One Democratic candidate for President almost stood up for what he believed at the “gay Debate” last week but quickly shrugged it off and went back to pandering.

Governor Bill Richardson’s response at the gay debate the other night was just priceless. For one moment a candidate on that stage mistakenly said what he believed and it was the most uncomfortable moment of television I’ve seen since Hillary Clinton wore a low cut top on the Senate floor.

When asked if sexual orientation is innate or a choice, Richardson replied, “It’s a choice.” GASP! You could hear the groans from the audience. Co-host Melissa Etheridge was so stunned by Richardson’s answer she repeated the question trying to lead Richardson to the right answer.

Richardson then started flop-sweating like Albert Brooks in Broadcast News. Now, if he had any guts he would’ve stuck to his guns. But he practically apologized for telling the truth. He backpedaled as best he could with this priceless gem. “I’m not a scientist. I don’t see this as an issue of science or definition.”

Uh…Governor, if it’s not an issue of science then your not being a scientist is irrelevant. He then added that he doesn’t like to categorize people. You know his campaign staff was running for the exits behind the stage calling the Clinton campaign and asking for a job.

Following the debate, however, Richardson’s campaign quickly issued a statement on his behalf saying, “Let me be clear – I do not believe that sexual orientation or gender identity happen by choice. But I’m not a scientist, and the point I was trying to make is that no matter how it happens, we are all equal and should be treated that way under the law.”

Well, one of the candidates almost stood up for truth for a few shining seconds.