Ok. Damn it. I want Obama to come out against Prop 8 in Calif.

[Hamlette]

Polls show that the proposition is supported by 58% of black voters (are against gay marriage) and only 38% are against it (support gay marriage.)

I don't get this, and when I've asked before Catwoman has had to come rescue me from the flame war but I'm going to say it again.

I think of Obama took a stand on the issue he could swing enough votes to make a difference.

Right now it looks like it will pass and once again California will outlaw marriage equality.

(Hey, I'm a hetero old white lady but I've got a dog in every fight where people are fighting for equality and so do you!)

[msongs]

1. obama is AGAINST gay marriage but believes states have the right to ban it nt

[ronnykmarshall]

5. He and Biden have come out AGAINST Prop 8.

[Hamlette]

19. they did? I hadn't heard that. Do you remember when or where? n/t

[FreeState]

20. Ellen Yesterday edit: link

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/10/20/entertainment/e174934D50.DTL&type=politics

"Democratic vice-presidential candidate Joseph Biden says if he lived in California, he would vote against a ballot measure that seeks to ban gay marriage.

During an appearance Monday on the "Ellen" show, Biden called Proposition 8 "regressive" and "unfair" and added that he and running mate Barack Obama opposed a similar initiative nationally."

[yardwork]

7. That would mean that he's against Prop 8, which seeks a constitutional amendment.

[NightWatcher]

2. he cant risk pissing anyone off this close to an election

[yardwork]

8. Well, this is an instance where Obama and Biden need to show some courage.

[yardwork]

3. As a white middle-aged lesbian, I thank you and agree.

I think that Obama and Biden should speak out against this. It's certainly not going to lose them the election. It's particularly discouraging that so many black people in California support a constitutional amendment that would take rights away from people. The churches push this crap.

I support equal rights for everybody and it's time for Obama and Biden to remind people of this.

[Youphemism]

16. Apologies if you're one of the many who've been inconvenienced by my "How 'bout a date?" robocalls..

I've thought the better of it since, and discontinued that campaigning tactic.

[yardwork]

23. No problem. I'm open minded. Some of my best friends are hetero!

[FreeState]

4. He has come out against it - as recently as yesterday via Biden on Ellen

however I agree with you it would be nice if he did something in the Black media here. He could change a lot of minds and help preserve common decency and equality here!

[yardwork]

10. I'm glad to hear that Biden spoke out against it.

[GOPNotForMe]

6. I thought he already did?

I could be wrong. I know he definitely came out against Amendment 2 in Florida which would ban same-sex marriage.

[FreeState]

9. He did - however he could publicize it more in local Black media IMO n/t

[TheDonkey]

11. LOL. Wow. He DID come out against it as has Joe Biden. Your concern is noted

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

12. I want Obama to be a skinny black guy who runs for president!

Why won't he do what I want?

[book_worm]

13. What national politician running for president (with a realistic chance) will come out for it.

I know I wish it were different, but if Obama came out for it, it would give McCain/Palin more ammunition to use in rural areas of Pennsylvania, Ohio and other places.

[CreekDog]

14. why this constant need to have Obama tell black folks what to do?

as if he is uniquely suited to lead them.

think about it.

[billyoc]

15. He already did.

Perhaps Catwoman can help you out again.

[crankychatter]

17. yeah that would be perfect timing

we should talk about that 24-7 until November 4th

all prop 8, ALL the time

great idea... I'm SURE it will save his floundering campaign

[liberalpragmatist]

18. He HAS come out against it...

... but I agree he should be more public about it. I understand the impulse to play it safe, but he has a big lead and ultimately it would mean a lot if he made an ad endorsing "NO" on 8. (So what if it costs him a point or two or loses him one state at this point? Yes, I like to see as much blue on the map as possible, but if those couple points keep marriage equality in the largest U.S. state, isn't worth it?)

I realize it's not an easy call. But I too wish he would be more public about his opposition.

[Median Democrat]

21. I Hate Cultural Issues Being Dragged Into National Politics - Double Edged Sword

I hate the Republicans for doing it. I don't want the Democrats to do it if they can help it, particularly when the theme is that we should be focusing on issues that we need to solve together, rather than focus on divisions. Folks in California should be able to defeat Proposition 8 without turning it into some national cultural referendum.

[AlCzervik]

22. it's about equal rights.

[Median Democrat]

24. My Job and Feeding My Family Are My Priorities

Would vote against Prop 8, but I am not picking a President based on the issue. If McCain was against Prop 8, and Obama was for it, but it was still a state issue, I would still vote for Obama.

My issues are the economy and the war.

I do understand that Democrats can also be one issue voters as well. Afterall, millions of people vote against their economic interests against the Democrats based on the choice issue alone, so why should Democrats be different with respect to such issues?