To the Point
Obama Won't Defend the Defense of Marriage Act
The Obama Justice Department has reversed its support for the Defense of Marriage Act, which has led to a legal battle with conservative groups and their lawyers. And Republicans who want to be president are also focused more on enforcing a congressional enactment than they are on same-sex marriage itself. Also, unemployment dips to a nearly two-year low. On Reporter's Notebook, spending, taxes and public opinion.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenThe Obama Justice Department has reversed its support for the Defense of Marriage Act, which has led to a legal battle with conservative groups and their lawyers. And Republicans who want to be president are also focused more on enforcing a congressional enactment than they are on same-sex marriage itself. Also, unemployment dips to a nearly two-year low, and Republicans are adamant about spending cuts and deficit reduction. Is that what voters care about most?
Banner image: Roby Chavez (L) and his partner Chris Roe (R) wait for the beginning of their wedding ceremony August 21, 2010 at the Woodrow Wilson House in Washington, DC. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
In this episode
3 storiesUnemployment Dips to 8.9 Percent, a Nearly Two-Year Low
Unemployment dropped below 9 percent last month for the first time since April of 2009. It's fallen nearly a full percentage point in the past three months, the most rapid improvement in 28 years. Neil Irwin reports on economics for the Washington Post .
Read the story8 minHas Same-Sex Marriage Lost Its Political Power?
In 1996, Congress passed the " Defense of Marriage Act ," which limited marriage to a man and a woman. In 2004, state ballot measures on same-sex marriage helped turn out Republican voters. In the first few months of his administration, President Obama's Justice Department supported DOMA.
Read the story37 minAre Americans Confused About What They Care About?
Republicans are preparing for next year's elections by denouncing President Obama as a big spender and demanding cuts in everything but the Pentagon. But despite concerns about big government, recent polls suggest that some key voters would rather pay taxes than lose their benefits.
Read the story6 min
