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[soul creator]

He opposed Big "M" Marriage, as it pertains to religious folks. But was all about legal equality and civil unions.

Which was always a meaningless distinction, because the whole fight was about legal rights in the first place. I don't think gays were crusading for the right to get married inside a mosque or whatever.

Of course, Obama being Obama, he loved to phrase things in a way where he could be seen as playing both sides. (I'm personally against gay marriage for religious reasons, but also against Prop 8! I support civil unions, but not gay marriage! DOMA is bad, but I can't support gay marriage just yet! My position is slowly evolving!)

But like others have said, it's somewhat obvious that he already intellectually understood the case for gay marriage, since he always phrased things in a way to imply he supported gay marriage without saying the phrase "I support gay marriage". It's still good for him to state it much more directly though (shout out to the activists that continued to apply pressure)

Stop derailing this with your evangelical atheism. JNC:

lol. That said, religion is always topical when it comes to gay marriage as that's always been the primary demographic that has been opposed to it ("unaffiliateds" are much more in favor than other denominations). And, as mentioned, Obama's initial reason for "personally opposing" it in the first place.

Although, some have tried...and failed to come up with non-religious arguments against it

 

[marrec]

What the hell with Fox news and the word war? Seriously. I watched a segment on the daily show. They mention the word war in any context about anything.

The word 'war' makes old white people salivate.

 

[GillianSeed79]

I think so.

Of course the people involved in the election will always tell you it will be close, because they don't want people to not turn out and vote, but even the political experts have long known Obama is nearly a shoe in for re-election.

Unless something really awful happens for him in the next 5 months.

I don't think he's a shoe-in. I still think he'll win, but it will be close. The key swing states are likely Michigan, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and New Hampshire.

Bams carried all of these back in 08. He only won North Carolina by like .04 percent. That's like 15 electoral votes if he loses that. I think he'll have a hard time in Ohio, which will be focused on the economy. Same with Pennsylvania. Virginia went blue back in 08 for the first time in ages. I still think he could win Virginia, but I think it will be close. Colorado, Nevada, New Hampshire and New Mexico are probably a lock in his favor. I have no clue about who Iowa or Wisconsin will go to. I still think he'll win, but I don't believe it's going to be anywhere near a shoe-in or landslide.

 

[Souldriver]

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.c...epublicans-on-obama-offensive-callous?ref=fpb

And I thought no one could possibly come up with a worse response than Gaborn

Goes to show how their party alignment comes before their actual principles and ideas.

This Log Cabin Republican's response is offensive and callous.

 

[El Sloth]

He conveniently waited until election year I see.

Conveniently? This is probably the worst possible time. If I was his campaign manager I would've pleaded with him to wait at least after the election.

But really I would have blamed Biden. He's definitely forced Obama's hand.

 

[B-Dex]

I'm glad he endorses it, but action needs to be taken. It's still sad to think that only 10 Countries fully support same-sex marriages.

(At least mine is one of them)

 

[Al-ibn Kermit]

If he hasn't done it before, why would he do it now?

This whole time, I don't understand why he hasn't been open about it. Why would homophobes vote for him, anyway? If he's worried about older blacks, what else are they gonna do? Vote for Romney?

He could have said it 6 months ago. He could have said it a year ago. It wouldn't have made any difference in his electability.

But now is the perfect time to say it because it distracts conservatives from being able to criticize him if the economy stumbles on the near future. He probably was planning such an announcement for a long time, the political advantage of putting your opponents on the defense over a social issue is pretty obvious.

 

[ElectricBlue187]

I'm surprised he came out for it before the election but I guess recent events forced his hand. It always seemed to me that he enjoyed playing both sides of the debate and would eventually be for it in his second term

 

[Bulbo Urethral Baggins]

He's finally caught up with progressives like Dick Cheney on this issue.

 

[JCX]

 

[KingGondo]

He's finally caught up with progressives like Dick Cheney on this issue.

I'm gonna get so sick of hearing this ad nauseam before the election.

 

[Gentleman Jack]

Did you actually see it? Some people are claming it's a photoshop.

The unmodified headline is still on their Twitter.

I figure they'll delete it later so here it is screenshotted

 

[Bulbo Urethral Baggins]

I'm gonna get so sick of hearing this ad nauseam before the election.

We are going to get sick of hearing of everything before the election. Steel gut time.

 

[Tideas]

I wonder how will this affect the black community...considering a majority of them voted for Prop 8 when it was around...

 

[MIMIC]

Did you actually see it? Some people are claming it's a photoshop.

I still have the original webpage up.

 

[Dr. Malik]

lol, but that evolution took several months. Someone kept pressing B

 

[Kinyou]

Are there statistics? Like how many americans are pro-gay marriage?

I mean it's great that he supports it but it would suck if it costs him the election.

 

[faceless007]

He's finally caught up with progressives like Dick Cheney on this issue.

Cheney conveniently waited until he was out of office to come out in favor of gay marriage. Gee I wonder why he never did it while in office.

 

[Deified Data]

He could have said it 6 months ago. He could have said it a year ago. It wouldn't have made any difference in his electability.

But now is the perfect time to say it because it distracts conservatives from being able to criticize him if the economy stumbles on the near future. He probably was planning such an announcement for a long time, the political advantage of putting your opponents on the defense over a social issue is pretty obvious.

Why would the Republicans feel the need to defend their opposition of gay marriage?

 

[Hawkian]

Lol was waiting for this. Where'd you find it?

 

[commedieu]

I wonder how will this affect the black community...considering a majority of them voted for Prop 8 when it was around...

People that voted for prop 8 were confused, and thought it was to not allow homosexuality to be taught in school. Granted, the black community is homophobic, generally. The prop8 thing was a low blow by the Mormon church/Church community to mislead voters about what the issue really was.

I highly doubt this is going to dent his numbers, given the options.

 

[KingGondo]

Are there statistics? Like how many americans are pro-gay marriage?

I mean it's great that he supports it but it would suck if it costs him the election.

A slight majority of Americans appears to support marriage equality, but the theory is that:

1. This won't most blacks and Latinos from voting for him;
2. The people who are grossly homophobic weren't voting for him anyways; and
3. This will help energize the youth vote, which was a huge part of what carried him to victory in 2008.

I hope they're right, and I think they might be.

 

[Phoenician_Viking]

I wonder if the far right will accuse Obama of being secretly gay.

 

[GhaleonEB]

Are there statistics? Like how many americans are pro-gay marriage?

I mean it's great that he supports it but it would suck if it costs him the election.

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2012/05/does_america_support_same_sex_marriage.php?ref=fpblg

 

[Clevinger]

Are there statistics? Like how many americans are pro-gay marriage?

I mean it's great that he supports it but it would suck if it costs him the election.

It varies greatly state by state, which is how you should look at it for a presidential election. Nationally, it's about split and support is growing.

 

[JCX]

Lol was waiting for this. Where'd you find it?

I was waiting too, but didn't see it on tumblr, so I just made it.

lol, but that evolution took several months. Someone kept pressing B

I was going to do two (2008/2012 Obamas), but my gif skills are weak.

 

[ivysaur12]

I really do this will help with MD and the black community. I'm hopeful.

 

[teruterubozu]

A slight majority of Americans appears to support marriage equality, but the theory is that:

1. This won't most blacks and Latinos from voting for him;
2. The people who are grossly homophobic weren't voting for him anyways; and
3. This will help energize the youth vote, which was a huge part of what carried him to victory in 2008.

I hope they're right, and I think they might be.

It may energize the youth vote, but I doubt it. Obama's problem has been the "great speech" guy and this is essentially just another one.

 

[Dr. Malik]

I wonder if the far right will accuse Obama of being secretly gay.

they shouldn't since there is more evidence that most homophobes are secretly gay and the far right is full of them

 

[Pulka]

Obama is a pretty cool guy, in my eyes.

 

[Deleted member 1235]

Are there statistics? Like how many americans are pro-gay marriage?

I mean it's great that he supports it but it would suck if it costs him the election.

shows integrity. he had to condemn a disgraceful act from a shitty place that happened under his watch.

 

[planar1280]

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2012/05/does_america_support_same_sex_marriage.php?ref=fpblg

How can a chart like that fluctuate like that. either you are against it or for it.

 

[Clevinger]

Santorum's delicious bitter tears: “The announcement today by President Obama should come as no surprise to the American public. President Obama has consistently fought against protecting the institution of marriage from radical social engineering at both the state and federal level. The President recently opposed the North Carolina constitutional amendment and, of course, he refused to defend President Clinton’s Defense of Marriage Act before the U.S. Supreme court. The charade is now over, no doubt an attempt to galvanize his core hard left supporters in advance of the November election.

Thankfully the American public, when it has had an opportunity to consider the real world consequences of such a fundamental change to our society, has consistently voted for maintaining one man one woman marriage - the basic building block of our society. I will continue to fight to make sure that the cultural elites don’t further undermine the institution that gives the best opportunity for healthy, happy children and a just and prosperous society.”

How can a chart like that fluctuate like that. either you are against it or for it.

It's because that graph is an average of different polls. If you look at Gallup's poll there's a pretty consistent rise in support/decline in opposition over the years.

 

[commedieu]

I wonder if the far right will accuse Obama of being secretly gay.

read the comments. Some already have...

 

[KingGondo]

It may energize the youth vote, but I doubt it. Obama's problem has been the "great speech" guy and this is essentially just another one.

This isn't really a "great speech," it's a fundamental policy change. He's the only president to EVER support outright marriage equality.

It's politically risky and could definitely change the national conversation around this issue. That's important.

 

[thatbox]

Santorum's delicious bitter tears: “The announcement today by President Obama should come as no surprise to the American public. President Obama has consistently fought against protecting the institution of marriage from radical social engineering at both the state and federal level. The President recently opposed the North Carolina constitutional amendment and, of course, he refused to defend President Clinton’s Defense of Marriage Act before the U.S. Supreme court. The charade is now over, no doubt an attempt to galvanize his core hard left supporters in advance of the November election.

Thankfully the American public, when it has had an opportunity to consider the real world consequences of such a fundamental change to our society, has consistently voted for maintaining one man one woman marriage - the basic building block of our society. I will continue to fight to make sure that the cultural elites don’t further undermine the institution that gives the best opportunity for healthy, happy children and a just and prosperous society.”

Bring on the radical social engineering!

 

[planar1280]

Santorum's delicious bitter tears: “The announcement today by President Obama should come as no surprise to the American public. President Obama has consistently fought against protecting the institution of marriage from radical social engineering at both the state and federal level. The President recently opposed the North Carolina constitutional amendment and, of course, he refused to defend President Clinton’s Defense of Marriage Act before the U.S. Supreme court. The charade is now over, no doubt an attempt to galvanize his core hard left supporters in advance of the November election.

Thankfully the American public, when it has had an opportunity to consider the real world consequences of such a fundamental change to our society, has consistently voted for maintaining one man one woman marriage - the basic building block of our society. I will continue to fight to make sure that the cultural elites don’t further undermine the institution that gives the best opportunity for healthy, happy children and a just and prosperous society.”

heh

 

[WanderingWind]

Santorum's delicious bitter tears: “The announcement today by President Obama should come as no surprise to the American public. President Obama has consistently fought against protecting the institution of marriage from radical social engineering at both the state and federal level. The President recently opposed the North Carolina constitutional amendment and, of course, he refused to defend President Clinton’s Defense of Marriage Act before the U.S. Supreme court. The charade is now over, no doubt an attempt to galvanize his core hard left supporters in advance of the November election.

Thankfully the American public, when it has had an opportunity to consider the real world consequences of such a fundamental change to our society, has consistently voted for maintaining one man one woman marriage - the basic building block of our society. I will continue to fight to make sure that the cultural elites don’t further undermine the institution that gives the best opportunity for healthy, happy children and a just and prosperous society.”




It's because that graph is an average of different polls. If you look at Gallup's poll there's a pretty consistent raise in support/decline in opposition over the years.

"just society."

If I ever see this guy in public, I'm going to just follow him around pointing and laughing until I'm tazed into unconsciousness.

 

[Kusagari]

I really hope Santorum is still alive when it becomes legal in the entire country.

I want to see his reaction.

 

[teruterubozu]

This isn't really a "great speech," it's a fundamental policy change. He's the only president to EVER support outright marriage equality.

It's politically risky and could definitely change the national conversation around this issue. That's important.

Is it really a policy change? I mean, I hope it's not a Guantanamo thing where he says this and that but the policy is unaffected.

 

[GhaleonEB]

How can a chart like that fluctuate like that. either you are against it or for it.

Most polling averages show that kind of noise. Here's Gallup's long view:

 

[BFIB]

I truly hope that gay marriage is legalized.

I really want Santorum to finally be able to marry the guy he's secretly been with for the past decade or so.

 

[Hawkian]

Santorum's delicious bitter tears: “The announcement today by President Obama should come as no surprise to the American public. President Obama has consistently fought against protecting the institution of marriage from radical social engineering at both the state and federal level. The President recently opposed the North Carolina constitutional amendment and, of course, he refused to defend President Clinton’s Defense of Marriage Act before the U.S. Supreme court. The charade is now over, no doubt an attempt to galvanize his core hard left supporters in advance of the November election.

Thankfully the American public, when it has had an opportunity to consider the real world consequences of such a fundamental change to our society, has consistently voted for maintaining one man one woman marriage - the basic building block of our society. I will continue to fight to make sure that the cultural elites don’t further undermine the institution that gives the best opportunity for healthy, happy children and a just and prosperous society.”

This is so delicious I simply cannot have another bite

 

[El Sloth]

Santorum's delicious bitter tears: “The announcement today by President Obama should come as no surprise to the American public. President Obama has consistently fought against protecting the institution of marriage from radical social engineering at both the state and federal level. The President recently opposed the North Carolina constitutional amendment and, of course, he refused to defend President Clinton’s Defense of Marriage Act before the U.S. Supreme court. The charade is now over, no doubt an attempt to galvanize his core hard left supporters in advance of the November election.

Thankfully the American public, when it has had an opportunity to consider the real world consequences of such a fundamental change to our society, has consistently voted for maintaining one man one woman marriage - the basic building block of our society. I will continue to fight to make sure that the cultural elites don’t further undermine the institution that gives the best opportunity for healthy, happy children and a just and prosperous society.”

Ahhh. Whatever the effect of this announcement on Obama's campaign, it was worth it for these tears.

 

[Xun]

I wonder how fuming Rapture Ready are.

 

[Hobbestetrician]

I really hope Santorum is still alive when it becomes legal in the entire country.

I want to see his reaction.

Scanners.gif

 

[Amir0x]

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.c...epublicans-on-obama-offensive-callous?ref=fpb

And I thought no one could possibly come up with a worse response than Gaborn

you know reading that response, I actually say I can understand where they're coming from. It really IS a day too late, if you consider what happened in NC. I disagree with them, but I understand now

 

[KingGondo]

Is it really a policy change? I mean, I hope it's not a Guantanamo thing where he says this and that but the policy is unaffected.

There's only so much he can do, but stating that he is unequivocally for full marriage equality for gay people is the right thing to do.

And yes, it's a policy change. He said something before, and now he has gone further (in the right direction, IMO).

Besides, comparing it to Gitmo is apples and oranges. At least Gitmo could be affected by an executive order--it's not like Obama can issue an executive order legalizing same-sex marriage.

you know reading that response, I actually say I can understand where they're coming from. It really IS a day too late, if you consider what happened in NC. I disagree with them, but I understand now

Even the leader of the gay marriage movement in NC admitted that it almost certainly wouldn't have changed the result in North Carolina.

I agree that he made the stand because of political circumstances (Biden, NC, etc.) but it's still the right thing to do and I applaud him for it.

 

[Boogie]

Now THAT I would respect. Still wouldn't vote for the man because of many of his other policies, but I would respect that.

Wait, you would respect Obama signing an Executive Order that.....does what? Legalizes Gay Marriage across the country?

Wouldn't that go against all that "state's rights" mumbo jumbo you're always going on about?

 

[giga]

Santorum's delicious bitter tears: “The announcement today by President Obama should come as no surprise to the American public. President Obama has consistently fought against protecting the institution of marriage from radical social engineering at both the state and federal level. The President recently opposed the North Carolina constitutional amendment and, of course, he refused to defend President Clinton’s Defense of Marriage Act before the U.S. Supreme court. The charade is now over, no doubt an attempt to galvanize his core hard left supporters in advance of the November election.

Thankfully the American public, when it has had an opportunity to consider the real world consequences of such a fundamental change to our society, has consistently voted for maintaining one man one woman marriage - the basic building block of our society. I will continue to fight to make sure that the cultural elites don’t further undermine the institution that gives the best opportunity for healthy, happy children and a just and prosperous society.”




It's because that graph is an average of different polls. If you look at Gallup's poll there's a pretty consistent rise in support/decline in opposition over the years.

I like the ring that "cultural elite" has. Fuck yeah I'm a cultural elite.