DADT expert warns repeal is in 'grave danger.' Says Obama must get involved. HRC must challenge Obama to deliver.

Nathaniel Frank, the author of "Unfriendly Fire: How the Gay Ban Undermines the Military and Weakens America and a Senior Fellow at the Palm Center, says the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell "is in grave peril." We've linked to his powerful new essay about the current situation on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" over at AMERICAblog Gay. It's a must read for everyone who supports repeal of the law.

Frank is one of the nation's leading experts on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The Palm Center is one of the three lead groups, along with SLDN and Servicemembers United, working on the repeal of the military's gay ban.

In very clear language, Frank wants Obama and HRC to step up their efforts, arguing that the repeal of DADT is now on "life support." (Frank's piece is titled, "Life Support for "Don't Ask, Don't Tell": Are Democrats the Problem?")

To say the least, this is not good. Frank's post confirms a lot of what John and I have been hearing and saying. On this legislation, the President plays a key role. As Frank notes, "Yes, Congress has to pass repeal to get this law off the books, but that process should begin with Obama telling the Pentagon to put repeal in the Authorization bill." The President has to be pushed -- and the leading LGBT lobbying organization, the Human Rights Campaign, has to use its access to lead the effort. That's why we launched the blog swarm yesterday.

Right now, it looks like repeal of DADT is the only one of Obama's key LGBT promises with a chance of passing this year. So, it better.