President Obama says his positions on marriage equality are evolving

[terrya]

I honestly don't think he would suffer politically from endorsing marriage equality. He would lose the FRC/NOM/hate group vote. He never had a chance to get it, anyway.

You were on the right side of history on DADT repeal, Mr. President. You would be on the right side of history here as well.



In a new interview with Advocate reporter Kerry Eleveld, President Obama suggests his positions on marriage equality are changing:

On the question of marriage equality, the president said his “attitudes are evolving.”

“Like a lot of people, I'm wrestling with this,” he said. "I've wrestled with the fact that marriage traditionally has had a different connotation. But I also have a lot of very close friends who are married gay or lesbian couples.”

The president also signaled that he and his lawyers are reviewing “a range of options” when it comes to the administration’s responsibility to defend the Defense of Marriage Act in the courts, especially since repealing it over the next two years will be a nonstarter with a Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

“I have a whole bunch of really smart lawyers who are looking at a whole range of options. My preference wherever possible is to get things done legislatively,” Obama said, drawing a comparison with repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell.”

http://www.towleroad.com/2010/12/obama-says-hes-wrestling-with-gay-marriage.html

[myrna minx]

1. It would be wonderful if we could count on his support for marriage equality.

I don't think he would suffer politically either. Let's hope he'll come around.

[villager]

2. Great start! Now on to evolution in his views on corporate obeisance!

:thumbsup:

[ThomCat]

10. Never happen.

He's "evolving" on Gay Marriage because he recognizes that historically we are going to win, and he doesn't want to be on the losing side. It is that simple. It isn't a matter of what he believes, but where he chooses to stand and what he chooses to pretend to believe.

Corporate power is so set in stone, so bedrock solid that Obama's loyalty is assured. He is never going to get off his knees and stop serving corporate wealth, and the corporate takeover of America. We are already seeing that he's willing to go just as far as any Republican, and that isn't going to stop.

What possible force could match corporate power, to convince Obama to pretend to "evolve" on this?

[villager]

13. The "possible force" question is the tricky one -- especially absent American workers in the streets

Obama told us to "make him do it" -- i.e, follow a progressive agenda.

"Forces of history" are one way - -as with DADT. Much trickier, as you note, on the economic issues....

[Barack_America]

3. Let's make marriage about love, Mr. President.

As it should be.

[NNN0LHI]

4. Recommended

[Marr]

5. I'm not surprised this is working on people, I suppose.

Obama and the rest of the political establishment just spent two more years screwing everyone who is not super wealthy, and then they put a cherry on top in the form of the backdoor undermining of Social Security and the (for all practicaly purposes, permanent) extension of the Bush Tax Cuts. That shit was important to them, and they gave the left the finger and just did it.

Now they're parceling out a few victories on social issues that the wealthy don't really give a shit about, and it's like hitting a reset button. Many just forget how we got here or why these victories are suddenly popping up.

This is classic "New Democrat" triangulation. Shamelessly service big business and the wealthy, then use *free* social issues to win a little street cred back with the liberals who should be pissed off.

[emulatorloo]

8. You are so much smarter than the rest of us! In fact I am finding it difficult to understand

what language you are speaking.

Seriously - If we spend much DU Bubble/Echo Chamber we will find ourselves unable to talk with anyone who is not a DU'er.

We all want to see Marriage Equality, but I don't think psychoanalyzing Obama or the "Elite" is going to get us there.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

6. For many years I have believed that most Democrats are really FOR gay marriage

but find it politically damaging to admit it. Now that there are winds of change blowing on this issue, we are witnessing more acceptance.

Please be patient, my gay/lesbian brothers and sisters. It's going to take some time for the American heart and mind to change. I wish I could snap my finger and the hatred just goes away.

I do think Obama is for gay marriage. I just think he and many other Democrats cannot come out (pun intended) and really BE for it.

Now Clinton, Gore, and other former politicians are NOW for gay marriage now that their careers have ended. But I think it's bullshit. I think they were already for gay marriage even when they were pushing against it.

[Nye Bevan]

7. Promising. Let's hope his evolution continues.

I have always thought that in his heart Obama believes in marriage equality, but has been prevented from saying so by political cowardice. It sounds like he is paving the way to taking a more principled stand on this issue.

[girl gone mad]

9. He was for it before he was against it before he was maybe for it.

Strange kind of "evolution".

I think the threats of a boycott/revolt from a few big money people served as a swift kick in his rear to nudge him back in the right direction.

[bigwillq]

11. Good to hear.

I hope he comes around on this issue to eventually support equal rights for all people, which would include marriage for same-sex couples.

[lumberjack_jeff]

12. Evolving to the sound of the breezes that blow. n/t