President Obama is getting pressure from his own party and gay rights groups to declare his support for gay marriage and to make marriage equality part of the party’s platform. Technically the administration has until June to get the 180 members of its platform committee in place.
But party politics may force President Obama to take a stand in favor of gay marriage before then as he goes after votes and money from gay rights supporters. He is scheduled to attend a fundraiser in Florida with gay rights advocates today. In the past the president has stated that he does not support same-sex marriage but more recently has said his views on the subject “are evolving.”
Can he ask this constituency for financial support without coming out for gay marriage? If he does endorse gay marriage, will a sudden change in his position be seen as politically expedient or simply smart politics?
GUESTS
Ed Espinoza, Democratic political and public relations consultant
Michael Cole-Schwartz, Communications Director, Human Rights Campaign