Welcome to the new century, Mr. President, thank you for joining us.
“I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors, when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together; when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point 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,” Obama told Roberts in an interview to appear on ABC’s “Good Morning America” Thursday.
I don’t see why Obama couldn’t have said that three years ago, but I’m glad he finally said it. By way of explanation, he said his thoughts went through an “evolution” to reach this decision.
The president stressed that this is a personal position, and that he still supports the concept of states’ deciding the issue on their own.
So…still a little more evolving to do…
So, on basic, if controversial, civil rights, he’s a federalist.
On the scourge of iodine distribution, he’s an antifederalist.
Gutsy call.
Better late than never. I guess.
He came out strongly in favor of gay marriage years ago. I don’t know why he waffled this time. Well, I do know why he waffled. And I have trouble respecting him for it.
Leap, I don’t think Obama (or anyone else in D.C.) worries too much about federalism.
Jamison, definitely better late than never.