Reply #11: my best guesses as to why...

[MeDeMax]

Barbara is one gutsy lady, she signed the most important petition in recent times that, theoretically, had the potential to change the outcome of the election.

Senators & congress-persons have to budget their political capital, if you sign on to every petition that comes your way you may not be taken seriously come crunch time, she spent her political capital wisely when she forced the debate in the two houses, well atleast in my opinion.

Also, gannongate will bring to bear a mixture of voices & messages, those opposed to such blatant media manipulation by the W.H./conservatives, and others who are turned off by the gay factor.

A sizeable part of Boxer's constituency is very sensitive to the way homesexuals are portrayed in the media.

Since g'gate has the potential to spin out into a gay-bashing-fest barb has to tread this one very carefully.

g'gate could be a planted story like CBS-Docugate to trap dem politicians into saying things that can be used as ammo against them later.