Regarding the compromised reached on the proposed repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Sen. Lincoln said:
Military readiness remains my top priority. I trust our military leaders to make the right decision on this issue. I am satisfied that a workable compromise has been reached between the Pentagon and Congress that will ensure a smooth transition based on certification by military leaders that military readiness will not be affected if the policy is repealed. I am prepared to vote for this compromise, which enables our military leadership to determine the policy on this issue moving forward.
Sure, she was careful to hedge her language and cast the entire thing in terms of “military readiness” and letting “military leadership to determine the policy on this issue,” rather than just coming out and saying that she supports allowing gays and lesbians to serve in the military, but beggars and choosers and all that. At the end of the day, she’s “prepared to vote for this compromise,” which is the right thing to do. I am even impressed with her willingness to take a side publicly before she had to.