Posted on 07/03/2011 2:48:16 PM PDT by lbryce
President Obama refused to endorse same-sex marriage this week but left no doubt about what he truly believes.
At Wednesday press’s conference, he ticked off his efforts on behalf of gay rights: expanding the federal hate-crimes law; repealing the “don’t-ask-don’t-tell’’ restriction on openly gay soldiers; refusing to enforce the federal law denying recognition of same-sex marriages. He went on to praise the recent vote legalizing gay marriage in New York: “What you’re seeing is a profound recognition on the part of the American people that gays and lesbians and transgender persons are our brothers, our sisters, our children, our cousins, our friends, our coworkers, and that they’ve got to be treated like every other American.’’ NJ logo.JPG MORE FROM NATIONAL JOURNAL: Could Cuba Host Games in the 2013 World Baseball Classic? Mr. No Comment v. Ms. Accessible: Romney, Bachmann Meet the Press Le Tour de France As Political Metaphor
Pressed about his personal views on gay marriage, Obama said coyly, “I’m not going to make news on that today.’’
Another day, then. Obama hinted his conversion was underway in December, when he described his views on gay marriage as “constantly evolving.’’ (Frankly, the jig was up last week when Obama quoted Lady Gaga’s anthem Born This Way while headlining a New York fundraiser attended by hundreds of gay-rights activists.)
In politics, it’s all about waiting for the right moment, the right landing. Had Obama said the magic words at the New York event or at the press conference, which preceded a White House reception for Gay Pride Month, his endorsement would have looked like pander.
Facing a challenging reelection battle that will hinge on his stewardship of the economy, Obama can’t afford to look like he’s taking his eye off the ball.
(Excerpt) Read more at theatlanticwire.com ...
Obama in 2008:
“....although I try not to have my religious beliefs dominate or determine my political views on this issue, I do believe that tradition and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman.”
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