Kate Clinton, America’s foremost lesbian comic and political commentator is taking her career in a new direction: she’s running for president. Since the early 1980s, when she made her mark with a devastatingly funny one-woman show, Clinton, who’s appeared on Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, and CNN, has become a one-woman cottage industry. In 1996, she wrote for The Rosie O’Donnell Show during its debut year. In 1998, she penned a memoir Don’t Get Me Started (Holt). Her stand-up shows – Correct Me If I'm Right and All Het Up – have played off-Broadway. In 2001, Clinton replaced Dick Cavett on Broadway as the narrator of The Rocky Horror Show and in December 2001 and January 2002 she appeared in the New York production of The Vagina Monologues.

Clinton will perform at Sanders Theatre March 22 when she plans to make much of her political announcement. The Phoenix recently spoke with Clinton.

Q: Why have you decided to run for President?

A: I think it’s time for a woman to be in the White House and I am trying to cash in on the Clinton name recognition. I am also trying to get Leslie Gore to run with me. We’ll sing " It’s My Party and I’ll Cry If I want To " on the campaign trail.

Q: Why choose Boston to announcement it?

A: Boston is going to be the site of the Democratic convention and I like to get the jump on things.

Q: What are your three major campaign issues?

A: I want to feed people. I want to educate women, and I want to feed people ... did I say that already?

Q: What is your stand on the Iraq War?

A: My stand on the war is two fold: I endorse Code Pink. Oh, and I agree with Lily Tomlin’s campaign pledge when she ran for President years ago: " Stop it. " I would also hand out " Talk to Her " bumper stickers.

Q: If gay people are everywhere aren't we already in the White House?

A: Well, we might be ... there is outing, and then there is " inning. " Let me just add that I am tired of this question of war not being a gay issue. Gay is hardly a gay issue in this White House. This is a particularly unsexy White House. When George W. was asked what he give his wife on their 29th wedding anniversary he simply winked and nodded. I tell that to my audiences and they shudder.

Q: If you are elected President what will your partner Urvashi Vaid want to be called -- will you be Madam President and will she be First Madam?

A: She’ll be my campaign manager.

Q: Do you plan to promote sex as part of your national security program?

A: Yes, we do. Lincoln was gay, what can I say. I want to bring sexual liberation back to the White House. There will also be gay decorators – and a new color wheel of terror: jade, lapis lazuli, tangerine, canary yellow, and terra cotta.

Q: Is humor political?

A: Comedy is the way we will get through things. I love the humor on signs on sings in anti-war protests. My favorite was an African-American woman poster: Condoleeza Rice is NOT my Sistah. The revolution began in Boston, and I am happy to do it again.