Wed May 9, 2012, 02:59 PM

Skinner (57,365 posts)

President Obama Affirms His Support for Same Sex Marriage

Last edited Wed May 9, 2012, 03:03 PM USA/ET - Edit history (1)

Source: ABC News

President Obama today announced that he now supports same-sex marriage, reversing his longstanding opposition amid growing pressure from the Democratic base and even his own vice president.

In an interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts, the president described his thought process as an “evolution” that led him to this place, based on conversations with his own staff members, openly gay and lesbian service members, and conversations with his wife and own daughters.

"I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that Don't Ask Don't Tell is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married,” Obama told Roberts, in an interview to appear on ABC’s “Good Morning America” Thursday. Excerpts of the interview will air tonight on ABC’s “World News with Diane Sawyer.”

The president stressed that this is a personal position, and that he still supports the concept of states deciding the issue on their own. But he said he’s confident that more Americans will grow comfortable with gays and lesbians getting married, citing his own daughters’ comfort with the concept.

Read more: http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/president-obama-affirms-his-support-for-same-sex-marriage.html

Video here: http://gma.yahoo.com/video/news-26797925/obama-same-sex-marriage-should-be-legal-29242313.html

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232 replies	Author	Time	Post
President Obama Affirms His Support for Same Sex Marriage (Original post)	Skinner	May 2012	OP
Thank you. I was just about to post this. !!!!!	TalkingDog	May 2012	#1
Well alrighty then1	JustAnotherGen	May 2012	#2
Yeah, right. Just add it to "Teh List."	Ian David	May 2012	#3
next we need one that says	Voice for Peace	May 2012	#129
+1000! And "I think it's up to the states to decide this issue".	SammyWinstonJack	May 2012	#210
Too LITTLE TOO LATE!! I WANT MY PONY!!!	DFab420	May 2012	#4
C'mon	Vanje	May 2012	#192
No shit.	NYC_SKP	May 2012	#229
Woo-hoo!!!!!	one_voice	May 2012	#5
Thank you President Obama!	NYC Liberal	May 2012	#6
Kick.	pinto	May 2012	#7
I hope his mathematicians know what they're doing. nt	onehandle	May 2012	#8
Believe it or not, a lot of Americans who support marriage equality	Hissyspit	May 2012	#28
Amen, but still, I hope the math holds.	onehandle	May 2012	#51
Thanks for your concern. nt	TBF	May 2012	#61
I'm sure that would be their first order of business	HotRodTuna	May 2012	#91
"Romney would be a powerless figurehead" NO!	edcantor	May 2012	#169
Not true.	liberalmuse	May 2012	#178
Is that what Harry Reid does? Bashing anyone because of their faith or lack thereof	24601	May 2012	#187
I was thinking of this today	napoleon_in_rags	May 2012	#197
He did the right thing. Astounding to think that people often admire someone more	sabrina 1	May 2012	#202
You and me both. eom	Purveyor	May 2012	#30
Perhaps I misunderstand you.	FedUp_Queer	May 2012	#87
I don't know what the fuck from my post would make you 'ill'. Save the crap for those that	Purveyor	May 2012	#153
Like yours?	FedUp_Queer	May 2012	#230
Welcome to me ignore list but be forewarned, it is very lonely on that list. Enjoy. eom	Purveyor	May 2012	#231
I don't know ignore anyone.	FedUp_Queer	May 2012	#232
Polling: 48.8% support, 47.1% oppose	jeff47	May 2012	#59
This will change about 20 points because when Obama is for something, the haters become against it	nanabugg	May 2012	#115
The racists already oppose both Obama and gay rights.	yardwork	May 2012	#126
This will gain him votes	obamanut2012	May 2012	#135
Doubtful. The haters were already against it. (nt)	jeff47	May 2012	#146
But it will also energize supporters as well,	NYC Liberal	May 2012	#165
Count me among the ENERGIZED! nt	Vanje	May 2012	#194
Me too.	Jamastiene	May 2012	#207
sp close.	emilyg	May 2012	#164
Hey! Look at this punch bowl.	Vanje	May 2012	#193
It's time the venomous ugly underbelly of this issue sees the light of day	Fearless	May 2012	#199
About time.	Ruby the Liberal	May 2012	#9
Magnificent!	janx	May 2012	#10
I am sure it will play	Inuca	May 2012	#22
I searched this on youtube to post, results gave things like 'Obama is the anti-Christ.'	freshwest	May 2012	#38
Thank you; it works now!	janx	May 2012	#57
Janx (and others), Kadie found it and asked me to post it here:	freshwest	May 2012	#104
Excellent.	janx	May 2012	#122
This takes real guts to do this	OKNancy	May 2012	#11
Yep...	one_voice	May 2012	#19
+1	freshwest	May 2012	#20
Actually, it might be to his advantage.	Yukari Yakumo	May 2012	#41
Yeah there is no risk in this.	tcaudilllg	May 2012	#150
Yes, but ...	kurt_cagle	May 2012	#162
The people who are strongly against gay marriage....	Vanje	May 2012	#195
I totally agree with you - real guts to do this.	beveeheart	May 2012	#78
K!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! for Leadership!	Vanje	May 2012	#12
I predict this will have a significant effect on the election...	brooklynite	May 2012	#13
FUCK YES! ABOUT GODDAMNED TIME!	Behind the Aegis	May 2012	#14
If the citizens of your state want you to have them	dbackjon	May 2012	#31
I must have missed that part.	Behind the Aegis	May 2012	#44
Yup. While welcoming the evolution, I am still underwhelmed.	dbackjon	May 2012	#60
Sadly, I am now in agreement with you.	Behind the Aegis	May 2012	#83
Playing it safe. Now will he call off his DOJ on MMJ for the citizens of states who want it?	SammyWinstonJack	May 2012	#211
The hypocracy	dbackjon	May 2012	#219
I endorse your statement	swimboy	May 2012	#155
Thanks	yesphan	May 2012	#15
Better late than never	Mira	May 2012	#16
Changed my signature line...	KansDem	May 2012	#17
Ezra Klein	Inuca	May 2012	#18
BRAVO, Mr. President!!!	Cali_Democrat	May 2012	#21
I'm glad he has come out to support it	maddezmom	May 2012	#23
Wow!	Steerpike	May 2012	#24
I believe this is smart politics actually.	David__77	May 2012	#25
You would be right if we had national elections. It will cost him in the electoral college	grantcart	May 2012	#46
Eh, I think Missouri's kind of a lost cause anyway. They were red in '08.	Arugula Latte	May 2012	#125
Missouri was lost by only 4,000 votes and has an important Senate race	grantcart	May 2012	#143
But it will make him win the toss up but blue leaning	SWTORFanatic	May 2012	#145
Its possible but arguable at best but my response was to the opinion that this was 'smart' politics.	grantcart	May 2012	#148
The presidency will be won or lost on the economy	Hippo_Tron	May 2012	#168
If the election were to be won or lost on the economy then they would have called it already.	grantcart	May 2012	#200
MOST PROGRESSIVE PRESIDENT IN U.S. HISTORY!	FarLeftFist	May 2012	#26
Huffington post article	TrogL	May 2012	#27
in the immortal words of Rupual....	bettydavis	May 2012	#29
Nice	flamingdem	May 2012	#32
I'm hoping	Flatpicker	May 2012	#33
On behalf of my Gay friends	JitterbugPerfume	May 2012	#34
Thank you JBP!	soleft	May 2012	#79
you are so welcome!	JitterbugPerfume	May 2012	#110
Today's good news!	Magoo48	May 2012	#35
Gay Marriage	cheriemedium59	May 2012	#36
Welcome to DU, cheriemedium59!	CaliforniaPeggy	May 2012	#67
WOW. THANK YOU Mr. President.	Maven	May 2012	#37
This is excellent news!	horseshoecrab	May 2012	#39
He did the right thing. Kudos to the Prez /nt	think	May 2012	#40
Good for him. It's only fair.	closeupready	May 2012	#42
Thank You my President...	Tikki	May 2012	#43
That's my President!!!	Pachamama	May 2012	#45
Yes!!!!!! This is incredible news!!!! Congratulations to all LBGTA community!!!	Pisces	May 2012	#47
NOW move the convention	bettydavis	May 2012	#48
POLL: Will this help or hurt Obama?	Zadoc	May 2012	#49
As much as falling gas prices are.....nt	Evasporque	May 2012	#53
Historical statement, Mr. President. Thank you.	Starry Messenger	May 2012	#50
OK then	marions ghost	May 2012	#52
YES!!!	Hosnon	May 2012	#54
fighting the good fight...thank you Mr. President...	ileus	May 2012	#55
FINALLY......	MindMover	May 2012	#56
Finally - and yes, it's a strategic move as well as the right thing to say on ethical grounds -	haele	May 2012	#58
Better late than never. Thank you Mr. President! nt	TBF	May 2012	#62
Love my president!!!!	Politicub	May 2012	#63
Another thing	Iliyah	May 2012	#64
K & R	Scurrilous	May 2012	#65
Kicked and recommended.	Uncle Joe	May 2012	#66
While I am thrilled to have a sitting president say the words,	Ms. Toad	May 2012	#68
This Dutchman is starting to feel very good	BB1	May 2012	#69
Such a no brainer and much less risky than the OBL raid.	Lucky Luciano	May 2012	#70
Barack Obama: First sitting President to support Marriage Equality!	Renew Deal	May 2012	#71
Thank you, I and several of my loved ones	Autumn	May 2012	#72
Great news - thank you Mr President	ruggerson	May 2012	#73
my first post	azmom	May 2012	#74
Welcome to DU, azmom!	Rhiannon12866	May 2012	#105
Welcome to DU1	yellerpup	May 2012	#120
Like!	Vanje	May 2012	#196
K&R for the president!	Rhiannon12866	May 2012	#75
Wooooh!!!	Chemisse	May 2012	#76
Holy balls.	Arkana	May 2012	#77
Woo-hoo! Now it's time for the feds to recognize ALL married couples!	nilram	May 2012	#80
Congrats to Obama being the first POTUS to openly support gay marriage!	Jon Ace	May 2012	#81
And now he will need our support!	bluedigger	May 2012	#82
This is very good to hear	Berlin Expat	May 2012	#84
K and R	bigwillq	May 2012	#85
Hey, bro!	swimboy	May 2012	#156
I am glad Obama said what he did	bigwillq	May 2012	#157
This message was hidden by jury decision.	Obamacare	May 2012	#86
Bragging that you don't support equal rights?	Ruby the Liberal	May 2012	#94
Gone, gone, gone.	MineralMan	May 2012	#119
And deservedly so. Here are the jury results.	WonderGrunion	May 2012	#204
The right thing to do. Now the uglies will show their true hatred.	Faygo Kid	May 2012	#88
He did the right thing, regardless of the political impact.	Hoyt	May 2012	#89
He couldn't have piped up with this two days ago?	Jester Messiah	May 2012	#90
If you are thinking it would have made some difference in the NC Amendment 1	NorthCarolina	May 2012	#107
Yes, NC would have voted the way it did on Amendment 1 no matter what.	Jamastiene	May 2012	#208
Obama has never...	nod factor	May 2012	#92
+1	politicasista	May 2012	#141
Stand With President Obama in Support of Marriage Equality	Ian David	May 2012	#93
We'll see just how much so called 'Liberals'	Thrill	May 2012	#95
Sigh I've been saying the same thing for ages, Thrill	Brooklyn Dame	May 2012	#101
Equal rights for ALL!	RushIsRot	May 2012	#96
GLAD to live to see this!! But sad that North Carolina...	Brooklyn Dame	May 2012	#97
outstanding article...	EmeraldCityGrl	May 2012	#152
This is a winner!	Rosa Luxemburg	May 2012	#98
I feel whipsawed today!	wildeyed	May 2012	#99
Bah	Doc_Technical	May 2012	#100
Hogwash (nt)	jumptheshadow	May 2012	#113
So, you think that civil rights are a trivial matter?	countryjake	May 2012	#123
Trivial to you because you're not gay or the child of gay parents.	yardwork	May 2012	#127
He will gain net votes from this	obamanut2012	May 2012	#137
Wrong..	Wind Dancer	May 2012	#160
"I'm going to bet..."	Hissyspit	May 2012	#188
+1	JNelson6563	May 2012	#214
.	myrna minx	May 2012	#217
The transformative presidency: he's done it.	Duncan Grant	May 2012	#102
Crazy Idea #347	Callisto32	May 2012	#103
"...and that he still supports the concept of states deciding the issue on their own."	Hell Hath No Fury	May 2012	#106
Yes, that part doesn't please me very much	obamanut2012	May 2012	#138
Yup, he has now evolved to the exact same position Dick Cheney arrived at three years ago:	woo me with science	May 2012	#191
I knew he had it in him	AsahinaKimi	May 2012	#108
I believe Obama has now locked up the youth vote in his column,	NorthCarolina	May 2012	#109
It was nice of him to announce this today, after the NC defeat.	Waiting For Everyman	May 2012	#111
This message was hidden by jury decision.	tcaudilllg	May 2012	#154
There are black and brown gays and lesbians who care about this issue. Your post is ignorant and	Liberal_Stalwart71	May 2012	#175
That theory has been disproven.	Jamastiene	May 2012	#209
It's an excellent counter to the NC crap.	JNelson6563	May 2012	#216
This is fantastic!	Chorophyll	May 2012	#112
My cup runneth over.	nolabear	May 2012	#114
Thank you.	Pab Sungenis	May 2012	#116
I wonder if that will affect the vote in NC in November	ProfessionalLeftist	May 2012	#117
Thank you, Mr. President!	MineralMan	May 2012	#118
Thank you, Mr President	sarge43	May 2012	#121
Excellent! Be sure to--	eridani	May 2012	#124
Thanks for that reminder!	countryjake	May 2012	#131
Lord only knows I've written enough emails criticizing various policies	eridani	May 2012	#176
Thank you, President Obama.	coffeenap	May 2012	#128
Finally. Now lets make sure that he does not regret it by supporting him when they make this their	jwirr	May 2012	#130
This is interesting...	Sparkle	May 2012	#132
This is very exciting news to me! nt	ZombieHorde	May 2012	#133
I'm SHOCKED that he did this	MNBrewer	May 2012	#134
Just last night people were discussing just when something like this might happen. Not soon.	Gregorian	May 2012	#136
The comments over at the video link are absurd...	and-justice-for-all	May 2012	#139
Hell Fucking Yes!	RiffRandell	May 2012	#140
Yay! Finally a pro-evolution president.	Bruce Wayne	May 2012	#142
(sigh) it would be meaningless NOW if he had done this in 2009 and short circuited the Tealaban	DainBramaged	May 2012	#144
That is my President. nt	msanthrope	May 2012	#147
His Support for Same Sex Marriage means a little	Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel	May 2012	#149
"the president needs to make it Federal".	Tarheel_Dem	May 2012	#225
This is a great day and would officially be the first day he'd be allowed on DU according to our TOS	progress2k12nbynd	May 2012	#151
Thank you President Obama !!!!!!! nt	steve2470	May 2012	#158
The President's words were wonderful to hear...	Bluenorthwest	May 2012	#159
President Obama did it. It was courageous not to wait until after the election.	David Zephyr	May 2012	#161
Thank you Mr. President	Paka	May 2012	#163
A president that says he can learn and change his mind? That is great, wish he'd make it Federal,	uppityperson	May 2012	#166
So happy - thank you, Mr. President!	polichick	May 2012	#167
Yay Obama!!!!!!!!!	Vattel	May 2012	#170
It's the right stance to take; civil rights belong to every American.	pacalo	May 2012	#171
Media had been saying that his reluctance was partly due to "his Church" What crap!	FailureToCommunicate	May 2012	#172
WONDERFUL DAY !! THANKS SKINNER. nt	Laura PourMeADrink	May 2012	#173
I'm very proud of the president for taking this stand.	6000eliot	May 2012	#174
There have been things...	awoke_in_2003	May 2012	#177
Excellent. K&R.	byronius	May 2012	#179
the last I heard....	unkachuck	May 2012	#180
Now you may have my support and money...	Fearless	May 2012	#181
Wow.	wakemewhenitsover	May 2012	#182
I can't wait to see how Romney takes credit for making Obama support same sex marriage	Submariner	May 2012	#183
Awesome, just awesome! n/t	dmr	May 2012	#184
+1,000,000,000,000,000,000	Odin2005	May 2012	#185
Did anyone really not see this coming?	The Doctor.	May 2012	#186
Join me!	UnrepentantLiberal	May 2012	#201
Good for him,,, finally.	Tripod	May 2012	#189
As Stewie would say, "Well, the last horse finally crossed the finish line."	Suji to Seoul	May 2012	#190
DU Rec #300.	LAGC	May 2012	#198
Tracey Ullman and her two Dads	Gabby Hayes	May 2012	#203
rec. thank you very much for posting this, Skinner. nt	nofurylike	May 2012	#205
This is monumental.	Jamastiene	May 2012	#206
Well well well. Reconcilliation of truth. Bout damn time.	lonestarnot	May 2012	#212
Great News! But when will environmentalists be considered equal?	wordpix	May 2012	#213
I am happy that he has come out in personal support of equality	varelse	May 2012	#215
Bold & Risky Move	BlueDemKev	May 2012	#218
About time! Yay!	grahamhgreen	May 2012	#220
Hate to piss on the parade	rapturedbyrobots	May 2012	#221
you know what,	bubbalubagus	May 2012	#222
This is what the 21st century looks like!!	felix_numinous	May 2012	#223
Obama’s gay marriage announcement followed by flood of campaign donations	Scurrilous	May 2012	#224
Rec # 350!	Tarheel_Dem	May 2012	#226
DU rec...nt	SidDithers	May 2012	#227
Electing to Evolve	Classy_Liberal	May 2012	#228

Response to Skinner (Original post)

Wed May 9, 2012, 03:00 PM

TalkingDog (7,620 posts)

1. Thank you. I was just about to post this. !!!!!

Yay!

President Obama Affirms His Support for Same Sex Marriage

1. Thank you. I was just about to post this. !!!!!

2. Well alrighty then1

3. Yeah, right. Just add it to "Teh List."

129. next we need one that says

210. +1000! And "I think it's up to the states to decide this issue".

4. Too LITTLE TOO LATE!! I WANT MY PONY!!!

192. C'mon

229. No shit.

5. Woo-hoo!!!!!

6. Thank you President Obama!

7. Kick.

8. I hope his mathematicians know what they're doing. nt

28. Believe it or not, a lot of Americans who support marriage equality

51. Amen, but still, I hope the math holds.

61. Thanks for your concern. nt

91. I'm sure that would be their first order of business

169. "Romney would be a powerless figurehead" NO!

178. Not true.

187. Is that what Harry Reid does? Bashing anyone because of their faith or lack thereof

197. I was thinking of this today

202. He did the right thing. Astounding to think that people often admire someone more

30. You and me both. eom

87. Perhaps I misunderstand you.

153. I don't know what the fuck from my post would make you 'ill'. Save the crap for those that

230. Like yours?

231. Welcome to me ignore list but be forewarned, it is very lonely on that list. Enjoy. eom

232. I don't know ignore anyone.

59. Polling: 48.8% support, 47.1% oppose

115. This will change about 20 points because when Obama is for something, the haters become against it

126. The racists already oppose both Obama and gay rights.

135. This will gain him votes

146. Doubtful. The haters were already against it. (nt)

165. But it will also energize supporters as well,

194. Count me among the ENERGIZED! nt

207. Me too.

164. sp close.

193. Hey! Look at this punch bowl.

199. It's time the venomous ugly underbelly of this issue sees the light of day

9. About time.

10. Magnificent!

22. I am sure it will play

38. I searched this on youtube to post, results gave things like 'Obama is the anti-Christ.'

57. Thank you; it works now!

104. Janx (and others), Kadie found it and asked me to post it here:

122. Excellent.

11. This takes real guts to do this

19. Yep...

20. +1

41. Actually, it might be to his advantage.

150. Yeah there is no risk in this.

162. Yes, but ...

195. The people who are strongly against gay marriage....

78. I totally agree with you - real guts to do this.

12. K!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! for Leadership!

13. I predict this will have a significant effect on the election...

14. FUCK YES! ABOUT GODDAMNED TIME!

31. If the citizens of your state want you to have them

44. I must have missed that part.

60. Yup. While welcoming the evolution, I am still underwhelmed.

83. Sadly, I am now in agreement with you.

211. Playing it safe. Now will he call off his DOJ on MMJ for the citizens of states who want it?

219. The hypocracy

155. I endorse your statement

15. Thanks

16. Better late than never

17. Changed my signature line...

18. Ezra Klein

21. BRAVO, Mr. President!!!

23. I'm glad he has come out to support it

24. Wow!

25. I believe this is smart politics actually.

46. You would be right if we had national elections. It will cost him in the electoral college

125. Eh, I think Missouri's kind of a lost cause anyway. They were red in '08.

143. Missouri was lost by only 4,000 votes and has an important Senate race

145. But it will make him win the toss up but blue leaning

148. Its possible but arguable at best but my response was to the opinion that this was 'smart' politics.

168. The presidency will be won or lost on the economy

200. If the election were to be won or lost on the economy then they would have called it already.

26. MOST PROGRESSIVE PRESIDENT IN U.S. HISTORY!

101. Sigh I've been saying the same thing for ages, Thrill