# Obama supports same sex marriage **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [May 9, 2012, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415 "2012-05-09T19:16:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Palo\_Verde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/65b543/32.png) [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/1 "2012-05-09T19:16:02Z")
So in the last few days both Joe Biden and President Obama have come out (tee hee) in favor of same-sex marriage. > **[Obama announces he supports same-sex marriage | CNN Politics](https://www.cnn.com/2012/05/09/politics/obama-same-sex-marriage/index.html)** > > President Barack Obama, said Wednesday that he supports same-sex marriage, raising the political stakes on an issue dividing Americans. Will this have an effect on the national dialog on the issue? Will it affect the election in November? ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/2 "2012-05-09T19:19:15Z")
It’ll be encouraging to his donors and supporters, which does affect the election. The final outcome of this debate was determined quite a while ago because younger people are so much more supportive of gay rights, but with luck this does move things forward a bit regardless of how much pushing it took for Obama to get there. ---
**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/3 "2012-05-09T19:19:16Z")
I’d like to thank Joe Biden for putting Obama in a position where he is forced to publicly state this. Thanks, Joe. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/4 "2012-05-09T19:24:36Z")
This is terrific news. Any bets on how Romney reacts? ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/5 "2012-05-09T19:27:27Z")
I’m very impressed. ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/6 "2012-05-09T19:31:43Z")
I don’t think it will have a major effect on the election, as I don’t see it being a vertical issue on which most folks will base their vote on, but it should have some positive effect on some liberals who are seemingly disheartened that Obama hasn’t been all they thought he should be (I’m sure that there will be some lefty grumbling that Obama hasn’t done enough anyway, or that this is all a ruse to reinvigorate the base or something). I still think the election will hinge on the economy and what’s happening on the core economic and employment issues during the final stretch, but I don’t see this hurting Obama in any way by, er, coming out so to speak. 😛 As for the national dialogue I’d say that it will again be a positive thing. On a personal note, I’m really really glad he did it, but I’m not surprised. I think he really was weighing the issues and thinking about how he really feels about it wrt his own religious beliefs, as well as the political ramifications and impacts it might have, but in the end I think he made the right call and saw the unfairness and decided that now was the time to take a firm stand. -XT ---
**Author:** ![Renee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/renee/32/287_2.png) [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/7 "2012-05-09T19:32:21Z")
Yay! This just makes me happy. I think this will also build enthusiasm with young voters, which Obama is going to need this November. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/8 "2012-05-09T19:35:22Z")
I think I’ll send Obama (for America) my thank you in cash. ---
**Author:** ![storyteller0910](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@storyteller0910](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/storyteller0910)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/9 "2012-05-09T19:36:47Z")
> [@Happy\_Lendervedder](#): > > I think I’ll send Obama (for America) my thank you in cash. The same. My detailed, great debates-style analysis of this? _Fuck yeah!_ ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/10 "2012-05-09T19:40:07Z")
I’m going to see him tomorrow in Seattle and will thank him. I agree, not a big issue for the election, I think most people generally thought he was quietly holding this view before now, so whichever side of the issue you’re on, not a big change. But, it is important for him to finally say it out loud. ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/11 "2012-05-09T19:44:55Z")
What’s the advantage of saying it now rather than after the election? Sure, go on record as being in favor of gay marriage because it’s the right decision and because he must want to be known as the first president to be in favor of gay marriage. But saying it before the election seems to have only downsides and no upsides. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/12 "2012-05-09T19:48:50Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#): > > What’s the advantage of saying it now rather than after the election? > > Sure, go on record as being in favor of gay marriage because it’s the right decision and because he must want to be known as the first president to be in favor of gay marriage. But saying it before the election seems to have only downsides and no upsides. Disagree that there is no upside (or that there will be significant downside). . Look at what readers are saying at Andrew Sullivan’s [blog](http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2012/05/obama-evolves-your-thoughts.html): > [@](#): > > I am not gay but this issue is important to me and many of my friends. This was one of several issues that had convinced me that Obama was a political coward and kept me from donating time or money to his campaign. I am happy to be proven wrong. I just sent the Obama team $15 with a note explaining why. Everyone who cares about civil rights should donate something NOW. Let’s show the President that we will have his back when he does the right thing. ---
**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/13 "2012-05-09T19:50:12Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > I’m going to see him tomorrow in Seattle and will thank him. I agree, not a big issue for the election, **I think most people generally thought he was quietly holding this view before now** , so whichever side of the issue you’re on, not a big change. But, it is important for him to finally say it out loud. Bold mine. Then put me in the camp that doesn’t think he held this view, but rather, agrees for one that: > [@XT](#): > > …I think he really was weighing the issues and thinking about how he really feels about it wrt his own religious beliefs, as well as the political ramifications and impacts it might have… I think that it’s very likely he held the same view as a majority of African-Americans, and personally was troubled by same sex marriage. Trying to not be cynical, but it think it’s very possibly that his “reveleation” was forced. Still the end result is the same; it’s a good outcome. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/14 "2012-05-09T19:55:45Z")
> [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](#): > > This is terrific news. Any bets on how Romney reacts? How is this even bet material ? Obama’s for it. Romney must be against it to secure them votes. Thanks to the Tea Party, Obama could sponsor a cure for cancer linked with infinitely renewable costless eneregy, and the GOP would still vote against. Because free energy is socialism and cancer is the Will of God. ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/15 "2012-05-09T19:56:38Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > Disagree that there is no upside (or that there will be significant downside). . > > Look at what readers are saying at Andrew Sullivan’s [blog](http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2012/05/obama-evolves-your-thoughts.html): I do admit that the type of republicans who hang out at a gay, anti-war on drugs Briton’s blog could be swayed. It’s the swing voters in swing states who matter most. I don’t think most of them look kindly on gay marriage. ---
**Author:** ![diggerwam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/919ad9/32.png) [@diggerwam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/diggerwam)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/16 "2012-05-09T19:57:30Z")
I applaud him doing this. I think part of the reasoning is to sucker righties into making some vile statements. Let the fun begin ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Panda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ee7513/32.png) [@Darth\_Panda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Panda)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/17 "2012-05-09T19:58:19Z")
Romney could try to one up him and come out in favor of mandatory same sex marriage. eta: But seriously, good for Obama - I’m glad to see him do this, although I would have preferred he did so before the vote here in NC and even campaigned a little, but c’est la vie. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/18 "2012-05-09T19:58:35Z")
So Biden’s statement wasn’t a “gaffe,” after all, eh? ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/19 "2012-05-09T20:00:04Z")
This is good news indeed. But my question is: Does this really mean anything legislative wise? ---
**Author:** ![PandaBear77](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@PandaBear77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PandaBear77)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415/20 "2012-05-09T20:02:35Z")
I for one am SHOCKED! Just shocked! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/621415.md?page=2)