did people really think Obama opposed gay marriage because of God?

[Enrique]

that's what he said at the time.

Now Axelrod comes out with the revelation that it was just politics and people are saying "i knew it!"

Did you also know that Obama has two ears, before some guy writes a book and tells you?

[JI7]

1. i said from the start it was about politics

[yeoman6987]

3. Absolutely politics

He mistakenly thought he wouldn't get votes if he was for pro gay marriage. He didn't trust the voters at the time.

[msanthrope]

6. I wouldn't have trusted the MCCain/Palin ticket.....that social issue

might have won them the election.

[AgingAmerican]

11. Yeah

Right

Ranting about 'teh Gay' would have made them so much more appealing....

[still_one]

2. Timing was everything, and he played it beautifully

[ileus]

4. Votes...any thinking person knew this.

[NYC_SKP]

5. In the end, he's done more for LGBT folks than any other president.

Actions speak louder than words.

I'm proud of him, and not surprised at the times he's had to be a politician.

[uponit7771]

8. +1

[MohRokTah]

7. I woudln't be surprised to find out he's an Atheist after he's left office. eom

[F4lconF16]

19. Bahaha oh man I would absolutely love that.

Can you imagine the heads exploding?

[Johonny]

9. I imagine most DUers didn't think Obama opposed gay marriage

just like most DUers didn't think George Bush believed in a carbon tax and civil unions. It was just political angling bullshit that happens in campaigns. Most DUers are politically astute to spot it. Hence we weren't blown away when the polling numbers seemed to magically transform Obama's opinion on it or George Bushes complete lack of action on these issues.

[GeorgeGist]

10. Rick Warren. eom

[NYC_SKP]

12. Adolph Hitler. eom

[Fumesucker]

14. Didn't realize Adolph spoke at Obama's first inaugural.

That was quite a feat.

[NYC_SKP]

17. Rick Warren was used, Barack Obama used him like a rusty can-opener.

Obama put the smack-down on RW bigots by bringing Warren to the stage, in the spotlight.

Daylight is the best disinfectant, you know.

It offended a small number of people, but caught the RW bigots by surprise and, best of all, made national the conversation that led to wider and wider public approval of same-sex marriage.

Rick Warren was USED! I love that he was actually used to promote what his is opposed to.

Hitler was nowhere to be found, but if he had been, Obama would have used him the same way.

[Capt. Obvious]

13. Of course not

Everyone knew he opposed it for political expediency. It was cowardly but we all knew deep down where his heart stood.

[hugo_from_TN]

16. Yes, in a cowardly place.

[bullwinkle428]

15. He was pro-marriage equality back in the mid-1990s as a state legislator!

You have to be brain-dead to not realize it was about political expediency.

[ChosenUnWisely]

18. He said it was for religious reason but evolved if that is not ture then he LIED

to the American people, period.

No if ands or buts, he lied.

[F4lconF16]

20. I have a mixed opinion on this.

On the one hand, I think stalling the advancement of rights of an oppressed group for political expediency is morally pretty messed up. But on the other hand, he really has done more for the LGBT community than any other president before him. Bit of a mixed bag on this one, I think. I've been rather disappointed in him in a number of social issues, and in almost every case, the disappointment comes from either his pro-corporate leanings (as in the case with marijuana legalization and reclassification) or his sacrificing equality for politics (as in the case with his LGBT support).

[Prism]

21. I honestly think he's an atheist

But that will not fly in higher American politics yet. He's a politician. He says what he thinks will advance himself, same as any other.

However, the LGBT revision is a little eye roll worthy. I believe the President would've remained anti-marriage if that's where the wind was blowing. His Justice Deparment was despicable in the beginning of his term. The LGBT community, our allies, the courts, and many others did the hard work to make it safe enough for him to join us.

And that's fine.

But DU is already starting to do that thing where in two years he'll have single-handedly brought gay marriage to the land. Not really . . .

[Capt. Obvious]

22. It seems like you need to be shown a list

of all the things Obama has done for you.

You're welcome.