MARKRODKEY on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 9:36:50 AM
I believe that the endorsement for gay marriage was a bold move that could have cost him a bunch of votes but he put out his risk and did what he did and made many people happy and many people mad. I think that eventually this issue of gay marriage will eventually make its way into the constitution one way or another. Socially I think that many gays are happy about this and will vote for the president again but he may lose more votes for non gays.
SARAHNELLI on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 1:34:01 PM
I feel that President Obama's endorsement of gay marriage will impact our country because no other President supported this. No president has ever been quite so reliant on contributions from gay donors or so publicly courted them. I think that by Obama saying this lost him votes to people that don't support gay marriage but also gained him many votes of those who do support this and who are homosexual. Socially, I believe that many homosexuals are happy about this because before this no one has said anything about gay marriages and it is finally being recognized.
EMILYBRAUN on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 4:11:36 PM
I think that President Obama's declaration has made a social impact. It brought up a lot of controversy, and introduced the topic to many new people. However, he personally hasn’t set anything up to do something about it. He certainly gave his opinion on what he believes about gay marriage, but is that enough? No laws have been changed, and until he does something to change those laws, he might as well be against same-sex marriage.
MICHAELMOENTMANN on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 4:12:50 PM
I think that Obama's endorsement of gay marriage was a political move intended to keep liberal votes in the upcoming election. I don't think he did this because he had a sudden change of heart, but because he felt that it would be more helpful in his reelection campaign. I do not think it will change the social aspects of our country because nobody's opinion will change what other people believe, and I don't think that Representatives in Congress will be moved by his statement because they were already for it or against it and that decision has been made already.
TAYLORFOX on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 6:50:18 PM
I think that Obama's endorsement of gay marriage is a bold movement socially but not legislatively. It is a social bold move because no other president has supported gay marriage before and, gay marriage is a big social problem in america today. With Obama supporting gay marriage now he has probably gained a lot of supporters of his campaign but I say they aren't full supports yet. They aren't full supports yet because he hasn't faced this problem legalistically yet. After President Obama has put it towards congress, or at least tried, he will have full support of people who support gay marriage.
JOSEPHSELVAGGIO on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 7:55:28 PM
I think that Obama's open support of gay marriage will do more for people's personal views towards him than bring us towards actual change. Don't get me wrong, for both the president and vice president of the United States to come out and say they support gay marriage takes alot of you know what, but I think people might overshoot their expectations on realistic outcomes. This is a parallel to the civil rights movement, where even 100 years after the Emancipation Proclaimation was signed and passed, segregation was still VERY prevalent. Obama publically supporting gay marriage is definitely a step in the right direction, but until he goes more in depth about passing legislation and ENFORCING that legislation, the effect of his coming out will remain trivial.
| | MICAELACALLAHAN on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 8:26:11 PM
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WYATTTHOMAS on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 8:29:15 PM
I believe President Obama's declaration is a bold move. It is bold because even though he hasn't made any moves to back up his position or deal with the current situation in America today. He his still taking a risk to put out his opinion when so many votes could be jeopardized of being lost. Obama's declaration on being for Same-sex marriage is socially a bold move because no president before him has recognized the situation as a true problem to be dealt with nationwide. Now it can't be ignored, but if he doesn't try to change the current laws then his endorsment is really just him being neutral.
BRANDONBYRD on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 9:00:38 PM
I believe that Obama's declaration will make a social change in America. It was very bold statement to make, but I believe it was necessary since it will cause people to talk and debate about the gay marriage even more. In order to get change for what you want you have to get awareness about your cause/problem first. Obama is obviously important to the government since he's the president so by him making this bold move it may result to a stronger movement for gay marriage. It is true that actions speak louder than words so legislation needs to be passed to bring immediate change, but words spoken from a strong authority figure like the president can influence to act faster and stronger to bring change that they want.
ELIZABETHFAZIO on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 9:30:26 PM
I think that President Obama's declaration is a bold move and it will make a huge social change in America. I believe it will impact our countries view on homosexuality and make it more acceptable. The fact that our President and Vice President stated that they agree with gay marriage, will show other people that it is okay to accept people that don't follow the social norm. But I also think that unless clear actions are made to enforce their opinions, it doesn't really do much. Although, I think them displaying their opinions on supporting gay marriage will start moving America in the direction of making it legal.
NATHANIELHOLLIDAY on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 9:34:49 PM
I think that Obama's endorsement for gay marriage was a bold move in order to gain more votes in the upcoming election. Even though the people who don't support gay marriage will not fully agree with Obama's decision it will benefit him in the upcoming election because people that are for gay marriage will most likely vote for him. I think Obama's opinion will help socially and politically change the laws and opinions on gay marriage in the years to come if he is re-elected.
BRITTANYHOLUB on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 10:10:57 PM
I think that President Obama's declaration on same-sex marriage will cause a big social change in America. This was a bold move on his part, sharing his personal opinion on the matter will show Americans that people that are different should be treated equally. Obama made a decision by stating his opinion that will have a political risk, but i think that it will benefit him in the election. Also no president before has made a point to address gay marriage. Some people may not agree or like Obama's declaration but its a matter of opinion.
ARAMTOSUNYAN on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 10:14:13 PM
I believe President Obama made a bold decision in supporting gay marriage. This decision will get him many votes from the supporters of gay marriage but it will also cause no votes from the opposers. There will be more discussions of this topic as time passes and President Obama clears his mind, and takes actions for his decision. It is true that, he verbally said that he is going to support gay marriage but actions speak louder than words, and I believe that there will not be many discussions and arguments until he takes a stand on this topic and takes action. Many people think that if the president is for it, then a law will be passed, but him supporting it is not a be big deal, because according to Tenth Amendment, marriage laws are not federal laws, and they are reserved to the states by the constitution. This means that Obama supporting it doesn’t have a big power behind passing a gay marriage law, but it will cause some controversy since he is the first president supporting it and it’s a big step in our society. Also I feel like he might change his opinion because he just said it and didn’t support it and it will be easy for him to step back as he reaches his goal and gets his votes, because this is all electoral math (Bai).
KRISTINKAPUSTA on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 10:24:17 PM
After finally completing my 50 hours of driving, one (of many) thing(s) I have learned, is that when a change in direction is necessary, I must first slow down, come to a complete stop and finally switch into reverse. Although I agree with Mark Bai that Obama made a bold act of political leadership, I personally believe that social change take time to sway all opinions. Mark Bai believes that the decisions of the 21st century will reflect.. a new and enlightened generation of American voters- rather than any political leader (Bai 2). It is true that Obama may have inflicted a change in heart on some of his followers, but has he changed the views of every voter in America? Probably not. During JFK's presidency, he was the first president to support the Civil Rights movement; however, this single, highly respected,important person didn't change the minds of all of America right away. This revolution took over 14 years to accomplish. Until a majority of America can agree on same-sex marriage, there will still be a long fight to make ends meet. Lucky for those who are pro same-sex marriage, the gap appears to be slowly closing. Obama has definitely instigated a influential view on marriage equality, but society will ultimately judge the outcome of this controversial issue.
KYLEDODGE on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 10:29:11 PM
President Obama did indeed have a lot of courage when he decided to publicly endorse gay marriage. I feel that this bold move will not have any immediate impacts on the society besides the number of people that are in favor of his re-election. However, his declaration will have a number of long term effects. I think Obama's endorsement will mark the beginnings of a civil rights movement toward the acceptance of gay marriage. Therefore, I agree with the statement: When they look back 50 years from now, historians may well describe President Obama's declaration on same-sex marriage as righteous or inspiring... In the future i expect to see the same-sex marriage conflict come up a lot more and changes will be made accordingly.
CIARADUNAGAN on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 11:11:22 PM
I don't think Obama's endorsement of gay marriage was very brave. I feel as though he is only saying what some people want to hear but he never said anything about creating a bill or any future plans. I feel as though his plan was not fully thought through because Obama will lose a lot of support. Some may say its may have been a courageous act but he's only talking the talk and follows short of walking the walk. Obama has changed his mind before, his stance on same sex marriages being one of those examples. I feel that Obama might change his stance because he just said it and didn’t support it therefore it will be easy for him to step back as he reaches his goal and gets his votes, because this is all electoral math (Bai). His new stance will not change society at all, at best it may give the gay and lesbian society a glimmer of hope in the future.
DYLANHART on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 11:32:40 PM
i think that obamas endorsment was a bold move that shows his support for gay marrige. obama has made a large decision that will most likely keep him votes. i believe obamas speach will keep his support from gay communitys towards his campaign. i also think he may have lost votes from those against gay marrige. i think obamas decision will have a social impact by showing people that every one is equal and that everyone should be treated the same. i dont think this will effect our country in any other way unless he decides to do something to support his oppinon.
GORDONHINCHEN on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 3:16:28 AM
In theory, church and state are completely separate; however, in practice, church and state are so closely involved that they are practically one in the same. Now, obviously, our society isn't ruled by a member of the clergy, but Christianity and Bible references have a way of constantly showing up. For example: presidential inaugurations, court sessions, and more importantly, all marriages in America are made legal and totally legit by Priests. In summation, to address your question of whether or not I believe the president's endorsement of gay marriage will impact our country, yes. Every die hard Jesus fan in America will want to tell Obama about why God finds gay marriage to be morally wrong. In my opinion, which I'm sure is in high demand, I full-halfheartedly believe that our theoretic government should dictate our modern day society, not this weird mix of democracy and theocracy. Matt Bai thinks that Obama should take some initiative, but I disagree. At this point, judging from all of Obama's hate mail and his other mail, if Obama tried to pass some legislation supporting gay marriage, it would be like watching a baby go from crawling to flying in a matter of seconds. This whole situation is escalating too fast. Matt thinks that the first step to putting out a fire is to make a bigger fire. Common sense and I say disagree. Obama should definitely wait to impose some legislation on same-sex marriage. Sooner or later those who currently oppose gay marriage will eventually change their mind once they realize that they're outnumbered. The president wouldn't have sabotaged his reelection if they weren't. Besides, if history has taught us anything it's that it only takes one pebble to create a ripple and ripples travel far.
GABRIELBAZNIK on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 7:15:15 AM
I believe that it was a wonderful event that Obama has now officially endorsed gay-marriage. It was a risky and provocative move, and my respect for him has dramatically increased. Many are accusing him of not taking any supporting action. However, as he is the first President to support gay-rights, I believe that this alone has a brought a significant enough change. If he were to try to enact new legislation, it would create a huge debate, and it would almost certainly get shot down in Congress, which would make his proclamation look like a failure. What he is doing right now is initiating the beginning of a long and difficult change for American society.
AARONCHAN on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 7:34:53 AM
i think that obama endorsing gay marage is a good thing even tough he risks losing votes from the opposers. i also think that obama will gain many support on this issue or it won't effect his votes at all because the public is more tolerant these days. he will change the view piont of the american society if he backs this cause but he hasn't really backed his opinion.
MATTHEWKWIATKOWSKI on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 9:05:59 AM
i think that Obama's endorsing gay marriage is a great idea because i do belive that many people are now going to have much respect for Obama now. Many people were hoping that he would probably make this move in his presidency. many americans and some future voters have probably changed their point of view on Obama now that he has made his point public. this was a great move on his part. and many people are now looking at obama in a different way, and thanking him for some partial change in the social ways of america.
SUMMERKOLT on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 10:21:02 AM
I think president obamas opinions on gay marriage are a grey thing. Although he may loose a few votes here it there he will also gain some. Since no president has went out of their way to support gay rights. Many people follow Obamas footsteps and if he supports gay marriage I believe many people will also change their opinions to supports marriage of any kind. I think it will show everyone that we are all equal no matter our feelings towards others.
ALEXANDERCHEPLOWITZ on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 10:31:33 AM
I believe Obama's endorsing of gay marriage was a good choice, and I do believe it will impact our country heavily. As some know, recently North Carolina banned gay marriage, and a few people have already been arrested for attempting to get a marriage license. However, I feel that the fact that Obama has taken a positive stance on gay marriage, like JFK in the civil rights movement, will ultimatly help the cause of gay marriage. Historically speaking, JFK had a large role in the civil rights movement, and I think Obama recognizes that fact, which is why he chose his stance. Legislatively, I think Obama will get more support in Congress, but there are obviously objectors to this. Socially, I think Obama will ultimatly gain support, but will obviously, again, make some enemies. So maybe Obama put his stance out there for support in the upcoming election, or maybe not. But either way, him taking this stance will greatly impact the nation.
MEAGANKUNIEGA on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 10:16:32 PM
President Obama made quite the bold move of publicly supporting gay marriage. Especially doing that right before the elections and having a huge impact on those who will vote for him in the fall. To me it almost seems like Obama just said he was for gay marriage thinking he would get more votes for him come fall. He didn’t say it because he really felt strongly about the issue. Same as elections for high school class president. In their speech they may say they are going to change all these things in our school when realistically only some of it will happen. They do it just to convince the students, knowing that sometimes we can be gullible. As Matt Bai said Obama didn’t back up his new position “with any kind of action or plan involving executive orders or legislative step”. To me that sounds like Obama is just saying it because he believes he will gain more votes. When really this could hurt him when fall elections come around. I know that many of his voters from the 2008 elections were blacks and majority of blacks tend to be against same sex marriage. So come fall he may lose those voters. Obama had quite the daring move to say he is for gay marriage, so when elections roll around we will have to see if this really made an impact on the number of voters he will have.
MEAGANKUNIEGA on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 10:16:35 PM
President Obama made quite the bold move of publicly supporting gay marriage. Especially doing that right before the elections and having a huge impact on those who will vote for him in the fall. To me it almost seems like Obama just said he was for gay marriage thinking he would get more votes for him come fall. He didn’t say it because he really felt strongly about the issue. Same as elections for high school class president. In their speech they may say they are going to change all these things in our school when realistically only some of it will happen. They do it just to convince the students, knowing that sometimes we can be gullible. As Matt Bai said Obama didn’t back up his new position “with any kind of action or plan involving executive orders or legislative step”. To me that sounds like Obama is just saying it because he believes he will gain more votes. When really this could hurt him when fall elections come around. I know that many of his voters from the 2008 elections were blacks and majority of blacks tend to be against same sex marriage. So come fall he may lose those voters. Obama had quite the daring move to say he is for gay marriage, so when elections roll around we will have to see if this really made an impact on the number of voters he will have.
CHADLALLY on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 10:41:59 PM
President Obama's choice on endorsing gay marriage was very bold even though he could've risked many votes in the upcoming election. Although he will gain many votes, I believe that he has lost a lot in the process by people who don't support his views. People might say that words are not enough and he should support his statements with action, but taking a stance is enough for now. He is the first president to bring up gay marriage and I think many will follow in his footsteps and that this discussion will pop up again. Now that it is brought up, it can not be ignored and this will bring people to the reality that there is a problem. Even though he will gain many votes, I believe that he has lost a lot in the process by people who don't support his views. Him bringing up this discussion to America will have a great impact on us and our future.
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