Obama could face election-year jam on gay marriage

[William769]

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — President Barack Obama could be caught in an election-year bind on gay marriage, wedged between the pressure of supporters who want him to back same-sex marriage and the political perils of igniting an explosive social issue in the midst of the campaign.

Interviews with gay rights advocates and people close to Obama's campaign suggest it is no longer a matter of if, but when the president publicly voices his support. But Obama backers are split over whether that will happen before the November elections.

Gay marriage is already a big issue in a handful of states where it is on the ballot in November, including Maine, where Obama was headlining two fundraisers Friday. He was not expected to wade into the issue during his remarks.

The president also was headlining fundraisers Friday in Vermont, one of six states, plus the District of Columbia, where gay marriage is legal.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gw9KlnxCevCTW7u_m2wF7U-5P6kQ?docId=0ae697bf5983494198267e58e319c534

It will be a sad day in America and in the Democratic party if the only reason the President does not come out for this before the election is political. EQUAL RIGHTS & EQUALITY IS NOT POLITICAL!

[msongs]

1. easy out - leave it up to the states. yet he wants your vote and more, your $$ nt

[MNBrewer]

2. "States Rights" is an easy out?

For a mixed-race President? STATES RIGHTS? REALLY?

[Creideiki]

3. I'm a federal government employee in Colorado

If the state votes to approve same-sex marriages, I still won't be able to cover my partner. Leave it up to the states?

Oh, and I'm in a valuable swing state. My vote is pretty much assured. However, I have been active in my local party and have told them I won't donate time to help elect random conservatives who just happen like to put "D"s behind their names.

[Fearless]

4. Is his job to uphold the Constitution or get reelected?

Of course he could have both, there's no denying it. But, why exactly are people making marriage equality into a wedge issue? It's a basic human right. All men are to be created equal right?

So just do the right thing. And you'll have our support.

[fightforfreedom123]

5. He will back Gay Marriage before November

Chill.

He has done alot for us.

Obama 2012

[Bluenorthwest]

6. Right now he opposes it, and that picks our pockets and harms our families...

so to say 'chill' is just disgustingly crass and calloused. As of now, he says God opposes my rights, that's why he also does. He uses the name of God to oppose us. And anyone who hears that crap without shouting against it is on the wrong side of history. You say 'chill' when you should instead chide he who is in the wrong, for he is wrong. You all should laugh in his face. Yet you say 'chill'. Yeah.

[racaulk]

7. He will? How do you know that for sure?

Since you can see the future, would you mind giving me some winning lottery numbers?