Anthony Woods, Gay Black Iraq Veteran, To Run For Congress

The Daily Beast:

Insurgent congressional candidate Anthony Woods' life story reads like Aaron Sorkin wrote it--he's a gay, black Iraq veteran with a Harvard degree. He talks to The Daily Beast's Benjamin Sarlin about running on his biography.

Read the whole story: The Daily Beast

Comments

[diogenes1967]

he has my support pending the fleshing out of his views.

Sheeh, can I post that?

[noudidnt]

If he weren't g_ay, wh y te libs wouldn't support him. They would be looking for wh y te woman to run against him.


Typical.

[Cosmic-Zantor]

Like how we supported Obama over Clinton?

What's typical is that you conservatives always think that whenever we support somebody who's a minority it's only because they're a minority.

Welcome to 2009. This isn't the 1950's. This is not a whites only world anymore. Sorry bubba.

[jeanrenoir]

One of the best things about Obama's campaign was the way it brought lots of super-bright African-Americans to the forefront of public consciousness when they were used by cable and the networks as commentators, etc. America is exploding with black talent now. Martin Luther King's dream is being fulfilled across the board. If we can just clean out the Augean stables of Wall St., we might be on the cusp of a genuine American renewal, in which this country truly becomes a beacon to the world again in terms of social justice and liberty for all. Anyway, the Wood story's great.

[huffpomojo]

I don't understand why all the comments here are so snarky - I think it's pretty interesting that he's black, gay and a vet. I'm sure he's got some great insight and he's a great role model who perfectly demonstrates the need for a repeal of DADT. Plus, I think this is news because it is absolutely SHOCKING that this candidate is comfortable with his sexuality! Has he no respect for the gigantic closet of American politics? Charlie Crist, Lindsey Graham and Aaron Schock are probably shaking their heads in disbelief.

[shimmyshammy]

"making a run for Congress"

He should be making a run FROM Congress.

[constitutional 1]

Pretty sad that the media ranks his qualifications as gay black vet from harvard. It is discrediting to someone who has accomplished so much.

[Alexander-Y]

As cool as having a gay, black, and West Point/Harvard educated congressman would be, I think the appropriate response would be - what are his stances on major issues? and What had he done for that district? His congressional campaign website also lacks an issues tab, which should be top priority for him in order to let others know how he stands on certain issues. Politically, even though he does have the qualifications, he should tout his stances on the issues a little more than his back ground, if he manages to do that it will be a hook, line, and sinker for him.

[proudblackman]

g.ay AND black. Wow, he's a shoe-in for the libs. He didn't even have to graduate from high school and the libs would elect him.

[Cye]

Not graduating high school is only a virtue for Republican voters, not liberal political candidates.

[Cosmic-Zantor]

Liberals actually tend to support highly educated individuals, for two reasons:

1. People who are educated tend to be more liberal. (I wonder why that is....)
2. Political office requires a very sharp intellect and a wide range of knowledge.

We are bewildered by the right's support of blatantly ignorant figures like Sarah Palin and Joe the Plumber. We wouldn't make the same mistakes.

[thenorthshore]

the dems just love to categorize Americans

they hit pay dirt with this guy

black-check
vet-check
homosexual-check

but dang he's a guy

would be a much better candidate if he were female or a trans...

[marco01]

BS BigTime

Dems like it when A PERSECUTED MINORITY GETS GOOD.

It is a victory against bigotry and racism. I don't expect you to understand that.

[constitutional 1]

Its called identity politics

[johnosahon]

and your

WHITE- Check
MALE - CHECK CHECK

is NOT identity politics?

[WongChin]

At last, something good coming to my congressional district! We have endured boring & idea-less politicians for too long. I welcome Tony Woods, and I am willing to put my mouth where my mouth is to get him elected.

While I'm happy at the prospect of Woods representing my district, it appears too many well-trained officers - gay & straight alike - are leaving the military prematurely. With all his talent, leadership skills, West Point & Harvard education, this guy would have been a general. Too bad really.

However, I don't think he needed to flaunt his sexual orientation. He said he was tired of lying, but no institution no institution - not even the Roman Catholic Church - requires anybody to state their sexual orientation, & the Amy doesn't give officer a forms to check "yes" or "no" on a sexual orientation column. So how come Woods said he tired of lying when nobody asked or even cared to know?!

All this aside, I relish the chance to help him serve my congressional district.

[Annieke]

Well, I guess that soldiers too talk about their personal lives, so when someone asks him 'and how about you' he could tell the truth or lie about it.
Not to mention gatherings with fellow-servicemen and partners included (the mandatory 4th of July BBQ for example). He could decide to show up alone, but that would be lying if he had a male partner.

And as a straight person I simply resent the use of the word flaunting. Am I flaunting my sexual orientation when I take my husband to an office-event? No I am not, and neither is my gay-collegue who takes his boyfriend to that same office-gathering.

Not being able to tell persons you work with about your life, your person (and a partner is always an important part of ones life) is the same as lying in my book.

I hope Mr. Woods wins and I wish him a happy life with his gay-partner, hoping he can get married soon in a less bigot and less homophobic America.

[WongChin]

You taking your husband to the office or me taking my wife to a party is not flaunting, just like Mr. Woods would not have flaunted anything by merely showing up with his partner, if he has any. What would be flaunting is if you or me declare: "Look, I am a heterosexual!; I am sick and tired of lying" just like Woods has done.

I will change my mind on this whenever I hear that the military is discharging officers and other ranks for merely showing up with their partners at events. So far, I haven't seen it. What I have seen are people coming out to shout their sexual orientation from the roof tops.

BTW, the military is about the only institution that accepts men sleeping in the same room or hanging out without being deemed to be "queer".

[Olby's Unhappy'Girlfriend]

Going nowhere, bud. Np one gives two sh*** about you being gay or your service. Present some qualification for the job.

[Cosmic-Zantor]

Nobody? Have you not read any of the other comments? Many people do care and support him. Disagree if you want, but try to be accurate.

[Jtt]

Someone who has actually served I would trust over someone that hasn't, in military matters.

[Cye]

He served in the miliary, was selected to Westpoint and has a degree from Harvard in public policy.

What do you mean "present some qualifications for the job"? What qualifications do you think he needs to run for office - beyond these?

[Steamboater]

I'm in Sacrament but Wood's isn't in my district but I just made a contribution to his campaign. He's no Log Cabin Republican either; hes a democrat. His campaign site if anyone would like to donate money is:

http://www.anthonywoodsforcongress.com/home.html

[gbrooks]

I'd consider supporting him if I knew what his thoughts were on economics, the Constitution, war, various social programs, the Patriot Act/FISA, etc.

His background is certainly interesting, but alone it's not enough to support him.

[NoblesseOblige]

He's not in my district either. But, I just visited his website (thanks to your link) and I will do whatever I can as a donor and volunteer to support his candidacy. Thank you!

[Jtt]

Later in the year I plan to send a little something. It wont be much but perhaps it will help. thks.

[barrycourage]

Yummy.

Does he have a partner?

[Jtt]

Several including my self have wondered. Stay in line!!!!!

[CitizenIndie]

Impressive resume.

I don't know when the trend happened where in order to be considered a "serious" candidate nowadays, someone has to have joined the military.

Its becoming some kind of mandatory prerequisite amongst budding politicians, almost like how in the past a high school diploma was enough, but now you need college.


I don't understand why military service is now automatically qualifying people as a political candidate these days.


Perhaps it should be mandatory for all citizens, then it becomes a non-issue.

[TRYKER]

When the lazy kids see all these poor black kids with such respect for education getting ahead and winning elections, maybe they'll start taking their schooling more seriously. This is an interesting time to live.
I hope he wins and becomes a good leader.