Have Gay Rights Advanced in the 40 Years Since Stonewall? October 15, 2009

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Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2009/09/28/Steve_Hildebrand_Obama_and_the_LGBT_Community

"In the 40 years since Stonewall, the Congress of the United States has done almost nothing to further equality for LGBT Americans," says Democratic political strategist Steve Hildebrand. Referencing "don't ask, don't tell" and gay marriage, Hildebrand says Congress has actually reversed progress for the gay community.

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Hear about the Obama campaign, Obama's current relationship with the LGBT Community, and why 2010 is the year to overturn Prop 8.

Considered one of the premier political strategists in the nation, Steve Hildebrand served as Barack Obama's deputy national campaign manager during the historic 2008 campaign. When a rift appeared between the LGBT community and Obama last spring, Hildebrand mediated, explaining the position of many in the community.

Hildebrand is now at the center of the movement to repeal Prop. 8 in 2010, serving as a senior political advisor.

He discusses the 2008 campaign, gay rights issues in relation to the Obama administration, and the upcoming push to repeal Prop. 8. - Commonwealth Club of California

Steve Hildebrand served as Barack Obama's Deputy National Campaign Manager during the historic 2008 presidential campaign. His work with Obama began in September 2006, long before Sen. Obama made a decision to seek the presidency. Hildebrand was at the forefront of all strategic decisions and helped craft the overall campaign from the beginning until Obama's victory on Nov. 4, 2008.

Hildebrand's extensive political career has included managing races in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota as well as running two political parties. He oversaw the Midwestern states for the Clinton-Gore re-election campaign in 1996 and served as Political Director at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in 1997-1998. In 1999 and 2000, Hildebrand ran the Iowa caucuses for Vice President Al Gore and the Women Vote! Program for EMILY's List. He managed Senator Tim Johnson's campaign in 2002 and Senator Tom Daschle's campaign in 2004.