Brian Williams Asks Obama About Gay Marriage

[Hissyspit]

Run time: 00:43 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEv564FkpsA   Posted on YouTube: June 04, 2009 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: June 04, 2009 By DU Member: Hissyspit Views on DU: 4129

 
NBC News' Brian Williams asks President Obama about gay marriage - 06/03/09.

WILLIAMS: "Do gay and lesbian couples who wish to marry in this country have a friend in The White House?"

OBAMA: "I think that gays and lesbians have a friend in The White House because I've consistently committed myself to civil unions making sure they have the ability to visit each other in hospitals, that they are able to access benefits, that they have a whole host of legal rights that they currently do not have. I don't think it makes sense for the federal government to get in the business of determining what marriage is. That isn't traditionally the federal government's role."

[LostinVA]

1. omfg -- Loving vs. Virginia -- thanks for nothing

[the intelligent gay]

17. oh please

[LostinVA]

28. "Oh please" what?

Being dismissive of my post without backing that up is nothing but obnoxious.

[babylonsister]

2. Williams should have brought up DADT. I wonder why he didn't, considering

the emphasis on the military.

[Toasterlad]

3. With Friends Like These....

[the intelligent gay]

18. oh please #2

[Toasterlad]

24. Yes, That's a Very Intelligent Response.

Enjoy your short stay, troll.

[the intelligent gay]

27. read my post at the end of this thread

Thank you. I will accept your apology for your "troll" comment.

Troglodite.

[LostinVA]

29. The avatar is a nice touch, too

[Starry Messenger]

4. That's pretty lacking in the fierce.

At least he didn't bring up God this time.

[Thrill]

5. Whats wrong with his comments?

He seemed pretty sincere. Whats wrong with this being an issue for the states?

[JI7]

6. because civil rights shouldn't be something that should be up for a vote

as for Obama i don't think he is really opposed to gay marriage. but says he is for political reasons. same reason clinton signed DOMA.

but Obama isn't doing anything to stop marriage from happening.

williams should have asked him about DADT though.

[Thrill]

7. We know the answer to DADT

He supports repealing it. People should just put pressure on Congress to pass it. And the guy will sign it. Its simple. The question people should be asking is why hasn't the Progressive Caucus brought legislation to the floor. Why hasn't Pelosi scheduled the issue for debate? This is one of those. I want to do it. Make me.

[keopeli]

11. !!! CONGRESS must throw out DODT. Not Obama. He just signs it. You're exactly right! n/t

[jhrobbins]

16. COuldn't have said it better-in fact, I'm gonna start using it. "I want to do it. Make me".

[Toasterlad]

23. Of All the Lame-Ass, Obamabot Talking Points, This One Is My Favorite.

"I want to do it. Make me."

MAKE ME?

The man campaigned on CHANGE. He campaigned as a FIERCE ADVOCATE for the gay community. At NO POINT during the campaign did he EVER say, "If you elect me, I will ignore all your concerns until you scream and yell loud enough for me to make you a priority."

Stop telling me what Congress is supposed to do, and tell me what Obama IS doing. What kind of pressure is HE putting on Congress? How strongly is HE fighting for this legislation? His voice is much more powerful than a thousand of ours. WHEN is he going to speak out on the gains in Iowa, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire? When is he going to denounce Prop 8 from the Oval Office? When is he going to sign an executive order suspending investigations and discharges of gay personnel?

Stop finding ways to excuse cowardice.

[Bluenorthwest]

35. A lack of leadership has been the problem all along

Which is why candidate Obama promised:"... I believe that we can achieve the goal of full equality for the millions of LGBT people in this country. To do that, we need leadership that can appeal to the best parts of the human spirit. Join with me, and I will provide that leadership. Together, we will achieve real equality for all Americans, gay and straight alike."

I will provide that leadership, he said, if we joined with him, which we did. Who is more able to lead or pressure the Congress, the President of the United States, or citizens? I love the line "people should just put pressure on Congress. Its simple." As if that worked for the Peace activists or the non profit health care activists or the prosecution advocates, the list goes on. Simple. Just pressure Congress! Blimey, why has no one thought of that before?

[the intelligent gay]

19. THANK YOU!

[Toasterlad]

25. I Don't Know. What Was Wrong With Slavery Being an Issue For the States?

[Rhythm]

56. Because many of the rights denied to same-sex couples

are FEDERAL matters -- like SS survivor benefits for spouses, marriage status on fed tax forms, or sponsorship of a foreign partner for US citizenship -- not matters of the individual states.

And besides, since we are all US citizens, it should not matter in which little piece of the puzzle you live when it comes to civil rights... otherwise, for the GLBT community, we're still living in the era of Jim Crow laws.

[tomm2thumbs]

9. 'not the Federal government's role?' great - throw out DOMA then - immediately

oh wait, that's Federal government's role. I forgot.

[the intelligent gay]

20. oh please #3

[LostinVA]

30. You really need to STFU with your spamming -- it's against DU rules

[tomm2thumbs]

8. Uh, okay, that was remarkably uncomfortable...

Either this guy was lying through his teeth, or he really gives a damn but won't express it in a way that is genuine.

Let's see... genuine or lying. Hmmm... I can't decide.

[earcandle]

10. go paradoxical, not postal! Face it, all things are true and false at the same time.

depending on where you are standing, we all have a pov....

Live with it, then build relationships, because after all, all
things exist to the extent they are relative.

Uh...Cheney has a gay daughter, Obama has no gay daughter,
YET.  

maybe Cheney simply relates, cause he loves his daughter? (a
new mom?)
Or is it that republican fair play only kicks in when it
affects them directly.

Now I am NOT a Cheney fan by any means.
Paradoxical, for me, for sure. 

Not fair that 18,000 get to stay married and the rest cannot.
that is half ass bullshit law and the senators and reps know
it.

they are waiting for us to notice. Will we? 

Or will the rest of the gay pop. walk out of California to
better states that are more fair and constitutional?
Why would a president divide the nation this way?  Strategy, I
guess. 

[zipplewrath]

22. He's always been uncomfortable

I have to say, I can't claim surprise on his lack of any action on any of these issues. From the first time these issues came up on the campaign trail, I was struck more by his lack of comfort on just speaking about them than any specific position. It even struck me in his book, that his whole tone changes when the topic comes up. There's a tangible insincerity when speaking or writing on the topic. He even seems to have trouble choosing his words. He can't seem to ever decide whether to use gay, homosexusl, LGBT or any of the other references to the larger topic. He always stumbles badly when speaking on the topic, which is strange considering that he has very little to say and he's said it probably hundreds of times at this point. One would think he'd have it down cold. It's one of the things that bothered me so much about the whole Warren fiasco. It just struck one as a case of him finding someone else with whom he had an affinity.

[RufusH]

36. That's a perfect description.

His discomfort on the subject of GLBT rights in general is odd.

[DURHAM D]

12. I absolutely hate this bull shit line of his.

"make sure they have the ability to visit each other in hospitals"

Someone tell Mr.IDon'tGetIt that we can already visit each other in the hospital. "Visiting" is not the problem.

[the intelligent gay]

21. OH PLEASE!!!! #4

[LostinVA]

31. Spamming is against DU rules, you are spamming

[RufusH]

57. Agreed. It's condescending and clueless really.

[defendandprotect]

13. Don't we have fed legislation which says marriage is male/female???

[trthnd4jstc]

14. Pres. Obama says that Gays and Lesbians have a friend in the White House. And he supports all the

rights acquired through a Civil Union, my questions to Obama, what about a bi-sexual threesome, any combination, or a marriage between a horse and a dog. Who knows? Har, Har.

Anyway, I wonder if Obama plays Tennis. On another note, what position does President Obama usually play, when he plays basketball? And does he have any good break-away moves?

[orleans]

15. why not just come right out and say what you really mean?

i doubt you really care about marriage between dogs and horses. unless you are a dog. or a horse's...

[trthnd4jstc]

74. I am Both!

[the intelligent gay]

26. response from a GAY!

I am truly and utterly sick of people attacking the President. WHEN has Obama EVER said he supports same-sex MARRIAGE?
He is a religious man, and he is heterosexual. I am a non-religious man, and I am gay. He has his perception of life, I have my perception of life. President Obama does not understand all the plights and concerns of the lgbt community anymore than I understand all the plights and concerns of the heterosexual community. For anyone to assume otherwise is ridiculous.

President Obama IS a friend to gays, and until he introduces an amendment to the constitution calling for marriage to be declared legal only between a man and woman, he has my FULL support. That's correct this GAY man supports our STRAIGHT President!

Since Obama has become POTUS, 5 states have adopted marriage equality. Does anyone REALLY think this could have been possible under bushco? If you believe this, you are a fool.

As for "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," President Obama's addressed this in his official declaration of gay pride month (something bushco NEVER found it necessary to do this btw, and in fact, bushco promoted hostility towards gay pride):

ending the existing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security

I believe dadt WILL be overturned. I trust the President. I'd also like to point out that the ban on gays in the military did NOT begin with dadt. It seems some are trying to make that so, like it is some NEW heterosexist paradigm created in the last 5 months because Obama hates gay people. This is a centuries old prejudice.

I have said OH PLEASE to many posts in this topic because your rants are neither helpful or original. Discourse relies on the exchange of well-thought out ideas. Stop parroting the squawking of holier-than thou "progressives" set on making lgbt people a victimized minority. I am NOT a victim, and I am able to see that there is more to the world than homogenization and incorporation of heteronormativity.
Don't use ME to alleviate YOUR guilt and angst! If you want to get up in arms about something, why don't you push President Obama to begin to work with American Indian nations on issues of sovereignty. THAT is a true civil right!

Thank you, and Happy Pride.

[LostinVA]

32. Oh PLEASE 44-6!!!?????%&%$##

Nice avatar.

:eyes:

[Toasterlad]

33. This Is the Worst Trolling I Have Ever Seen.

You're not gay. You're not intelligent. You're a troll. Get lost.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

42. +1

[Clintonista2]

63. LOL

[BigD_95]

34. very well said

and after Obama gets reelected I think you will see him stand up even more for Gay Rights.

People have to remember that he is still a politician and needs to run again for President. Im sure he feels if he can do more good by staying President then to try and do everything every Progressive wants him to do.

Not to mention he is President of all the people. He needs to look at all sides.

If a civil union is a common ground for now then whats wrong with that. As the country continues to change and more young people get older and the older people set in their ways die off then gays could just be recognized as married.

[Bluenorthwest]

37. Obama's parents marriage (such as it was) would have been illegal

if not for the case Loving vs VA. Here is what Mildred Loving said:

"Surrounded as I am now by wonderful children and grandchildren, not a day goes by that I don't think of Richard and our love, our right to marry, and how much it meant to me to have that freedom to marry the person precious to me, even if others thought he was the "wrong kind of person" for me to marry. I believe all Americans, no matter their race, no matter their sex, no matter their sexual orientation, should have that same freedom to marry. Government has no business imposing some people's religious beliefs over others. Especially if it denies people's civil rights.
I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard's and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That's what Loving, and loving, are all about."

[RufusH]

39. So, older gays should wait for older people to die off before they have the same rights?

Yeah, that makes sense.

[BigD_95]

59. what has to make sense?

Im just speaking the truth. Things take time. Do you think Blacks got equal rights over night? Its a process that happens over a course of time and sorry but you just have to deal with it.

I want Obama as our President and they do polling in America and realize at this time in our country, civil unions are acceptable. Its a good solution until people become more educated and understanding.

I rather have him do that then make major changes that the American people reject and get stuck with some right wing religious wacko in 4 years.

Im sick and tired of people complaining because Obama cant wave a magic wand and cure all problems this second.

[RufusH]

61. Do you think gays popped up from nowhere? We've been around since this country was founded

And still don't have equal rights. How dare you tell me, a second class citizen, that I should have to "deal with" waiting for the rights that YOU already have and have had since you were born.

No, I do NOT have to DEAL WITH IT. Fuck civil unions. They are acceptable to YOU and to Obama, but they are not acceptable to me. They do NOT give me ANY of the 1000+ federal benefits and rights that YOU get.

Takes a hell of a lot of nerve to talk to someone the way you just did.

[BigD_95]

66. I think your reading what I said wrong

Im not saying I agree with civil unions as the best way to go or that Im against gay marriage.

Thats not my point. Im saying that its the reality of the situation weather you like it or not.

I believe the fight should continue and you should be active in changing the system.

My problem is dont go bashing Obama like he is some bad guy because he wont put his neck on the line at this time. Gay rights arent the only issue on the table. Him staying in office for 8 years to do great good for this country is more important. There are people without healthcare, living on the street, no jobs, staving, dying in a unjust war...etc.

So Im not going to bad mouth this President over his comments about civil unions when that's what the American people are ready for at this time. Yea keep fighting until gays get the same rights...Im all for it.


You said " We've been around since this country was founded"

Well, how do you think your life as a gay person is compared to a gay persons life back when the country was founded? How is your life compared to a gay persons life 30 years ago? 20 years ago?

Im sorry but don't come at me with this!

Things take time. Im not saying its right. Its just the reality. And that's what I mean by deal with it. You have it a hell of a lot better then gays in the past and with the continued fight there will be a time when everyone is truly equal with the same rights.

[RufusH]

68. Obama should put his "neck on the line" because he claimed to be a "FIERCE ADVOCATE" for us

There are GLBT's without jobs who have partners who cannot get them health insurance, because their employers do not have domestic partner insurance. Even the ones who ARE lucky enough to have employers who offer domestic partner benefits, often find the TAXES that are imposed on them that are NOT imposed on straight married people are so prohibitive that they cannot afford it anyway.

GLBTers without healthcare are JUST as important as anyone else without healthcare. GLBT Americans have LESS access to healthcare because of DOMA than straight Americans.

I said that we've been around since the country was founded because of your flippant "Deal with it" comment related to "Blacks" getting "equal rights over night." Don't pretend that you weren't being obnoxiously rude to me.

Blacks who were free from slavery but had to live segregated from whites and not allowed to vote had a better time of it than their ancestors. It didn't make it OK to take too long to get them their rights.

No amount of something being better than something worse makes something bad ok. Rape is not as bad as murder, so instead of ever prosecuting rapists, we should just put all our resources to prosecuting murderers. Eventually, we'll get around to bringing justice to rapists. Even if it's not for generations and the victims of rape grow old and die and more people get raped, that's ok, because we'll be dealing with the worse problem of murder.

How is YOUR life compared to a person's life when this country was founded? What an incredibly insulting and disingenuous argument. Just because anyone's life is better, does NOT mean that we should wait even ONE MINUTE for equal rights.

[BigD_95]

75. neck on the line" because he claimed to be a "FIERCE ADVOCATE"

When did he ever say he was for anything more then civil unions?


This argument grows old because your not getting the point I was trying to make.

For the last time.

I agree with you about gay rights!

Let me repeat.

I agree with you about gay rights!

My problem is with you and others bashing Obama.

When I said "deal with it" I was talking about the reality of the situation. I was referring to Obama. The fact that he is President and he has to do and say things that are political smart in order to remain President.

Deal with the fact that Obama cant come out and be for gay marriage at this time in our country's history. It would be political suicide.

Im not saying deal with the way things are as a gay person. Or deal with civil unions. I believe you should have the same rights as me or anyone else to say or get married.



As far as all the rights your talking about with healthcare and taxes...etc that would be taken care of under a Civil Union. From what I understand. Again, I believe you should continue to fight for Marriage and I will be with you.

As far as you going into rape in murder is just silly and doesn't make sense.

My point about you having it better now then in the past is that Im trying to show you that these things take time. Im not saying its right. Im saying its reality. For some reason you cant get this and just think Im some bad person for speaking the truth to you.

I apologize if I came across rude to you or hurt your feelings. That wasn't my intent. Im sorry. I don't know what its like to not have those rights that are there for me. Im on your side on this....I was just trying to defend the President that I really like a lot.

Im sorry

[RufusH]

77. Being a FIERCE ADVOCATE would mean he would have SOME opinion on all the advances in New England

states that have been made. But he's said nothing at all. He has not mentioned how he is going to get us FEDERAL benefits and rights that we do not have now. Instead he keeps parroting "It should be left to the states."

Leaving our rights to the states is NOT being a fierce advocate for ANYTHING, civil unions, marriage, ANYTHING.

I don't care if YOU agree with me about gay marriage. I care about OBAMA being an advocate for our EQUALITY. I don't need him to "come out for gay marriage"... I need him to do what he said he would do and make ANY move right now in the direction of our EQUALITY.

And you do NOT understand civil unions if you think they give us anything. Ask anyone with a civil union how many of those 1,000+ federal benefits they get. The answer: ZERO

You didn't "hurt my feelings", you just pissed me off. Telling someone that them having no rights is "just the way it is" is insulting, no matter how you think you mean it.

[BigD_95]

78. I reread what I wrote in those first post

and I was wrong. I didnt mean it like that. Thats no what I was trying to say.

I man enough to admit when Im wrong.

[RufusH]

79. Thank you.

I do appreciate that you support gay rights.

[Toasterlad]

72. "You have it a hell of a lot better then gays in the past"

And you have it a hell of a lot better than ME, you privledged asswipe. If I had one wish right now, I'd have you trade places with Matthew Sheppard. He deserves your rights a hell of a lot more than you do.

[BigD_95]

76. please read post 75

[midnight]

73. BigD they have waited long enough. In fact I cannot believe

our courts have not stopped this discrimination.

[Mari333]

44. hah so you admit hes in it for the votes

and not interested in equality for american citizens.
that means he loses MY vote.

[BigD_95]

60. are you for real?

How the hell do you get elected if you dont get votes?

Go ahead and vote for the next Republican religious wacko and see how much that helps you.

Obama is for things that he knows politically he cant just come out and say. Or did you forget that this is about politics?



"so you admit hes in it for the votes"

No Shit!!

[Mari333]

64. oh , i see..bush lite is better then bush

lovely way to frame it. no, he wont get progressive votes if hes a corporate politician. and if a repub gets in when people vote third party, or dont vote at all, maybe he will see that the constitution and bill of rights come before winning an election.

[BigD_95]

67. ok, then the alarm clock goes off

time to wake up.

There is no magical President out there. And if someone did run they would get 5 % of the vote. Its like people dont want to face reality or something. Obama seems to be a great man and becoming a great President. But there is still a system and he has to play in it. Like I said b4. You dont get to be President without getting votes.

[RufusH]

38. Anyone can claim to be "a GAY." Gay people I know DO consider equal marriage a civil rights issue.

Saying that sovereignty of American Indian nations is "a true civil right" makes it clear that you don't consider equal rights for gays to be true civil rights.

Obama had NOTHING to do with the states that have equal marriage (which is not equal anyway until it's equal at the federal level).

You speak of progressives as if they are a bad thing. That's telling.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

40. You should see if you can change your username

It's really not appropriate.

[LostinVA]

41. 44-6

[the intelligent gay]

46. no, don't think I will

but thanks for caring

[LostinVA]

47. She only cares about your lack of CONCERN for equal civil rights

What do you think about Liberty University canning their Democratic Club?

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

50. EST!!!!

See my post.

[LostinVA]

51. hahahaha

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

49. No problem, I am a deeply caring person

I just don't like false advertising. You are clearly neither gay or intelligent.

Anyway, enjoy your summer break from Liberty Baptist, pookie.

I'll pray for you.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

71. Yes, we heterosexuals have such plights and concerns.

Those damn 1,400-odd legal rights via marriage are such a burden. :eyes:

[Mari333]

43. Obama is wishy washy with these answers and it shows me

that he will just push aside any issue with vague answers to keep himself from committing. states not fed govt? PUHLEASE! when black people couldnt vote we sent the National Guard down to make sure they could. this is also a civil rights issue.
Obama is straight AND more and more a politician. thats about it. he doesnt want to step on toes (votes).
well, he will be losing mine and many many other dems if he doesnt step his ass up to the plate.

[the intelligent gay]

45. NOT a troll, NOT a spammer--100% homosexual

...and I should not have posted the "oh please" responses, that WAS juvenile.
I will henceforth refrain from posting knee-jerk reactions.
I admit I get VERY emotional when people attack President Obama, who I consider to be an honorable man and a strong ally to lgbt Americans.

[LostinVA]

48. Well, you DID spam, and I'm so glad you're a "homosexual"

:rofl:

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

53. But he's not a "homosexual male divorcee"

We only have one of those, and we lurve the homosexual male divorcee.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

52. LOL

Do you mind if I steal that subject line to add to my sigline? Because it makes me laugh so hard.

[Toasterlad]

54. I Hope You're Just Doing This For Free, and You're Not on Someone's Payroll.

If you're getting paid, someone is getting SERIOUSLY ripped off. 'Cause you're LOUSY at this.

[RufusH]

55. Can you please explain HOW you think he is a strong ally to LGBT Americans?

[jhrobbins]

58. You are probably gonna regret stumbling into here because if you aren't in lock

step with certain ideologies, you get called names or they tell you to shut up, kinda like Bill O'Reilly does. You are going to find that real debate is not particularly welcomed here.

[RufusH]

62. This place seems just chock full of people who don't care about equality.

It really sucks.

[Mari333]

65. DU has lots of homophobes

pretending to be oh so egalitarian. anytime a thread comes up about gay marriage, they seem to skulk out from under their rocks .

[RufusH]

69. I don't understand it, I really don't. Any democrat should fight for equality. Period.

[DURHAM D]

70. At least 1/3 of the posters at DU are not Democrats.

Or liberal, or progressive. A great many are independents/false progressives/uncommitted and new to paying attention to how the world works.