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This Day

George W. Bush Meets With Gay Voters (2000) w/ Neil J. Young

Apr 14, 2024
Author Neil J. Young joins to discuss George W. Bush's meeting with gay voters in 2000, the 'Austin Twelve' group, outreach to gay conservatives, and the history of the gay right movement. They also explore the evolving landscape of LGBTQ representation in US politics and the challenges faced by LGBTQ Republicans.
27:04

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • George W. Bush's meeting with gay Republicans in 2000 aimed to improve LGBTQ outreach and build a gay-friendly reputation for the GOP.
  • The engagement of LGBTQ Republicans in elections, like the Log Cabin Republicans supporting Bush, showcased their electoral influence and impact on policy discussions.

Deep dives

George W. Bush's Efforts to Reach Out to LGBTQ Voters

In April 2000, presidential candidate George W. Bush met with a group of gay Republicans known as the Austin 12 to improve his outreach to LGBTQ voters. This group aimed to enhance Bush's gay-friendly reputation to appeal to suburban moderates and swing voters. The meeting symbolized a shift in Republican politics towards inclusivity and marked a departure from the party's previous anti-gay rhetoric.

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