Morning Joe Friday showcased a heated debate about just how significant President Obama’s announcement this week of his support for gay marriage really is.
For the prosecution, Joe Scarborough paraphrased conservative commentator Pat Buchanan in calling it “a big fat nothing burger.”
He explained:
[F]irst of all, who among us thought that Barack Obama was ever personally against gay marriage? Anybody? Nobody. So nothing new there. Secondly, Barack Obama told Robin Roberts that he was taking the Joe Scarborough position, the William F. Buckley position, the Ron Paul position, the federalism position, the 10th amendment position, the state’s-rights position, that we’re going to let states decide about gay marriage. This is [a] conservative … position.
In other words, Scarborough argued, there was little doubt already about Obama’s personal views on gay marriage. And Obama’s statement that though he personally backs same-sex nuptials, he believes states should be able to ban them if they so choose, is shared by many small-government conservatives.
Scarborough went on to slam the media for blowing the news out of proportion. “I think the New York Times said [it] was a historic moment for gay marriage. It just wasn’t. It was nothing.”
Michael Steele, a former Republican National Committee chair, basically agreed. “There was nothing historic or heroic about what the president said,” argued Steele. “The reality is, the president is not anchored in this issue at all, and for the press to pretend that he is…is ludicrous.”
But other members of the panel disagreed. The Washington Post’s Eugene Robinson wrote in a column today that Obama’s announcement recalled the heady days of 2008:
He spoke out when he didn’t have to and took a stance that might hurt him in key states, reminding us how he can surprise and inspire. Did I just catch a whiff of that hopey-changey stuff in the air?
But on the show, Scarborough asked Robinson why Obama isn’t doing more to fight for gay marriage, rather than leaving it up to the states. “If you believe that … marriage equality is a civil right protected by the constitution,” Scarborough asked, “how does anyone take any solace in the President of the United States saying, I’m going to leave this to the states?”
Robinson said Obama’s just being pragmatic. “What the president did reflects the reality,” he replied. “Thirty states have state constitutional amendments against gay marriage.
Robinson also went on to argue that Obama’s announcement gradually moves the country toward a time when same-sex marriage will be legal everywhere. “I think what the president did hastens that day,” he said. “It is a moment in a march that I do think will happen.”
And David Gregory, host of NBC’s Meet the Press, echoed that view. “I do think the bully pulpit matters. I think the president doing this matters for the debate. It kick-starts a conversation,” he said. “Just because he isn’t marching up to Congress with a bill in his hand saying, 'I demand marriage equality now,' doesn’t mean that this was not a significant moment.”
It's worth noting that though the president said states should be able to do what they want, his stance still differs sharply from that of most of the Republican Party, which backs a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage everywhere - a position the Mitt Romney campaign reiterated Thursday.
And perhaps it would be useful to look at the reactions from some actual gay people or groups. The Human Rights Campaign seems to think Obama’s announcement is about more than support for states rights, saying it “extends a message of hope to a generation of young lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans.” Beth Bye, a gay state legislator from Connecticut, told Talking Points Memo: “You just feel like you want to find President Obama and say, ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you.’”
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It is the begining of a change that is long overdue. Loved the way he did it, with thought, sharing with his family, and reaching out to others. This is a big deal
The Morning Bloviate was way off this morning. It is historic and politically risky. Not sure why JS is so intent on comparing the President's position on gay marriage to Lester Maddox refusing to let blacks eat in his restaurant. He is not at his best when he is trying so hard to be the mouth-piece of the GOP.
I don't understand why people automatically assumed that the President wasn't "evolving" on this issue. I think he did a wonderful thing saying that he's in favor of same sex marriage, but in past interviews with him he was in favor of civil unions, not same sex marriage.
People can change and learn, I'm guessing that's what happened with President Obama.
You can always count on Joe to make a comment that on the surface seems open minded but underneath is strictly hardcore republican dogma... He must be one fine lawyer!!!
Joe was totally tone deaf on this subject today. Whether or not there is a legal difference between Obama's position on marriage equality and that of previous presidents, his announcement was moving and exciting (or angering to the likes of Bristol Palin) because a POTUS PUBLICALLY SAID IT WAS OKAY FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER! If you don't get this, Joe, just tell me this: if this announcement was "nothing," why do you think NO previous presidents have said the same? Hmm?
When Obama is elected for a second term we will still have a skyrocketing National debt, abysmal economy, a weak milatry, and an unchecked flood of illegal immigrants flooding our Southern border, but hey, at least gays will be able to marry and women will have unfettered access to free abortions. Hope it's worth it!!
Joe was calling Presient Obama's bluff all week. As soon as POTUS responded, he didn't say anything, according to Joe. Joe is a BLOWHARD, who likes to hear himself speak. People deserves the same respect, dignity, and abilities to love and marry whom they choose, regardless, whether Republicans, Conservatives, or Evangelicals THINK!
Joe was calling Presient Obama's bluff all week. As soon as POTUS responded, he didn't say anything, according to Joe. Joe is a BLOWHARD, who likes to hear himself speak. People deserves the same respect, dignity, and abilities to love and marry whom they choose, regardless, whether Republicans, Conservatives, or Evangelicals THINK!
Did anyone expect better from Joe and Steele, they are so dense that they can never see anthing in favor of Obama . Old bitter hearts incapable of thinking outside the box. Too bad for them that they are blind to the fact that what the president said carried weight for some who they have no care for nor about
Lol at Joe. He didn't think Obama had the guts to come out and say it....but he did it. The FIRST President to ever come out in favor of gay mariage is not a "nothing burger." This is a historical blow to conservatives, and don't let them tell you otherwise. And nice try veiling your anger towards Obama by going after "the mainstream media." Also, Willie, quit being a wuss.
I have to say I was surprised that Joe wasnt more middle of the road on this subject. He is a smart man and I know he has to get the historic reference that people are making. He has to get that his reaction is as someone who has been on the inside. OUR reaction is that of the people who watched their leader open a door that had been closed to so many for so long. I just wish Mika had been there an hour earlier to punch him in the arm before he went to far.
Fascinating that something that seems so politically risky for the president has touched such a nerve with JS and the other GOP mouthpieces.