
It wasn't savvy, dude; Biden and the resulting press/donor criticism of Obama's ridiculous "evolving views" forced his hand. It may end up being a net positive politically, but that's certainly not clear and this wasn't a proactive announcement on the President's part to put Romney on the spot.

"My nation is the world, and my religion is to do good." --Thomas Paine
"The subject of onanism is inexhaustable." --Sigmund Freud

I'm going to pretend I have HC on ignore so I can claim that I didn't see his post scooping my prior argument, rather than admit that I spent too much time fiddling with my wording and consequently posted something with no value-added.

Meh. I'm not convinced Biden had that much to do with it. Polling in favor of gay marriage just tipped over the 50% mark in the past few months; now that it has public support, and he has a clear-cut opponent, it seems like as good a time as any to state his true position.
"My nation is the world, and my religion is to do good." --Thomas Paine
"The subject of onanism is inexhaustable." --Sigmund Freud

"Flutie was better than Kelly, Elway, Esiason and Cunningham." - Ben Kenobi
"I have nothing against Wilson, but he's nowhere near the same calibre of QB as Flutie. Flutie threw for 5k+ yards in the CFL." -Ben Kenobi

It seems to be the consensus view amongst the political commentariat. For example...
President Obama endorsed same-sex marriage Wednesday, capping days of frenzied speculation about his views and intensifying pressure from gay campaign donors that began with surprising comments on the issue over the weekend by Vice President Biden.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politi...WDU_story.html

"South Africa is a shithole. It used to be a decent place." -Ben Kenobi, sharing his wisdom on world history

I think the reason Obama's been hesitant to announce support for gay marriage is that black voters are overwhelmingly against it.
I come from the land of the ice and snow
From the rust belt where industry won't go


"Flutie was better than Kelly, Elway, Esiason and Cunningham." - Ben Kenobi
"I have nothing against Wilson, but he's nowhere near the same calibre of QB as Flutie. Flutie threw for 5k+ yards in the CFL." -Ben Kenobi

More of them might decide to stay home. But really all I'm saying is that that may have been the line of reasoning as to why it took him this long to say he supports it.
I come from the land of the ice and snow
From the rust belt where industry won't go

To think it might depress AA turnout is not lunacy, though.
edit: Goddammit, HC...

Nah if turnout decreases it'll only be because the Obama hype is less this time out and re-electing the first 'Black' president is not as hype-enticing as electing him the first time. I don't see gay marriage playing much of a role.
The majority of Blacks vote against their social beliefs all the time. Why would this be any different?
"Flutie was better than Kelly, Elway, Esiason and Cunningham." - Ben Kenobi
"I have nothing against Wilson, but he's nowhere near the same calibre of QB as Flutie. Flutie threw for 5k+ yards in the CFL." -Ben Kenobi

Obama clearly ordered Biden to "come out." Obama plays strategies that people don't even get long after he's won.
“As a lifelong member of the Columbia Business School community, I adhere to the principles of truth, integrity, and respect. I will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.”
"Capitalism ho!"

Yes, he's playing three-dimensional chess, etc.

Anyone see the Romney comments from today? He said he's not changing his stance and has had the same stance since... he flustered a bit here and paused... 'since I took office'.
What? Was Romney pro-gay marriage before his governorship? Why would he specifically say since he took office after a possibly significant pause?
"Flutie was better than Kelly, Elway, Esiason and Cunningham." - Ben Kenobi
"I have nothing against Wilson, but he's nowhere near the same calibre of QB as Flutie. Flutie threw for 5k+ yards in the CFL." -Ben Kenobi

“As a lifelong member of the Columbia Business School community, I adhere to the principles of truth, integrity, and respect. I will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.”
"Capitalism ho!"

I don't think that it is impossible that this was planned from the start, but there's nothing to support that.
"My nation is the world, and my religion is to do good." --Thomas Paine
"The subject of onanism is inexhaustable." --Sigmund Freud

You'd also have to believe Biden can stick to a script. Occam's Razor, people.

Yup. Romney in 1994:
"As a result of our discussions and other interactions with gay and lesbian voters across the state, I am more convinced than ever before that as we seek to establish full equality for America's gay and lesbian citizens, I will provide more effective leadership than my opponent."
So that explains Romney specifically saying 'since I took office'.
"Flutie was better than Kelly, Elway, Esiason and Cunningham." - Ben Kenobi
"I have nothing against Wilson, but he's nowhere near the same calibre of QB as Flutie. Flutie threw for 5k+ yards in the CFL." -Ben Kenobi
Bookmarks