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Last night, the merry band of Republicans running for president met for the second time in Florida for a debate. This time it was in Orlando, sponsored by Google and Fox News, and involved questions submitted by actual citizens, including Stephen Hill, a newly out and openly gay soldier stationed in Iraq. Despite the GOP’s “Support Our Troops” streak, Hill actually got booed.
Hill, in a YouTube video played before the candidates and audience, says he’s had to hide who he is since 2010 but is now free to be open because of the recent repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. He then asks if any of the candidates would “do anything to circumvent the progress that’s been made for gay and lesbian soldiers.”
Hill’s video was met with loud boos and an otherwise stirring silence. No one in the audience decided to applaud Hill for his service to the country.
The question was then tackled by Rick “Ass Froth” Santorum. He doesn’t bother to thank Hill for his service either, but goes on a nonsensical ramble about “social experimentation.” This got a huge round of applause from the audience.
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