John Kerry takes on economy - Gets an enthusiastic boost from Howard Dean

[papau]

Kerry also said re gay marriage in Mass: "I would never reduce the happiness of any two people in life who find whatever way it is that they privately believe makes them happy and fulfills their needs and rewards them as human beings. I've been to a commitment ceremony when it was a commitment ceremony. Would I respect my daughter or my stepson or anyone who came to me and said, 'This is who I am'? Of course I would. I'd love them."



http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/05/18/kerry.economy.ap/index.html

John Kerry takes on economy
Gets an enthusiastic boost from Howard Dean
Tuesday, May 18, 2004 Posted: 11:12 AM EDT (1512 GMT)

PORTLAND, Oregon (AP) -- Democrat John Kerry is turning his attention to bedrock economic issues after getting a rousing boost from former rival Howard Dean.

Kerry was holding a round-table "conversation" on the economy Tuesday, then courting women business leaders as he targeted a state that went narrowly Democratic in the last election.<snip>

"He served his country with patriotism and valor and stood up for what's right," said Dean. "I want somebody who understands right from wrong."

Dean said he was confident that as commander in chief Kerry would send troops into harm's way only after "telling the truth to the American people about why they're going."<snip>

[CTLawGuy]

1. what does this mean?

"Kerry also said re gay marriage in Mass: "I would never reduce the happiness of any two people in life who find whatever way it is that they privately believe makes them happy and fulfills their needs and rewards them as human beings. I've been to a commitment ceremony when it was a commitment ceremony. Would I respect my daughter or my stepson or anyone who came to me and said, 'This is who I am'? Of course I would. I'd love them.""

Does that mean he has finally ruled out supporting a ban on gay marriage in MA?

[JI7]

2. John Kerry has attended same sex weddings

kerry has already attended same sex weddings before so i know he really supports it.

nice to see him campaign with dean 2 days in a row.

[papau]

3. Kerry wants "State rights" on this and favors civil unions - but has

no personal problem with gay marriage.

He does see the word "marriage" as a hot button to many that does - and need not - get in the way of equal rights for everyone (granted civil union action at the federal level is required that would not be required if the word "marriage" is used)