While Obama’s views on marriage equality were already under attack, criticism of them is now reaching a fever pitch after North Carolina voters passed an amendment banning same-sex unions last night.
The President has been in an awkward position since Joe Biden came out in support of gay marriage on Sunday. Now he’s doing some national clarity action (read: damage control) and sitting for an interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts today at 1:30pm.
Reports the very reliable New York Times: “He is likely to be questioned about his ‘evolving’ views on the issue, according to people familiar with the matter,”
Perhaps this is the moment he’ll come out and endorse gay marriage, though it could be a risky decision in an election year. But being questioned on the matter doesn’t mean he’ll answer in clear terms, though he is a straightforward and honest speaker.
How about we take this to the next level?
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We’re pretty sure he will at least express his disappointment with North Carolina’s aforementioned Amendment One. He’s already done so through Cameron French, North Carolina press secretary for the Obama campaign, who commented to the Washington Blade:
“The President has long opposed divisive and discriminatory efforts to deny rights and benefits to same sex couples. He believes the North Carolina measure singles out and discriminates against committed gay and lesbian couples, which is why he did not support it. President Obama has long believed that gay and lesbian couples deserve the same rights and legal protections as straight couples and is disappointed in the passage of this amendment. On a federal level, he has ended the legal defense of the Defense of Marriage Act and extended key benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees.”
The only comment from ABC on their Obama get? It’s a “wide-ranging interview.” We’ll definitely be watching to see if he answers candidly about his “evolution,” and will live-tweet his statements on Queerty’s Twitter. Stay tuned!
UPDATE: Actually, parts of the interview will air later in the afternoon, and then more parts tomorrow morning on Good Morning America.
Photo via U.S. Embassy Jakarta
Ted B. (Charging Rhino)
Considering that his re-nomination Convention is being held in the heart of North Carolina, I’m not expecting any further SSM “evolution” on his part. If anything, Obama and the DNC will be walking-back from their previous equivocations on SSM.
And yet-again the G/L Liberal activists get thrown under the bus AFTER their pockets are picked by the DNC…claiming if the G/l community just gives a little more money they might see some “evolution” in the Won’s positions on SSM and ENDA.
WillBFair
What is he doing? I thought his political instinct were good, but talking about gay marraige in the middle of a national campaign is definitely contra indicated. But maybe he knows something about the poll numbers that we don’t.
drewa24
I could give two shits how he personally feels about gay marriage. Just don’t stand in the way of what is inevitable. The POTUS can either be an ally or can be complicit, but if he wants the populous vote come November he had best decide how evolved he’s going to become very soon.
SteveC
We all need to vote for Obama, as Romney is appalling.
But not a single dollar should be donated to Obama’s re-election campaign.
He does not deserve a cent.
randy
Fuck you, Obama. We needed you to come out unequivocally in against the amendment in NC and you offered at best tepid support. We needed you to come out in full support of marriage equality to support gays in NC and in the coming battles in other states. But you were silent.
And now you have the nerve to say that you are “disappointed” in NC? Fuck you again. You gave them moral cover to vote against us, and you are playing cute with the marriage issue as though it’s a political football. “Oh, I can appear to split the baby down the middle and not piss off anyone! That will help me sail to victory”
You should have voiced support a long time ago, and now you’ve made a mess of things. And now you dangle this in front of us and we should jump up and down like good little doggies? Fuck you a third time.
We know when we are being played for patsies, and I for one won’t stand for it. Either evolve and support marriage equality or at least have the guts to say you don’t believe in it. At least be a fucking leader and TELL US where you stand. Then we can fight you or support you.
At this point, because you continue to play hide the ball, and refuse to support us, I have to conclude that you are against us.
From now on, the gay press should assume that unless he says otherwise, Obama is 100% against marriage equality. If he wants to correct the impression, be my guest. But he won’t, so he can suffer the consequences.
Polyboy
Oh Randy you are full of shit.
Bible thumpers think he’s Satan.
So, fuck you wanting to elect Mitt Romney President.
Fuck you for wanting Romney Judges on the Supreme Court.
Fuck you wanting us all to burn because a Confederate state did what Confederate states always do…vote without thinking.
Angela
@Ned:
Ned, you’re a douche bag and you shouldn’t be allowed to reproduce. You’re a disgusting human being and an awful excuse for an american. Go back under your religious rock where you belong.
Jeremy K
He will continue to play these stupid games. Without a doubt. See this: http://leftrightcenterandbeyond.wordpress.com/
Drone
Who does Obama think he’s fooling? Homo sapiens evolved from ape into man faster than Obama’s views on gays have. Dancing on the fence as he has only has served to promote the idea he’s a wishy-washy typical politician.
Delius
Barack is less tolerant of gay marriage than he used to be.
Before he was running for president he was FOR gay marriage.
If he continues in this vein he will have gays killed for being gay.
He is a total liar.
No way am I supporting him.
Misty
I do think people need to be forgiving. He DID need to get elected first before doing the things he did, which have been overwhelmingly positive when it comes to gay rights issues.
[email protected]
Simply hold your nose when you vote for Obama next November. If you don’t vote…you are really voting for the Mormon!
Jeremy K
Not necessarily, Nelson. If you’re in a solid Blue OR Red state, vote for Gary Johnson – tell them you’re not going to take this dance anymore. If you’re in a swing state, do what you must.