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
|
Post by: CNN's Eliott C. McLaughlin Filed under: Barack Obama • Civil Rights • District of Columbia • Gay and lesbian • Politics • U.S. |
This blog – This Just In – will no longer be updated. Looking for the freshest news from CNN? Go to our ever-popular CNN.com homepage on your desktop or your mobile device, and join the party at @cnnbrk, the world's most-followed account for news.
I'm more proud than ever that Obama is our president. This could prove to be 'political suicide' for him but I commend his courage to speak his convictions.
2 months ago he was against it. NC bans it, now hes for it. Nice political ploy.
I am so happy for you. The reality is that your buddy will say anything to get reelected.
You're right about that. L-rd knows the backwards-thinking Americans living in the Bible Belt would use this to fodder. The conservative frame of mind: Every American has the right to and SHOULD bear arms to defend himself. No raising of taxes, even on the wealthy 1% of the population. Women should not have the right to choose to have an abortion, irregardless of her age, health status, and safety. And marriage should only be the recognized as a union between a man and a woman.
Am I leaving anything out?
Wow what a flip flopper. He said a few months ago he did not believe in gay marriage, but he did in civil unions. Then there is an uproar over North Carolina banning gay marriage, and now he is for it. When he does this, the Libs say he is just evolving. When Romney does it, the Libs screm he is flip flopping.
Bob...seriously? Romney has flip-flopped on EVERYTHING he's ever said. Obama went from saying he was "evolving" on this issue to simple deciding that he supported it.
Why are conservatives so ignorant?
Thanks, Bob. Back to the cave with you.
My thoughts exactly. If Romney had said this... flip flopping... Obama is evolving. How cute. You people worship him because he promises you something for nothing. He fills your void with garbage and you buy into it. He deserves your worshiping groveling you do at his feet.
Oh Bob, you're so silly...you mean to tell me that since birth every single thing you've said or done was NEVER changed as you became more education, learned more information, thought about your views? You are a truly miraculous person to have such a solid power to not EVER evolve in your thinking. I'd love to meet you.
Typical flip flop politician. Whatever it takes to get the votes to continue our march to socialism.
VoteRON PAUL 2012!!!!
What socialsim, what did he change? Or ele I missed something.
We get your point, I support Paul as well.... but, Socialism? Think about it. Dow at 13,000, but unemployment still high. That's some wicked Socialism you've got there.
I always get so tickled and turned around when A FREE AND EQUAL DEMOCRACY IS CALLED SOCIALISM.
Who's brainwashing you?
Woot! Obama 2012.
Yeah, I am worried too.
Yup, obama the flip flop..but then he's a resident of that Mans Country club in Chicago..go check it out..of course he's pro gay, always has been..he was lying before...but he's right on rack now...Obomination
Oh Brenda, I hope if you have someone in your life that you care for very much
you find out that wonderful person also happens to be gay. Then, perhaps you'll
realize that keeping folks down is wrong and that your judgement of them is wrong.
Because it is...
Hating others is against most religious teachings. Stop worrying about what strangers do in their bedrooms. It's none of your business. Bravo to those who support equality.
America is screwed with king obama in office.
You must not be able to read or think. He's the PRESIDENT of the largest DEMOCRACY in the world and he's
WORKING FOR EQUAL RIGHTS for YOU AND THE PEOPLE YOU ENCOUNTER EVERY DAY. Nothing 'KING'
about that...you must have meant 'KIND' – We forgive you, spelling mistakes are easy to make online.
in the eyes of the state, everyone should be able to get married. If your church does not want to marry them, then that is your decision.
Sad what you have to do to get elected. I almost believe he meant it.
He's right.
The USA doesn't look like a bunch of uncultured idiots. We can be like the cultured world not instead of the backwards one. Maybe he can tell the people in Waco, that the moon reflects light. They need educating too.
Sometimes when I forget to empty the garbage in my house, the smell reminds me of banasy.
It's called pandering for votes...too bad his administration isn't as "transparent" as his election playbook.
You are so right! This is an election year and Obama needs every vote he can get.
Obama wants your vote this November! – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4nvhAZ0vr0
Just in time for elections. How convenient. If he truly cared about the gay community this would have been addressed at the beginning of his presidency, not kept in his pocket for a rainy day while the gay community stays oppressed.