President Barack Obama said in an interview with ABC that "it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married."
With his Wednesday announcement, the president reversed his longstanding position on the issue. It came on the heels of his own vice president and education secretary saying they were in favor of gay marriage.
According to an ABC blog post, Obama further described his thought process as an "evolution" that progressed as he discussed the issue with staff members, gay and lesbian service members and his own family.
He said he thinks Americans are growing increasingly comfortable with the concept of gay marriage and cited his own daughters' views on the matter.
“It’s interesting, some of this is also generational,” he said. “You know, Malia and Sasha, they have friends whose parents are same-sex couples. There have been times where Michelle and I have been sitting around the dinner table and we’re talking about their friends and their parents.
"And Malia and Sasha, it wouldn’t dawn on them that somehow their friends’ parents would be treated differently. It doesn’t make sense to them, and frankly, that’s the kind of thing that prompts a change in perspective.”
Read CNN's full coverage of President Barack Obama's stance on gay marriage
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Post by: CNN's Eliott C. McLaughlin Filed under: Barack Obama • Civil Rights • District of Columbia • Gay and lesbian • Politics • U.S. |
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good
Well, my vote will go to someone will values. Obama, sadly, has lost those.
a long time ago
and you, sadly, can't write.
bigots unite! let's overturn interracial marriage, too!
Not sure why the prez doesn't seek fed. legislation for civil unions if he so strongly believes this is important. sounds like he is pandering to his base
Seriously, what a flip flop. Clothing it in some kind of 'evolutionary' perspective is BS. Please recount for me the influences on this decision other than peer pressure.
"And Malia and Sasha, it wouldn’t dawn on them that somehow their friends’ parents would be treated differently. It doesn’t make sense to them, and frankly, that’s the kind of thing that prompts a change in perspective.”
Axelrod told him that saying this was the correct political move now.
But it's a stupid move. Most of America doesn't support it.
Ron Paul has been saying this for decades. Welcome to the bandwagon, Obama supporters.
This election is NOT about gay marriage. Do Not let Obama deviate us from the real problems. This election is about the ECONOMY. We are NOT STUPID!!! Wake up people!! He "evolved" close to the election, to get votes.
He finds a new way to divide the county every couple of weeks.
exactly.
Agreed. Leaving it up to the states to decide only will divide us further...
my thoughts on liberal "anything goes", "politically correct", "affirmative action" mentality has been evolving
the extreme left-wing liberal movement must be crushed
His bean-counters must've read some polling data that showed it was more divisive to announce this now...
Nice job, CNN. The video cuts off before he says what he supports.
This is great news! Now maybe I can live with my goat and nobody should care, what is the diference?
I'm not surprised. Obama is the most liberal president in American history.
Ever heard of Franklin D. Roosevelt? Jimmy Carter?
WOOOOOO!!! Now THAT is the President I voted for and WILL vote for again!!
@Trex; being black can not be a learned behavior.