PROFILE
FROM Richard Socarides
Barack Obama and Gay Marriage On Tuesday, voters in North Carolina said "no" to legalizing same-sex marriage. On Sunday, Vice President Biden said he was " completely comfortable " with same-sex marriage. Visit msnbc.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy The White House said President Obama's views were still "evolving." Last night on ABC News, Barack Obama said, "Yes." video platform video management video solutions video player 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 ?
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 ." video platform video management video solutions video player 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.
The Obama Administration and Gay Rights In 1969, even civil rights activists were barely aware of the so-called Stonewall Rebellion that began the movement for equal treatment of gays and lesbians in the United States. But yesterday, President Obama comemorated that event in the White House with 250 movement leaders. He acknowledged that, despite extraordinary progress in the past 40 years, many are very impatient.
Gay Rights and the Obama Administration In 1969, even civil rights activists were barely aware of the so-called Stonewall Rebellion that began the movement for equal treatment of gays and lesbians in the US. Yesterday, Barack Obama commemorated that event in the White House with 250 gay and lesbian movement leaders who supported him in his presidential campaign but now are critical over his lack of action since becoming President. As a candidate, Obama had promised action to repeal " Don't Ask, Don't Tell " and to get Congress to take another look at the Defense of Marriage Act . We hear how expectations have clashed with harsh reality and political expediency. Would emphasis on gay rights get in the way of the President's broader agenda? Would Republicans use the issue next year against Democrats in swing districts?
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California catastrophe The fires rage on in our own backyard, and in Northern California, encompassing tens of thousands of acres each. In L-A and Ventura Counties, the Woolsey Fire has scorched everything in its path. To the north, in Butte County, the Camp Fire has charred and destroyed even more acreage, of trees, brush and everything else, north of Sacramento, and the town of Paradise is a scene of utter devastation and heartbreak.