It's long past time for Obama and Clinton to abandon the "civil unions" canard [View All]

[ruggerson]

Americans respect politicians who make decisions. Ronald Reagan was elected President two times, even though more than 70% of the nation disagreed with him on abortion.

Why?

Because the public respected that he took what he framed as a principled stand on a divisive issue, and explained it, without hedging, in language people could understand.

This fence straddling that Democrats do (or the vast majority of them anyway) in repeating the mantra that they don't support same sex marriage but they do support civil unions with all the rights and responsibilities of marriage, is as phony as a three dollar bill and plays into the very worst stereotypes of Democrats: when the going gets tough, they DON'T TAKE A STAND.

And the public sees right through it. Many people think that a lot of Democrats are lying through their teeth and DO support same sex marriage, but are politically afraid to do so.

A Democrat can reframe this issue with great ease: "I understand and appreciate that good people can and will disagree with me on this particular issue, but I believe firmly in the principle that every man and woman is equal before the law in our country. Violating that principle undermines all of us. To me, we are a nation living up to its promise under the constitution whenever we support American's rights to be treated as equals amongst fellow citizens. It may or may not be a popular stand, but it's the right and proper stand and I hope and trust that people of good will can respect the strong passions that this issue may stir."

The polls show a shift every year in favor of same sex marriage. Favoring same sex marriage is far more popular than banning abortion was, back when Republicans were routinely getting elected President taking a firm stance in favor of banning abortion.

Voters respect honesty and taking a decisive stand on controversial issues. They do not respect politicians who try to have it both ways.

Come down off the fence, Senator Obama and other Democrats. The grass is greener over here. And you'll feel a lot better about yourselves because you'll be telling the truth.