I would note that while it is clear in the 1994 letter than he was supportive of gays serving openly in the military, he did not say he "looked forward" to it. He said he was convinced it would happen once DADT was implemented.
The questioned unanswered by the letter is, WHY was Romney "convinced" that DADT was just the first step? He doesn't say in the letter.
His explanation that he didn't think DADT would work is a rational basis for being convinced more steps would be taken.
As to the debate, Cooper asked if he "stood by" his 1994 statement (which as I note Cooper mischaracterized but not in a false way). I would have asked if Romney's position was the same, because if you asked me if I "stood by" something I said in the past, I would almost always say "yes", even if I was wrong. I would then say I was wrong about it. Because I stand by everything I say, and if it's wrong I apologize and acknowledge it.
Anyway, if the question Cooper wanted answered was if Romney still thought there would be a day when gays would openly serve, Romney didn't answer that. If Cooper's question was whether Romney would implement open gay service, Romney answered that, he said no. He was asked if his position had changed, and he said YES.
Romney's explanation for WHY he changed his position is that he now thinks DADT is working. If he thought it wouldn't work in 1994, that would be a reason to look forward to more open service -- and since DADT is actually working, it would make sense to keep it and not push for any new action.
So not only did he answer the question, he explained why his position was that we shouldn't change the policy, and did so in a way that makes sense and makes me confident that he will not "change his position" again.
It in fact is common for someone to support a position because they think some other solution won't work, and later to have to admit that the other solution DID work so there was no need for further action.
Thank you for your response focused on the facts and opinions of the issue. I appreciate your strong opinion on the subject.
You are willing to play any internal games mind games with your self and you are eager to share those childish efforts with other people hoping to keep them engaged with you.
The information is posted already and readers can read the 1994 letter portion and the 2007 transcript for themselves.
It is a short read and I hope that they do it.