Huckabee accuses Obama of ‘appeasing homosexuals’ with gay army nominee
The Republican presidential candidate claimed that the President is using the military to carry out ‘social experiments’.
Former Arkansas Governor Huckabee has released a statement claiming that the nomination of openly gay Eric Fanning as the secretary of the U.S. Army on Friday (September 18) was an attempt by the President to “appease” gay Americans.
He also accused President Obama of using the US military to carry out his own social experiments – a line he often likes to use when referring to the LGBT community.
“It’s clear President Obama is more interested in appeasing America’s homosexuals than honouring America’s heroes.
“Veterans suicide is out-of-control and military readiness is dangerously low,” he said.
“Yet Obama is so obsessed with pandering to liberal interest groups he’s nominated an openly gay civilian to run the Army.
“Homosexuality is not a job qualification. The U.S. military is designed to keep Americans safe and complete combat missions, not conduct social experiments.”
However, it seems Huckabee has failed to read Mr Fanning’s resume – “homosexuality” aside, the acting undersecretary of the Army and chief management officer has extensive experience of keeping “Americans safe”.
Before his current position, he served in several high level roles, including special assistant to Defence Secretary Ash Carter and undersecretary of the Air Force.
LGBT advocates have welcomed the move, arguing that the only person really concerned with how Mr Fanning’s sexuality will effect his suitability for the job is the blatantly homophonic Huckabee himself.
“Huckabee is so blinded by his own bigotry that he would oppose someone with two decades of national security experience just because of his sexual orientation,” said JoDee Winterhof, Human Rights Campaign’s Senior Vice President of Policy and Political Affairs.
She went on to claim his “naked prejudice” makes him unfit to lead the people of the United States.
“Huckabee’s naked prejudice and willingness to smear an experienced public servant shows he is unfit to be commander in chief,” she said.
“Other candidates should make immediately clear they won’t tolerate Huckabee’s bigotry and that they will make these decisions based on Eric Fanning’s experience and on the merits.”
If he is confirmed by the Senate, Fanning would become the first out gay official to serve in such a role.
Praising Fanning on Friday, Obama made a statement saying his years working in his administration would be a great addition to the US Army.
“I am grateful for his commitment to our men and women in uniform, and I am confident he will help lead America’s Soldiers with distinction.
“I look forward to working with Eric to keep our Army the very best in the world.”
