Cindy McCain Reverses Course On 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
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Cindy McCain has apparently sharply reversed course on her position on the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in the span of just several days. Having blasted the policy that bars gays from openly serving in the military on Wednesday, the wife of Senator McCain now says she supports her husband's stance on the issue.
On November 10, Cindy McCain appeared in an ad for the NOH8 campaign, an organization formed as a response to California's Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in the state. In the video, McCain says that "our political and religious leaders tell LGBT youth that they have no future." Later, she adds that "they can't serve our country openly."
On Friday, however, Cindy McCain clarified her stance, tweeting that she supports her husband's position on DADT. "I fully support the NOH8 campaign and all it stands for and am proud to be a part of it. But I stand by my husband's stance on DADT."
Four years ago, John McCain said that he would be open to eliminating DADT if the military were in favor of repealing the policy, but he has grown more hostile to repeal over time.
In February, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommended getting rid of DADT, but McCain has not adhered to his prior position. Less than one month ago he vowed to filibuster any attempt to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
The Washington Post reported on Thursday that an extensive Pentagon study finds there is minimal risk in allowing gays to serve openly.
Here is the tweet:
I fully support the NOH8 campaign and all it stands for and am proud to be a part of it. But I stand by my husband's stance on DADT.
Cindy McCain
CindyhM1
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First Posted: 11/13/10 01:09 PM ET Updated: 05/25/11 07:10 PM ET