have you visited before?

Chrissy: Yes, but it was too short a visit. I’ve heard, though, that Rehoboth has a great gay and lesbian community, and I’m looking forward to meeting people and to learning more about the town.

Rich: Good answer. Tell me about your new role with National Stonewall Democrats.

Chrissy: I’m the director of the grassroots campaign corps. That’s a fancy title for going out and speaking to different Democratic groups and GLBT groups about why this election is so important and why we need to mobilize the GLBT community.

Rich: What are you seeing and hearing in your travels?

Chrissy: I’ve never seen so many Democrats energized around one single thing and that’s the defeat of George Bush. George Bush has lit a fire under Democrats like no other president has in recent times. A lot of people might not have liked Bill Clinton. But what this President is doing, in my opinion, is morally reprehensible—his treatment of the GLBT community, his foreign policy, his health care and environmental policies…I could go on…I’m hearing a common expression, and I’m sure you’ve heard it too: "When Clinton lied, nobody died."

Rich: Your thoughts on the Kerry/Edwards ticket?

Chrissy: I think it’s a great ticket with a combination of experience and energy. People really seem to like the ticket. They trust Kerry and his long service in the Senate. And, Edwards is a fresh, exciting face—people can relate to him and to his messages. I hope it’ll be a winning combination.

Rich: Speaking of candidates, tell me about your involvement with The American Candidate television show.

Chrissy: It’s a reality show at the intersection of politics and entertainment. Ten candidates vie to become the American candidate. We do a series of challenges and each week someone is eliminated.

Rich: Why did you get involved?

Chrissy: Because I thought it would be a great way to reach out to voters who feel disenfranchised and who don’t feel like they’re part of the process—especially young audiences. Do you know that more young people voted for the American Idol than for the president of the United States?

Rich: No I didn’t. That’s frightening. Did your goals jive with those of the producers?

Chrissy: Yes. They wanted to bring different voices into the show and, therefore, into the political process. Some of the candidates, like me, are in politics. Others aren’t. But everyone involved with the show wants to change the system. They want more people to have a voice and they think we need more people out there voting. Television is the most powerful medium in this country. Lots of people even call it the 4th branch of government. It’s important to think creatively about using TV to get out some good positive political messaging. We don’t only need to rely only on CNN or CSPAN.

Rich: When can we watch the show?

Chrissy: The Showtime original series airs on Sunday, August 1, at 9 p.m.

Rich: Delaware’s GLBT community has been working hard for legislation adding sexual orientation to our discrimination laws. A bill passed the House but never saw a vote in the Senate, largely because of a lack of Democratic leadership. Any advice?

Chrissy: Don’t give up the fight. Build as broad a coalition as possible and reach out to allies.

Rich: Any final words?

Chrissy: Just to remind people that every vote counts. The 2000 elections proved that. If we can inspire people to vote, it can mean the difference between a win and a loss for the Democrats. I’m working for the Stonewall Democrats because it’s a grassroots effort to get more GLBT people voting and involved in the political process. Notwithstanding what I said about TV, grassroots politics is still the best way to reach people. People connect with people they know and trust.

This election is so important. Not just for the gay and lesbian community, but for the entire country. George Bush is leading us down the wrong path, and it’s going to take all us Democrats coming together to beat him and turn the red states to blue. But we can do this.