President Obama Supports Gay Marriage
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On Tuesday, voters in North Carolina said "no" to legalizing same-sex marriage. Yesterday, President Obama said, "Yes." The American people are divided almost evenly, and Mitt Romney is solidly on the other side. Why did the President choose this moment? What will it mean for his re-election campaign? Also, the House votes on the GOP budget bill.
Banner image: President Barack Obama participates in an interview with Robin Roberts of ABC's Good Morning America, in the White House, May 9, 2012. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
Making News
House Votes on GOP Budget Bill ()
Congress today took up the so-called "budget reconciliation bill," with the Republican majority advocating cuts in social programs and forestalling cuts in defense programs. Martin Kady is Congressional Bureau Chief for Politico.
Guests:
- Martin Kady: Politico, @mkady
Main Topic
Barack Obama and Gay Marriage ()
On Sunday, Vice President Biden said he was "completely comfortable" with same-sex marriage. The White House said President Obama's views were still "evolving."
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Last night on ABC News, America's first black president said he'd reached a conclusion, committing himself on what the New York Times calls "the last civil rights movement."
Mr. Obama wants it decided state by state, but Mitt Romney wants a Constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman. With public opinion running about 50-50, the President concedes there's political danger. When given a chance, voters have never approved. Why did he come out now, in the midst of his re-election campaign? We talk about religion, politics, money and personal conviction.
Guests:
- Steve Kornacki: Salon.com, @SteveKornacki
- Christopher Barron: GOProud, @ChrisRBarron
- Richard Socarides: attorney and Democratic political strategist, @socarides
- Janice Shaw Crouse: Concerned Women for America, @CWforA
- Dwayne Walker: Little Rock AME Zion Church
- Jonathan Rauch: Brookings Institution, @BrookingsInst
- Mary Curtis: freelance journalist, @mcurtisnc3
Links:
- North Carolina's 'Defense of Marriage' Act
- Ron Brownstein on the evolution of minorities' attitudes on gay marriage
- Ruth Marcus on Obama's public support of gay marriage always the plan
- Kornacki on Biden's role in Obama's evolution on same-sex marriage
- Curtis on the reasons for Obama's decision to support same-sex marriage
- Rauch's 'Gay Marriage: Why it's Good for Gays, Good for Straights and Good for America'
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