With the Republican presidential race settling onto Mitt Romney, one national poll indicated the public didn’t see much difference between Obama and Romney on same-sex marriage. Numerous times since then, Obama and White House Press Secretary Jay Carney have been asked whether the president’s position had yet evolved. In October 2010, he told gay political blogger Joe Sudbay that he was “unwilling to sign onto same-sex marriage primarily” because of his “understandings of the traditional definitions of marriage.” He said “attitudes” about same-sex marriage “evolve, including mine.” And he reiterated that position two months later, in an interview with The Advocate’s Kerry Eleveld, saying, “My attitudes are evolving on this.” Prior to Wednesday, President Obama has not previously expressed pro-active legal support for same-sex marriage equality. The media speculated the interview was set up hastily and deliberately to quell the political conflagration that erupted Sunday, when Vice President Joe Biden told NBC Meet the Press that he is “absolutely comfortable” with gay couples marrying and that he believes they should have the “exact same rights” as straight couples to do so. The interview, according to numerous media reports, was pre-arranged by the White House to take place with ABC Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts of Good Morning America. They remind us that we are all-as a People and a Nation-striving to form a more perfect Union.” “President Obama’s words remind us that marriage and equality are universal values that unite us all. “The bedrock American principles of freedom and human dignity are central to the political and legal convictions of Republicans, Democrats, liberals, and conservatives alike,” said Olson. Ted Olson, lead attorney for the same-sex couples challenging California’s Proposition 8 ban, said, “Today is a proud day for all Americans.” MSNBC commentator Chris Matthews called it “earthshaking” and predicted right-wing conservatives “will use everything they can to exploit this” politically in the November campaign. “…As President Obama recognized today, the fight to secure marriage equality is the defining element of our generation’s search for greater freedom.” “For the millions of young gay and lesbian Americans across this nation, President Obama’s words provide genuine hope that they will be the first generation to grow up with the freedom to fully pursue the American dream,” said Griffin. Incoming Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin said Obama’s remarks today would be “celebrated by generations to come.” Excerpts will air tonight on ABC’s “World News with Diane Sawyer.”Įvan Wolfson, head of the national Freedom to Marry group, said, “The President’s support marks a historic turning point for the freedom to marry movement.” The president’s remarks can be viewed here. “…I hesitated on gay marriage civil unions would be sufficient.” But after talking to friends and family, neighbors and staff, he said, “I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.” “I’ve always been adamant that gay and lesbian Americans should be treated fairly and equally,” said Obama. The statement, in an interview with ABC, marks a significant and long expected “evolution” for President Obama in his political position concerning same-sex marriage. President Obama said in a White House-arranged interview Wednesday afternoon that “same-sex couples should be able to get married.”