Obama has finally broken his silence, and has revealed his support for the issue of same sex marriage, and which is why he is now touted as America’s “first gay President”.
In speaking at a White House reception in honor of Gay Pride month, he said, “After decades of inaction and indifference, you have every reason and right to push loudly and forcefully for equality. But three years ago I promised you this, I said that even if it took more time that I would like, we would see progress, we would see success, we would see real and lasting change, and together that’s what we’re witnessing.”
While only a few months ago, the gay community was beginning to feel frustration, they were touched by his description of how he changed his mind about allowing gay marriage in the United States – and which is a journey that many Americans have experienced as well.
A recent CNN/ ORC International Poll reveals that almost 54% of Americans are in favor of gay and lesbian marriage with 42% opposed against it, and one can probably attribute the numbers in favor to the fact that almost 60% of Americans have a friend or a family member who is gay.
Since this is reelection year, it seems as if his decision has paid, not only because he has received funds in the amount of $8 million for his campaign but he can count on their support in the upcoming election in November 2012.
Romney, on the other hand, is still not open to the idea of same-sex marriage and will continue to do so, in order to obtain the support he needs from the Republican base in the elections.