A tightrope on gay marriage

McCain is gutless!!! — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:07:21 GMT

The "Maverick" has become a whining, sniveling yeller bellied chicken. If he believes in something why is he afraid to say so even if it's unpopular?

A tightrope on gay marriage

LENI CAVALETTO,MICHIGAN — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:09:05 GMT

Dear John, come on now John, We all know what your view of marraige is-----CONVENIENCE.

A tightrope on gay marriage

Barbara Schernick — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:10:55 GMT

A tightrope on gay marriage

P, CA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:11:58 GMT

*sigh* I really hope Obama doesn't lose the evangelical vote because of this.

My wife and I have had many gay friends, and my boss was one of the first to get his marriage publicized by a lot of NorCal news sources. These marriages need to happen, folks.

I just hope that what I'm hearing isn't true: the gay marriage ban proposal might bring more GOP anti-gay people out to vote, so it could drive up numbers for McCain. *shudder* I hope not.

My morals tell me I have to understand people who think this is an abomination, but I'm having a hard time seeing why those people feel that way.

First, women. Then, race. Now, the same old haters come out of the woodwork to protest this. Get a grip: you're not the only people who deserve to be happy.

A tightrope on gay marriage

Pete - Albany, NY — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:15:02 GMT

Somebody help me out, here...

Just what, exactly, does marriage need protection from?

I can't get behind this issue because I honestly don't see how this affects me...so it doesn't look like anything more than just people don't like homosexuality so let's pretend that marriage is somehow "threatened" by calling our act a "protection" of marriage.

Since over half of all marriages end in divorce it seems that the way to "protect" marriage is to outlaw divorce...but then Uncle Fluffy already benefitted by dumping wife #1 for his current trophy wife, Barbie!

A tightrope on gay marriage

sheesh — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:16:05 GMT

ohhhhhhh, flipper!

A tightrope on gay marriage

Michelle Zee — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:16:24 GMT

Who really cares about this? Life is hard enough, you can only live for one's self and bringing this up is plain divisive.

You can't tell adults what to do adn you can't strangle their lives with your own beliefs.

Too much drama on this top. There will be unions or partner situations afforded by some of the states, so whether we like it or not; it will occur.

A tightrope on gay marriage

Pat huntington NY — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:16:36 GMT

Obama didn't learn the lesson of his own people's struggle for civil rights...separate is NEVER equal!

VOTE AGAINST THE CALIFORNIA AMENDMENT!

If you are against gay marriage, you are a hateful, distgusting person, who deserves to burn in...

A tightrope on gay marriage

Jason, Rochester Hills,MI — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:19:36 GMT

But he DOES think judges ought to make the decision for a woman in regards to abortion rights. Roe v. Wade is on his agenda from "DAY ONE" if he got elected.

Watch out ladies...he is out to set you back light years on the progress you have made!

A tightrope on gay marriage

BL, Cincinnati OH — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:22:44 GMT

Funny how Republicans whine about how "judges should [not] be making these decisions"... unless its a decision they agree with.

A tightrope on gay marriage

Class Warrior, D.C. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:24:17 GMT

Mcsame's people also sent it via radio waves to Alpha Centari, figuring everyone would know about his brave stand in...oh...a thousand years or so.
What a spineless jellyfish! Be for it, be against it, but SAY WHERE YOU STAND!! Do we really want a guy like this in the White House?

A tightrope on gay marriage

KJ, Dallas, TX — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:26:59 GMT

Could the msm (including MSNBC) PLEASE stop beating a dead horse in reference to Gen. Clark's statment regarding McSame???

How about you guys reporting on the subject about McSame's taxes??? He owes quite a bit you know. When are you guys going to stop giving him a "pass" just because he was a pow??? You're beginning to report lop-sided news in the same way you reported during the primaries. This is really unfair to Sen. Obama and the rest of the citizens who want honest news and information reported on EVERYONE involved in the GE.

OBAMA/BIDEN, 2008!

A tightrope on gay marriage

Steve, Greenville, South Carolina — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:27:17 GMT

I think Obama has really dorked out on this one. The very fact that it's still a highly controversial issue in the left-leaning state of California should be a stark reminder to how unpopular gay marriage is in the nation as a whole. Yet Obama has staked out a position which is clearly pro-gay marriage. I think this will be a winner for Senator McCain. Don't forget that both Arizona and Florida, both potentially competitive states, also have gay marriage bans on the ballot in November.

A tightrope on gay marriage

donna — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:27:59 GMT

'crickets'?

Politicians. Watch 'em squirm. Stand up for your opinion, and let the chips fall where they may, with this, or any other issue.

Some folks won't like it, but at least you'll have their respect for being open, and honest.

I should think that the hide, and duck, or shuck, and jive, reaction would get a much more annoyed response.

A tightrope on gay marriage

Obama For President!! — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:28:10 GMT

I think Both McClain and Obama are agreeing to things to help support their campaign!!!

I want to see them support these issues after the elections!

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A tightrope on gay marriage

Clara Kansas City, MO — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:29:08 GMT

Berger, look out - you aren't going to last a week here at MSNBC if you point out the flawed campaign of McCain. The entire campaign "...appears to be saying one thing to conservative groups, and another to the mainstream media."

If you go and point out their strategy, you will probably be held on charges of treason. For Pete's sake man, we're at war here! Are you trying to deliver 'information' to the enemy?

This is all said with sarcasm, for all those not following along,...

McCain camp,
Please find a message & stick with it. I'm getting whiplash here. You no longer have a base. You've squandered Republican value voters and the Log Cabin Republicans. Who the hell is going to vote for you? The wealthy tax bracket represents less than 1% of our entire constituency. I don't want to point out the obvious here; but (whisper) it's about the electoral college and votes. I'd say you're losing it; but that's too easy. You're done.

This election is really a slam dunk for our hoops star, Obama. Just sit back and continue to look presidential. The extreme right is clearly not paying attention to the troops on the ground.

A tightrope on gay marriage

ignorance isn't bliss--it's the mainstream media — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:31:34 GMT

I commend your coverage of the issues. It's good to know that MSNBC will resort to reporting where the candidates stand when steadfastly refusing to report on Newsweek's article regarding the McCain's failure to pay property taxes on a beachfront home in La Jolla, California. Goodness knows we wouldn't want to investigate why they pay less a year for a luxury beachfront condo than I do on a landlocked condo in the same state more than 20 miles from the ocean.

Yes, those issues sure are handy when you're trying to dodge news that doesn't paint McCain as the Saint of Hanoi.

A tightrope on gay marriage

Brendan D, Niles, IL — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:35:42 GMT

There's a bigger issue: In that letter referred to above, Obama came out against the Defense of Marriage Act. That is a HUGE step towards a full-on federalist government as far as marriage is concerned. I welcome it, but I can see how this could make a lot of "states-rights" Obamicans mad.

A tightrope on gay marriage

Beverly in Chicago — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:37:20 GMT

McCain votes against the US economy are mean spirited. Obama's stance for civil rights says a lot more about government involvement in preference to fairness. Not paying taxes is typical of McCain’s saying…government leave me along.

A tightrope on gay marriage

GP Chicago — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:38:01 GMT

The two-sentence statement reads: “I support the efforts of the people of California to recognize marriage as a unique institution between a man and a woman, just as we did in my home state of Arizona. I do not believe judges should be making these decisions.”
-----------------------------------------------------

What the he--? Does McCain think that anything should go through the court system?? Hey junk-wad MARRAIGE IS A LEGAL AGREEMENT...our system forces us to get a license, there is special taxes, and most of all if we break that agreement it is settled out of court. So before you invoke the olgiarchy on us remember that everyone in this country is subject to law...that includes future war criminals, tax- evaders, and retired arizona senators that were almost president.

Maybe if we focused on cracking down on the last three things I mentioned and no so much on free americans who love each other and pay taxes...we'd get alot more done in this country.

People stop the hate, we've become a much better country since america stopped legally oppressing women and other races...take another step.

A tightrope on gay marriage

Allen, Chicago — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:39:20 GMT

I've got two words for all you conservatives and republicans that are so upset about anyone having the audacity to question someone's military service:

Purple Bandaids

Here's a picture for those jerks that have forgotten:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/top10/04/169_bandaid.jpg

You reap what you sow losers.

A tightrope on gay marriage

The Return of the FLIP FLOP — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:40:06 GMT

Flip FLop continues to flip flop on issues. I tell you McBush cannot get it straight for anything.

A tightrope on gay marriage

Charles Spring, TX — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:40:59 GMT

I find it interesting that Rogers would try to call Sen. Obama flip flopping when his candidate says one thing but votes another. At least Sen. Obama has an explination that he is willing to share in front of both sides of the debate. McShame, only likes to speak of the current side of the coin where it is comfortable.

Nafta--Canada (and probably Columbia and Mexico)
More drilling --Texas (and not Florida)

Looks like Obama has the strong spine out of the two on this issue.

A tightrope on gay marriage

Diane from Illinois — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:42:35 GMT

The campaign appears to be saying one thing to conservative groups, and another to the mainstream media.
------------------------------------------------------
So much for the Straight Talk Express. It's been the Double Talk Express since the beginning. Just one more reason NOT to vote for McFossil.

A tightrope on gay marriage

Ron Indiana — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:48:07 GMT

Both parties are going to stick to the "civil union" position. There is no story here. Neither candidate wants to offend the evangelical conservatives. This is an example of the media trying to make a issue that doesn't exist.

I've noticed that while the Media analyzes every word of Obama and gives McOld a free ride. Viewer and the public are evaluating the media and questioning the words they use and the quality of their judgement. With the exception of Chuck Todd and Keith Olbermann, MSNBC has some work to do...like housecleaning. How I miss Tim.

A tightrope on gay marriage

Molly — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:59:12 GMT

What would obama think of this???? He had no opinion until his speech writers can come up with a "politically correct" response - then he will give a "major speech" - we are sick of your prepared speeches obama - you are a FRAUD!

A tightrope on gay marriage

A Charles, LA, CA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:01:52 GMT

I'm posting this here because I'm so disheartened.

I see why Dems have only won 3 times out of 10 in the last 40 years. The liberal Media ever since Vietnam attacks both sides.

When a dem pol has an issue he/she is hit by the right. Then hoping to clear the air he/she is then hit by the left.

No wonder we can't win the white house.

When even a pro like Mitchell confuses the issue for the public, you know we're in trouble.

Clark is getting the sh*t end of the stick from the left Media & it's not fair.

The right wing media protect Black & the issue died.

Where the talk about McCain's swift boat defender Day?

Every election the left Media set's us up in the nomination & then tear us down in the GE.

A tightrope on gay marriage

The Don, Missouri — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:02:50 GMT

Why should a small percentage of the population overrule most Americans who view marriage as a sacred tradition between a man and a woman?? Let the smaller percentage invent their own word for their kind of unions; they can make most legal aspects that traditional marriage be viable through other kinds of legal means. How can the noble state of Marriage as practiced through the ages now be changed by only a small percentage of Americans?? And by the way, whatever happened to referendums??
Barbara Schernick (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 2:10 PM)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Barb,

Do most Americans really see it that way? Or do they see it as a begining of a divorce? The last I checked, we have a higher percentage of man/woman divorces than the gay or lesbian divorces........And your buddy McCain(or you can read as 'even our founding fathers' i.e. McCain) can attest to that as living proof..

A tightrope on gay marriage

R.Merrell — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:03:01 GMT

It's a States Rights issue. Candidates for President should leave it at that. Who cares whether or not the President supports or does not support same sex marriage? There are far more important and pressing problems facing the nation like energy, war, health care, deteorating infrastructure, the economy, environmental concerns etc. which the next president will have to confront. Who marries whom should not be an issue in presidential elections.

A tightrope on gay marriage

Coleen, Seattle, Washington — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:16:47 GMT

Why is it that every time Obama makes a clear and concise statement the McCain campaign's first words are "He ALWAYS....." fill in the blank and then they attempt to put words out that favor their campaign. Why can't they just make their policies known and be done with it. To always bring up your opponent when a question is asked of you is petty and childish. Our politics need to be better than this.

A tightrope on gay marriage

jalin, ar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:16:53 GMT

McCain took this off the table he's in favor of Partners and benefits just not Marriage.

This scare tactit no longer works we have too much SUFFERING FROM THE RECESSION TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS

NOTHING IN THIS TOPIC WILL PUT GAS IN CARS, FOOD ON THE TABLE, PROVIDE JOBS, RETURN LOSS PENSIONS, IT'S THE ECONOMY STUPID

this is not the 2004 election of fear mongering and petty issues, Americans are suffering and the issues are very clear

Republican & John McCain Distractions are out of play and out of date so they can either deal with the issues directly or just do what they do best

IGNORE THEM>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A tightrope on gay marriage

The Don, Independence, MO — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:19:34 GMT

Ditto Clara in KCMO!

A tightrope on gay marriage

banko — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:24:39 GMT

McCain includes Bush pic in fundraising pitch. The truth is bitter.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0708/McCain_includes_Bush_pic_in_fundraising_pitch.html#comments

Jedreport: John McCain can't keep his story straight about George Bush
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm9rLDU-SiE&eurl

A tightrope on gay marriage

Amy, TX — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:26:12 GMT

If McCain believes marriage is between one man and one woman, why did he ditch the one woman, his wife, who waited for him all those years he was a POW?

Oh, that's right, she had put on weight. And he had just met Cindy the heiress.

Guess there's a loophole in that whole sanctity of marriage thing -- or it's just not important to back up words about beliefs with actions.

A tightrope on gay marriage

It won't effect my marriage -- so why not? — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:26:57 GMT

I have never understood the opposition to State provided gay marriage. Nobody is speaking here about forcing religious institutions to perform the sacred right of marriage against dogma, or tradition. Marriage by the state is already secular, not sacred. All you have to do is look at the high rate of divorce to determine that heterosexual marriage does have problems. I really don't see how allowing gays to go into a courthouse and get married has anything to do with other marriages.

Perhaps if everyone thought very hard before they entered into marriage, heterosexual marriages would have lower rates of divorce. Who knows? I know my marriage won't be effected at all by gay marriage -- will yours? It is up to me to make my marriage work; whether gays are allowed to marry has nothing to do with it.

A tightrope on gay marriage

Kathie Porter, Portland, OR — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:30:41 GMT

Keep the sanctification of a marriage between a man and a woman in the church, where it belongs.
If people are married in a non-religious ceremony, sanctified only by the state, that union should be available to all citizens.

A tightrope on gay marriage

Brian Gano — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:31:54 GMT

There is a factual error in the fourth paragraph. The US Supreme Court made no ruling on California.

A tightrope on gay marriage

Pat Huntington NY — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:32:42 GMT

My right to marry my same sex partner should not be decided by the will of the people...the will of the people cannot be used to justify their tyranny against the rights of the minority...that is why we have courts...this is a bedrock principal of representative democracy.

This referendum should not be allowed.

If you have a problem with my same sex marriage, and yes, I am a gay man who married his same sex partner in August 2004 in Massachusettes [together for 14 years!], and it is legal there because of our timing, then you need to get a grip.

I am sick of the hate mongers who claim to be defending the so called sanctity of marriage and though it was a person, who was in distress. Its a pretext for your homophobia. I think my rights are more important.

Defeat the Referendum!

A tightrope on gay marriage

walter neff, orange, virginia — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:40:43 GMT

If the issue of gay marriage is such a no-brainer, why is Obama dancing around it like a stick of dynamite? I hope he does come out and support it full throttle. That will be the end of his campaign right there. The overwhelming majority of Americans do not support it and never will.

A tightrope on gay marriage

Nashville_fan — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:46:32 GMT

Why is it that conservatives want government out of their lives but in everyone else's?

A tightrope on gay marriage

Ron, TX — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:52:16 GMT

If gays and lesbians want to be miserable like the rest of us let them! lol.