Obama endorses gay marriage

[Phyllis Hyman Cherry]

fixed, how should he have handled it? Interview with Rupaul? jes sayin...

Not say it if he doesnt believe it just to get the gay vote. That would have been a start. Its not my issue because i dont plan on ever getting married. He is just coming across as another desperate politician who will do anything to get more votes. It's very dissapointing, at least Romney did'nt flip.

[Koffy Brown]

I mean damn, this is the only President that can never do enough...I mean WTF do you all want from him...the progressives/extreme left is no better than the tea party/extreme right...geezle peete!! I'm just getting so damn sick of hearing, he shoulda did this or he didn't do enough, or he isn't genuine, or it's political...At least he fuggin did SOMETHING!!

[Koffy Brown]

And the truth of the matter is, he has probably always believed in ssm, its just that gays know that if they want anything done on this issue, they had to make this a social issue THIS election while President Obama was still in office. I'm sure he could have gone on with his life without ever publicly addressing this issue, but he did, he endorsed it publicly just as he should have. Rather for political ploy, orchestrated timing, it is now the talk, it is now an issue and it will now be heard, how can any gay man or woman complain or hate on him for this.

[Koffy Brown]

fixed, how should he have handled it? Interview with Rupaul? jes sayin...

Right!!

[Phyllis Hyman Cherry]

I mean damn, this is the only President that can never do enough...I mean WTF do you all want from him...the progressives/extreme left is no better than the tea party/extreme right...geezle peete!! I'm just getting so damn sick of hearing, he shoulda did this or he didn't do enough, or he isn't genuine, or it's political...At least he fuggin did SOMETHING!!

I dont want anything from him except to be honest. I certainly didnt say either party is better than the other. What I find disturbing is people who believe Obama is a saint and doesnt make mistakes. He certainly is not that, i voted him in so i have a right as a person who voted him into office to speak about things he does as an elected official that i helped put into office.This isnt a communist society i can critique politicians if i so choose to do.

[Detroitbootybass]

And the truth of the matter is, he has probably always believed in ssm

Except for the fact that he wasn't. He spoke out against gay-marriage in his campaign for the Senate and he further discussed his opposition to it in his book, 'Audacity Of Hope' in 2006.

While it is great that he finally came around to what a majority of Americans support (in polling data over the past few years), it should be noted that he was beaten to show public support for the issue by non-other than the bastion of social liberalism - Dick Cheney (back in 2009).

I applaud the President for doing so, but in a sort of slow clapping applause that reflects my knowledge of his tardiness on the issue. Bravery is voicing and opinion when it's unpopular... not waiting until the majority has finally come around.

[mhd]

Wondering about that black vote now. Somewhere is a poll suggesting overall sentiment in the community has evolved, or the black vote is now trumped by some block of gay voters. Perhaps black donors haven't the long green of gay voters. Black voters in Cali went the way of the Mormon right on Prop 8. Can't imagine an entire culture has evolved as rapidly as the President. I'd bet there's some calculated risk here.

I'm not a cynic. Just being realistic about the necessity of the P and VP offering up their personal views during an election. For now, it's a states' rights issue. They can evolve all they like. It's not bringing gay marriage any closer to fruition. What's the angle?

u gotta be a cynic, as opposed to realist, romantic, idealist...in this instance the calculation is not so much risking the black vote as risking still homophobic working class white voters, the black vote is at this juncture gonna be suppressed for a variety of reasons, some fixable

[mhd]

Not say it if he doesnt believe it just to get the gay vote. That would have been a start. Its not my issue because i dont plan on ever getting married. He is just coming across as another desperate politician who will do anything to get more votes. It's very dissapointing, at least Romney did'nt flip.

i hear you and i respect that point of view, fact is, a majority of black folks don't believe in ssm, (could be wrong) so he not believing is a mainstream black position, having said that, your displeasure with him is cool, but, realise that its a political issue and you got a political response, which, in this game, is a victory

[Sal Paradise]

Cynical Commentary from the New Yorker that's worth the read.

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blog...-a-choice.html

[Armento]

Danny, I believe the calculation is that this energizes the youth more, there is talk about the base and youth not being too excited. I think this outweighs what they calculate they will lose from this. But i'm just guessing.

[TAB.]

One associate of mine, an Evangelical who's black, can't stop railing at Obama's latest feat. LOL. I suppose the pro-lifers now have two red meat issues motivating them come November.

[FK]

Taking the initiative and forcing Romney to re-iterate his position of how much he is AGAINST it was a genius move IMHO.

[Daniel, Grand Duke of Stony Island]

One associate of mine, an Evangelical who's black, can't stop railing at Obama's latest feat. LOL. I suppose the pro-lifers now have two red meat issues motivating them come November.

Just sayin'. Gay marriage is a white, middle class concern. The best it gets for the majority of black voters is indifference. The black community in California - LA specifically - put the Mormon political machine over the top on Prop 8. Of all the issues powering this election, this one isn't relevant. Couldn't this have been announced in 2013?

Guess gay Hollywood wasn't comin' off big dollars without this announcement. This was not politically expedient. I don't want to think the black community was ushered aside to satisfy donor pressure.

Could've had gays and black folks. Now it could be one or the other. Feels like Hollywood influence to me. Gay republicans have a tremendous lobby and you don't see Mittens having to choose, do you?

BTW - POTUS is set to be with donors in Hollywood tonight. So there it is. $40Gs a plate at Clooney's house. Sure, this is all about conscience.

[KBig]

this is interesting
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/0...n_1506382.html

Romney Apologizes For Bullying In Prep School, Says He Didn't Know Victim Was Gay

[Daniel, Grand Duke of Stony Island]

Cynical Commentary from the New Yorker that's worth the read.

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blog...-a-choice.html

It should be noted, however, that Obama was careful not to call for any federal action on this issue. Immediately after ABC News broadcast his interview with Robin Roberts, his aides were busy reminding reporters that he still believes this is something for the states to decide. Clearly mindful of the political impact, especially in swing states such as Nevada and North Carolina, the President himself said that he was speaking purely as an individual. After observing some of his staff members in committed, monogamous gay relationships, talking it over with his wife and children, and thinking things through in terms of his Christian faith, he decided to go with his conscience. As he told Roberts: “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.”

Read more http://www.newyorker.com/online/blog...#ixzz1uV3q2CDQ

He also thinks everyone should have healthcare and that poor people need jobs and education. Where is the rest of America on these issues? Clearly not with him.

This is just a move, man. It just feels as if he's robbing Peter to pay Paul. An example of where sentiment could go with this: why am I seeing him take a huge, ELECTION SEASON political risk with his broadcast opinions about gay marriage but I didn't see the same risk with regard to Trayvon Harris (where we received late hour innuendo spoken AFTER he was put on the spot by reporters)? Why am I listening to lip service from this administration without offering any calls for FEDERAL ACTION on the issue of gay marriage? If all you can offer is an opinion, why offer it on an issue related to one demographic and not another? Is the gay Democratic faction worth more than the black Democratic faction?

As I said, if there aren't numbers suggesting that this move means enough votes from the base to make up for the loss of black voters, this was a huge mistake. If there is data that suggests this was expedient from a campaign perspective, I clearly feel pushed aside as a member of the black community - not because I have issue with gay marriage, but because it's obvious that his campaign has weighed the political risks and have decided they could risk losing a significant portion of the black American vote. From a black American incumbent POTUS, that wouldn't be acceptable. Black folks have been with this POTUS since his election and we've been reasonably patient for him to speak and raise his personal positions on issues analogous to the black community (aside from the few moments he's taken the time to softly criticize our culture and work ethic).

I can't get anything on his agenda that will help me see me and mine get jobs and retain our access to education, but the gay middle class deserves lip service?

Axelrod must have a bunch of convincing reports and spreadsheets on his desk that say disenfranchised black voters aren't a threat to reelection.

So not cool.

[cleodine velvet jackson]

He also thinks everyone should have healthcare and that poor people need jobs and education. Where is the rest of America on these issues? Clearly not with him.

This is just a move, man. It just feels as if he's robbing Peter to pay Paul. An example of where sentiment could go with this: why am I seeing him take a huge, ELECTION SEASON political risk with his broadcast opinions about gay marriage but I didn't see the same risk with regard to Trayvon Harris (where we received late hour innuendo spoken AFTER he was put on the spot by reporters)? Why am I listening to lip service from this administration without offering any calls for FEDERAL ACTION on the issue of gay marriage? If all you can offer is an opinion, why offer it on an issue related to one demographic and not another? Is the gay Democratic faction worth more than the black Democratic faction?

As I said, if there aren't numbers suggesting that this move means enough votes from the base to make up for the loss of black voters, this was a huge mistake. If there is data that suggests this was expedient from a campaign perspective, I clearly feel pushed aside as a member of the black community - not because I have issue with gay marriage, but because it's obvious that his campaign has weighed the political risks and have decided they could risk losing a significant portion of the black American vote. From a black American incumbent POTUS, that wouldn't be acceptable. Black folks have been with this POTUS since his election and we've been reasonably patient for him to speak and raise his personal positions on issues analogous to the black community (aside from the few moments he's taken the time to softly criticize our culture and work ethic).

I can't get anything on his agenda that will help me see me and mine get jobs and retain our access to education, but the gay middle class deserves lip service?

Axelrod must have a bunch of convincing reports and spreadsheets on his desk that say disenfranchised black voters aren't a threat to reelection.

So not cool.

Wow, you just blew my mind!!!

[mhd]

He also thinks everyone should have healthcare and that poor people need jobs and education. Where is the rest of America on these issues? Clearly not with him.

This is just a move, man. It just feels as if he's robbing Peter to pay Paul. An example of where sentiment could go with this: why am I seeing him take a huge, ELECTION SEASON political risk with his broadcast opinions about gay marriage but I didn't see the same risk with regard to Trayvon Harris (where we received late hour innuendo spoken AFTER he was put on the spot by reporters)? Why am I listening to lip service from this administration without offering any calls for FEDERAL ACTION on the issue of gay marriage? If all you can offer is an opinion, why offer it on an issue related to one demographic and not another? Is the gay Democratic faction worth more than the black Democratic faction?

As I said, if there aren't numbers suggesting that this move means enough votes from the base to make up for the loss of black voters, this was a huge mistake. If there is data that suggests this was expedient from a campaign perspective, I clearly feel pushed aside as a member of the black community - not because I have issue with gay marriage, but because it's obvious that his campaign has weighed the political risks and have decided they could risk losing a significant portion of the black American vote. From a black American incumbent POTUS, that wouldn't be acceptable. Black folks have been with this POTUS since his election and we've been reasonably patient for him to speak and raise his personal positions on issues analogous to the black community (aside from the few moments he's taken the time to softly criticize our culture and work ethic).

I can't get anything on his agenda that will help me see me and mine get jobs and retain our access to education, but the gay middle class deserves lip service?

Axelrod must have a bunch of convincing reports and spreadsheets on his desk that say disenfranchised black voters aren't a threat to reelection.

So not cool.

With you, 100, but, the calculation is not just black versus gay, imo

[Daniel, Grand Duke of Stony Island]

With you, 100, but, the calculation is not just black versus gay, imo

Not at all, but the baseline black voter will interpret this as "Aw, you got props for the gays, tho'..."

13.6% unemployment in the community. 12 million black folks completely out of the workforce. A unique position, but we get no unique regard. But on the eve of Clooney's big fundraiser, gays get a head nod. A VERY EXPENSIVE and POTENTIALLY DAMAGING head nod.

The gay middle class is worth the risk. The black unemployed isn't. That's all I'm reading from this.

[SuzanneT]

He also thinks everyone should have healthcare and that poor people need jobs and education. Where is the rest of America on these issues? Clearly not with him.

This is just a move, man. It just feels as if he's robbing Peter to pay Paul. An example of where sentiment could go with this: why am I seeing him take a huge, ELECTION SEASON political risk with his broadcast opinions about gay marriage but I didn't see the same risk with regard to Trayvon Harris (where we received late hour innuendo spoken AFTER he was put on the spot by reporters)? Why am I listening to lip service from this administration without offering any calls for FEDERAL ACTION on the issue of gay marriage? If all you can offer is an opinion, why offer it on an issue related to one demographic and not another? Is the gay Democratic faction worth more than the black Democratic faction?

As I said, if there aren't numbers suggesting that this move means enough votes from the base to make up for the loss of black voters, this was a huge mistake. If there is data that suggests this was expedient from a campaign perspective, I clearly feel pushed aside as a member of the black community - not because I have issue with gay marriage, but because it's obvious that his campaign has weighed the political risks and have decided they could risk losing a significant portion of the black American vote. From a black American incumbent POTUS, that wouldn't be acceptable. Black folks have been with this POTUS since his election and we've been reasonably patient for him to speak and raise his personal positions on issues analogous to the black community (aside from the few moments he's taken the time to softly criticize our culture and work ethic).

I can't get anything on his agenda that will help me see me and mine get jobs and retain our access to education, but the gay middle class deserves lip service?

Axelrod must have a bunch of convincing reports and spreadsheets on his desk that say disenfranchised black voters aren't a threat to reelection.

So not cool.

I totally disagree with you. Hopefully I will have time later to go into more detail.

[MusicalEmpress]

In 2008 he said he believed marriage should only exist between a man and a woman. Timing seems interesting in my opinion.. though he has a right to change his opinion, it doesn't seem that sincere to me - like he got backed into a corner and then decided to make this statement. M eh.

[Armento]

Not at all, but the baseline black voter will interpret this as "Aw, you got props for the gays, tho'..."

13.6% unemployment in the community. 12 million black folks completely out of the workforce. A unique position, but we get no unique regard. But on the eve of Clooney's big fundraiser, gays get a head nod. A VERY EXPENSIVE and POTENTIALLY DAMAGING head nod.

The gay middle class is worth the risk. The black unemployed isn't. That's all I'm reading from this.

we've heard him constantly talk about the need to fight unemployment.. the jobs bill campaign (PASS THAT BILL) went on for months. that's actualy policy.. this was just a position to take, not a policy move

[Daniel, Grand Duke of Stony Island]

As long as he was working on stabilizing the economy, cleaning up the previous administration's foreign policy mistakes, remaining true to his word about ending these protracted wars and being equinanimous about all fringe community concerns - either by not taking positions on issues that wouldn't solve big problems or deferring that talk to other more pressing issues - I would be down for whatever the POTUS saw fit.

He and Biden gave extra special attention to a wedge issue which is a concern of an AMALGAMATED VOTING BLOCK (middle class white voters who HAPPEN TO BE gay and want to get married).

Rampant black unemployment and the disenfranchisement of 12 MILLION BLACK WORKERS completely off the grid is a problem that weighs down THE ENTIRE UNION, but the Obama Administration has yet to even face in that direction and accept that nique and specific condition.

The day before he courts Hollywood donors, he announces some sea change in personal views on gay marriage. The DAY BEFORE. Not the week or month before. MOMENTS PRIOR.

I had perhaps a naive view of President Obama as a reluctant politician. With this, he just seems like an unabashed politician. Can't admit the black community has been affected disproportionally by the economic downturn. Can't place emphasis on the Trayvon Martin tragedy. Can't call the Armenian Genocide a genocide, exactly. But the night before he's to arrive at the home of the biggest stars in Hollywood with checkbooks ready, somehow broadcasting this evolution in personal opinion on gay marriage was politically expedient?

I need my leaders to display equanimity. I need to feel an even hand. There are a lot of poor, gay blacks who are suffering. There are a lot of political groups in the US who are aching for recognition. As long as he wasn't displaying favor in any one direction, I was willing to suspend analysis. He's now shown deference to ONE GROUP (mind you, I don't see them as a group, but politicians and their handlers do). What of the other groups? Why now? Why this? The questions start coming. The answers, however, aren't.

[neon]

I think it's a big change for him. He struggled with this subject because of his religious beliefs. I'm glad he finally decided to say he's not going to block others from having their rights.

[Daniel, Grand Duke of Stony Island]

we've heard him constantly talk about the need to fight unemployment.. the jobs bill campaign (PASS THAT BILL) went on for months. that's actualy policy.. this was just a position to take, not a policy move

13.6 percent unemployment is the highest of any group in the US. Economic recovery has occurred at the slowest pace. This is ENDEMIC to a condition that has persisted for years. The black community has proven to be indifferent at best to the issue of gay marriage. If the President can take a risk to defer to the white, gay middle class while remaining general and equinanimous otherwise, the black community may be paying attention to that divide.

No way in an election year does an incumbent who will face powerful opposition decide to show favor to a group affected by a fringe issue UNLESS the fallout can be weathered. Why take the risk with the black vote or the liberal Christian vote unless you have something else to leverage?

[Armento]

I think I understand what you're saying... guess i'm just happy to see any movement forward on any issue so i'm not considering other angles.