Democrat candidate Cory Booker continues to brush off questions about his sexual orientation as he offered support for Barbara Buono in the race for governor.

Cory Booker on MSNBC's All In With Chris Hayes
Cory Booker on MSNBC's All In With Chris Hayes (NBCNews.com)
loading...

During an appearance on MSNBC's "All In With Chris Hayes,"  the host, while calling Republican Steve Lonegan's comments about Booker's masculinity "despicable" and offering his admiration for how Booker has handled the situation, asked Booker why he doesn't come out if he is gay.
"The question really should not be whether I'm gay or straight," responded Booker. "The question should be why the heck are you asking the question in the first place?" Booker says it will not make a difference in what kind of Senator he would be and believes the issue of his orientation speaks to a larger issue of gays getting "second class citizenship" based upon "who they love."

“We need to stop in America talking about anybody in a public realm, besides what is important–the content of their character, the quality of their ideas, the courage within their hearts to serve others. That’s what’s important,” said Booker.

The Newark mayor also tried to place blame on the national media for making it an issue in the first place. “I have affirmed my sexual orientation numerous times over the years,” he said. “People in my local press world know exactly what that is.”

He again criticized Republican opponent Steve Lonegan's comments, saying he was offended by the insinuation that "you are not a man if you are gay."  Booker cited the lesson he learned from his father. "Being a man is about love. About kindness to others. It's about standing up for what's right."

Hayes also asked Booker why Barbara Buono should be elected governor. While admitting he is friends with both incumbent Chris Christie and Buono, Booker offered support for his fellow Democrat. "When you line up all the issues, the candidate to support and most in line with where New Jersey stands" is Buono.


Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

 

More From Beach Radio