Let's start with this first: here are the statements from the McCain, Obama and Clinton campaigns on the California Supreme Court ruling regarding gay marriage:
"John McCain supports the right of the people of California to recognize marriage as a unique institution sanctioning the union between a man and a woman, just as he did in his home state of Arizona. John McCain doesn't believe judges should be making these decisions."
"Barack Obama has always believed that same-sex couples should enjoy equal rights under the law, and he will continue to fight for civil unions as President. He respects the decision of the California Supreme Court, and continues to believe that states should make their own decisions when it comes to the issue of marriage."
"Hillary Clinton believes that gay and lesbian couples in committed relationships should have the same rights and responsibilities as all Americans and believes that civil unions are the best way to achieve this goal. As President, Hillary Clinton will work to ensure that same sex couples have access to these rights and responsibilities at the federal level. She has said and continues to believe that the issue of marriage should be left to the states."
Let's cut to the chase: Obama and Clinton believe Civil Unions are OK but gay marriage is a no-no. Why don't liberals have a problem with this? If I was a gay rights activist I'd be pretty upset at the lukewarm language coming from Clinton and Obama on this ruling. Am I wrong here? Look, let's face it: if Obama and Clinton come out and support same sex marriage, they will be branded as radicals and that won't go down well in a general election. The McCain camp and the RNC would have a field day.
As for McCain, this statement is pretty much what conservatives would expect. Looking ahead, McCain may now be faced with dealing with the DOMA issue. (the Defense of Marriage Act which says a state does not have to recognize a same-sex marriage legally recognized in another state.) Because of this ruling, you know gay rights groups will be energized to even further challenge other states marriage laws. Does this mean we are getting closer to where DOMA may be challenged and overturned by radical judges? The whole thing could put McCain on the spot to back a U.S. Constitutional Amendment to protect marriage. He says he'd consider doing that if DOMA was ruled unconstitutional.
Also, what is interesting here is that McCain, Obama and Clinton are all saying the same thing in a way. They all believe that the decision of marriage should be left up to the states, to the people, not judges. Is anybody picking up on that?
Comments?