In the days leading up to the fundraiser, Andrew Tobias, and to some extent Tim Kaine, were quietly and unofficially directing us to paint a rosy picture of the event regardless of how it actually panned out. Then later, we were instructed to not discuss the fundraiser at all even with friends. They (the DNC) basically clamped down on any and all info about the fundraiser. Everything went to higher level positions rather than the normal channels. I don't know how much the fundraiser brought in, but I do know they were not happy with the results. Rumors, and these are unconfirmed, are that after expenses, the event made less than a quarter million and maybe even less than $200,000. I think that's low, but the million being floated around is definitley not accurate. It doesn't fly with the way things were handled.
Q: What about the requested refunds? Any chance those requests will be honored?
Again, I don't know for certain, but I don't see that happening. It's, uhhhh, not my area.
Q: What is the mood or tone within the DNC regarding gay rights issues?
The only thing I hear about LGBT action is in reference to not rocking the boat until after the next election.
Q: Is that 2010 or 2012?
Both.
Q: So the DNC's official stance is to keep LGBT causes under wraps?
Not the official position, but it is clear to me that that is the unofficial position.
Q: In your opinion, was the LGBT fundraiser a success?
No, but unfortunately the boycott wasn't either. In my opinion, the party has done everything it can to minimize the impact of the boycott and it appears to have worked.
Q: How do you feel about that working in the party?
It sucks.
Q: Anything else you can tell me?
No. Umm, except that the blogs are closer to the truth than the party wants us to know. They used the blogs to their advantage during the election, and now they're trying to figure out how to control what's become a nuisance for them. The current method for the fundraiser is by not telling the truth.
