After one of our classmates reported the NC amendment defining marriage, I saw this article about the President and his views on marriage. I don't want your views on the topic as that can be a very sensitive issue but feel free to comment on the President stating this publicly as the campaign season starts to heat up.
Mr. Thompson
I think that it is interesting the way that our government works, and how the decision of one man can have such a profound effect on the rest of society. Same sex marriage has always been an issue throughout the years of politics, so recently, President Obama decided it was time to delve into the subject once again. Obama had the choice to "support it and brave the backlash in battleground states where the issue could be a liability — or keep silent and be accused by allies of gutlessness and putting politics over principle". His brave decision to
ReplyDeletebring up the subject is bound to cause a lot of talk. I think that Obama brought it up purposely right before the election so that he would gain more votes from people who support same sex marriage since this is a large crowd. It will be interesting to see how this election plays out, because he may lose voters that are opposed to same sex marriage. Just this week, a student from century took his own life which some believe due the criticism that he received for his beliefs on sexuality. This goes to show that our country will never truly have uniform beliefs on this subject, and people still will have conflicting opinions no matter if laws are passed about it or not.
Julie Thelen
Hour 1
President Obama showed everyone that he has guts. The topic that has anyhting to do with homosexuality is one of the biggest problems in todays society. By even speaking about it the President set himself up for much hatred for the anti-gay communities and people of the U.S. and being so close to the new election it could cost him many borderline voters. Although he doesnt seem to be worried about it, he knew that the topic had to be confronted and he manned up and spoke out about how he feels about it. Although it could cost him in the long run, his party doesnt seem to fear any of the consequences that could come from it. They believe itll help him win more voters because of the courage it took to state his own opinions about it (even though many already suspected him to support gay marriage)
ReplyDeleteHour 1,
Austin Minea
The fact that President Obama outwardly stated that he supports gay marriage is a very bold step in today's politics. I personally don't believe that he said it just for getting more voters. It is politics so I'm sure the idea of possibly collecting a few more voters was a little motivation, but him actually saying that he backs gay marriage was for more than just votes. Being the Democratic candidate in this upcoming election, people who support gay marriage would probably be voting for him anyway. I think it was more of a risky thing to have said so close to elections because he could possibly lose more voters than he'd gain. There are always those people on the fence and him saying this could push them towards a Republican vote. Even if the main reason for saying it was politics, he got personal in the article and really backed his beliefs which makes everything he said much more valid. Overall, I am glad he had the courage to speak out on such a controversial topic.
ReplyDeleteMegan Haynes
4th hour
Considering President Obama is trying to win a re-election, his choice to come out in support of same-sex marriage (the term "gay marriage" feels very restrictive to me; I definitely prefer same-sex) is incredibly profound. However, I do think it was a bit rushed because of VP Joe Biden also supporting same-sex marriage earlier that week on Meet the Press. Nevertheless, I agree with Megan in that this was probably a chance to claim more voters, probably younger ones who were on the fence about supporting Obama and also Independents who swing socially Liberal. While I have no doubt he and Biden are genuine in their views, it's no coincidence that any of this came after North Carolina's vote and the controversy surrounding Romney and one of his spokespeople. It's a game no one will ever win.
ReplyDeleteMikayla Lanier
Hour 4
The white house story goes that Biden forced Obama’s hand. If Obama wasn’t going to support same-sex marriage, he was already doing a good job at it. His hand wasn’t forced, he had ample time in the last couple years of his presidency to fulfill the hints he’d made to supporting Same-Sex Marriage during his campaign in 2008. Is he doing it to get more votes? (Probably), Will it hurt in the long run? (most likely). No matter how this whole “Controversy “ plays out, or how many people don’t vote for Obama, one thing is for sure: he’ll still get reelected.
ReplyDeleteAli Mohamed
Hour 4
I think that the main reason why Obama brought up this topic, was to gain popularity among those who support gay marriage. Supporters of gay marriage are growing in numbers each year and Obama probably thinks that if he gets them to vote for him, then he has hit gold. It's funny that he brought up this topic at a bit of a random time. I think he wants the gay marriage supporters to think that he is finally come to his senses about this topic. With the election coming up... this is his opportunity to shine.
ReplyDelete-Brock Stevens, Hour 1
I agree with Megan. It's a very bold politcal move. Stating your opinion to the world when you're the president of the United States of course has its consequences. And yes, although a number of citizens are supporters of gay marriage, many are also openly against it. I don't believe Obama expressed his opinion to gain supporters, I think he did it to let the world view his opinion. Everyone is entitled to one even when you're the president.
ReplyDeleteLinda Krompicha hour 2
I think this issue is being really over blown. Whether I agree with homosexuality or not is it really anybody elses business who marries who? Now I completely understand and agree with the decision to support gay marriage, but I'm not sure if it was such a great idea to do it with elections coming up because now Obama's going to lose every vote coming from the anti-gay communities. Now whether Obama wanted to do this or was forced, I don't know nor do I really care, he is already a democrat so he would most likely be supportive of same sex marriage in the first place. Even though he is the president, he is still only one man with an opinion, which he has the right to have.
ReplyDeleteAshley Parker Hour 1
I would have to agree with Brock and Linda, Obama was really brave and very bold in his statement about his view on gay marriage. I read a few articles about what he had said and honestly, even though I am not a huge supporter of Obama, for once, our president made me very proud about something that he did during his time in office. I have no idea what this might do to his reelection campaign because it could go either way really and this issue might just be buried underneath other and more important issues and may come to surface every time and again along the road to election day.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Mayberry Hour 2
I think it's convenient that, just as election time is coming around, as these amendments are being passed, presidential candidates make clear which side they stand on. President Obama may say he supports gay marriage, and that may be his genuine view, but his timing could make some people jump to the conclusion that he's fishing for votes. I was originally excited to hear his view, but after talking to others around me, my view on the President's announcement has changed. Hopefully, Obama sticks with whichever side he chooses, and doesn't change once or if he wins the next election.
ReplyDeleteI feel like gay marriage is all up to the couple in this relalation ship and Obama intake on it has changed sence he has been in office. What if Obama would have said that we he first got elected then I wonder what would have turned out and if he would have even been president. When president Obama came out and said he supports gay marriage he got good views and bad hits. But then again it might help him in this next election because the other canidate doesnt beleive in gay marriage.
ReplyDeleteLauren Kramer 2 hour
I agree with most of these comments the artical and issue is blown way out of proportion. No matter what peoples veiw is on gay marriage it doesnt matter it should be a relationship decision. I also think that it was a convenient time for the artical to be realeased. It seemed more of a publicity statment more than anything. Overall i dont think Obama's view on gay marriage should be such a big issue.
ReplyDeleteAnna Clark