This was a very courageous decision by the President.

[kentuck]

Maybe not on the level with the decision to go after Bin Laden but a very courageous decision, nonetheless.

It was a very big political gamble for him, especially in some of those states that are up for grabs in November. He knew that the Republicans would use it to further divide this country and to appeal to the basest instincts of their base.

He came out in support of same-sex marriage because he thought it was the right thing to do. He came out in support even though he didn't have to and even though he knew that the decision would eventually have to be made at the state levels.

We do not know how history will record this? It could become a landmark decision, on the par with a Supreme Court decision, in my opinion.

[cthulu2016]

1. agree (but not entirely)

I agree 100% that it is a courageous move.

I do not agree that it was motivated by principle, however. It was supported by principle, but is a political decision.

And that fact is very significant... that it could be weighed as a political decision and analyzed to be correct as such.

Good news for everyone that we are at the point where a cautious politician could make this move.

(If Kerry had said the same in 2004 the skies would have fallen in, and that was only 8 years ago)

[bigtree]

2. I recall that Johnson's decision to embrace civil rights was mostly political

. . . politically driven by both events and activism.

We correctly attribute the sea change that followed his public support to his bold efforts, though.

[cthulu2016]

3. Yes, it takes boldness

to capitalize on opportunity. Even if the stars are aligned right it still requires the boldness to do it.

[Erose999]

4. He could have made this announcement earlier in the week, when the issue was in contention in NC.