Pres of u.s. Endorses same-sex marriage

[Altair]

Holy shit!



http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2...-interview/?hp


YAAAAY! [the power of the presidency behind us]
NOOOOO!! [he couldn't wait until *after* November?]
YAAAAY!!! [O show he's got principle and is willing to lead]...

My head is spinning.

[Melamphoros]

YAAAAY! [the power of the presidency behind us]
NOOOOO!! [he couldn't wait until *after* November?]
YAAAAY!!! [O show he's got principle and is willing to lead]...

I think that second point you made sums up my thoughts exactly.

[Celtag]

I think that second point you made sums up my thoughts exactly.

Yeah but the real power for this lies with the Supreme Court and we all know how that would turn out. I hope it will happen one day, but I'm not going to hold my breathe.

[MadZealot]

NOOOOO!! [he couldn't wait until *after* November?]
YAAAAY!!! [O show he's got principle and is willing to lead]

I don't agree with the second point, because of the third point. Staying silent, especially after Biden's "coming out" on the issue, would reflect poorly on the President. Waiting until after his butt was safely in the Office for another four years might have been the most politically expedient thing to do, it would also have been a bit cowardly.
Principles are not a matter of convenience or of good timing. You either stand up for your convictions or you don't.

I don't think it'll hurt Obama's bid for re-election. If anything it'll help galvanize his base and just might swing some moderates his way. His opponents will be his opponents regardless.

[monsnoleedra]

Holy shit!

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2...-interview/?hp


YAAAAY! [the power of the presidency behind us]
NOOOOO!! [he couldn't wait until *after* November?]
YAAAAY!!! [O show he's got principle and is willing to lead]...

My head is spinning.

All I see is more political posturing. He supports it but says to leave it up to the individual states to decide. Basically saying I think it's right but I also think North Carolina is right in what they decided as a state.

[MadZealot]

All I see is more political posturing. He supports it but says to leave it up to the individual states to decide. Basically saying I think it's right but I also think North Carolina is right in what they decided as a state.

Unfortunately that is the correct stance for now, as the 'institution of marriage' is legally relegated to the states. It'll take the Supremes to enforce equal opportunity, sad as that is.

[Altair]

I don't think it'll hurt Obama's bid for re-election. If anything it'll help galvanize his base and just might swing some moderates his way. His opponents will be his opponents regardless.

I'd agree if we just elected our presidents by popular vote. But because it's state by state using an electoral college system, I think this could bite him in the ass in some swing states. In a close race, he could come out winning the popular vote but losing the election.

[Altair]

I'm betting Hilary Clinton (who has yet to endorse same-sex marriage) will remain mum. She's going to watch how this plays out for Obama before deciding where she stands, to maximize her options for 2016.

[MadZealot]

I'd agree if we just elected our presidents by popular vote. But because it's state by state using an electoral college system, I think this could bite him in the ass in some swing states. In a close race, he could come out winning the popular vote but losing the election.

Yet another reason to disband the College, but that's a whole 'nuther thread.

[MadZealot]

I'm betting Hilary Clinton (who has yet to endorse same-sex marriage) will remain mum. She's going to watch how this plays out for Obama before deciding where she stands, to maximize her options for 2016.

Of course she will, she's an opportunist and knows the game. She's already been President twice.