A rather astute observation by the Washington Blade's Chris Johnson.
Washington Blade: Jay, I'd like some clarification on some things the president said on Saturday during a speech before an LGBT audience at the Human Rights Campaign dinner.Chris' point seems to be that you can't have evolution if you never evolve. Also, he's right about the President referring to a gay partner as someone's wife. They're not in his eyes, so why say it?
When he was talking about the American Jobs Act, the president said, "You're also folks who are worried about the economy and whether or not your partner or husband or wife will be able to find a job." Later on, when talking about progress, he said, "It happens when a father realizes he doesn't just love her daughter, but also her wife."
Should I interpret those remarks to mean the president now supports same-sex marriage?
Jay Carney: I would say that you're over-interpreting remarks. I would just leave it to you to analyze. The president's position on gay marriage is well known. The comments he made late last year about his views on it are well known, and I have no updates for you. I wouldn't read into language there any change.
Blade: But isn't it disingenuous for the president to speak reverentially about these people's spouses when he doesn't support same-sex marriage?
Carney: Again, I'll let the president address that question. I think this president's record on LGBT issues, his commitment to the rights of all Americans was evident on Saturday night both in his remarks and the response he got from the audience there, so I'll leave it at that.
Blade: We're approaching the one-year anniversary when the president first said he could evolve on same-sex marriage. He said that late in October 2010 in an interview with progressive bloggers. Has that evolution been shelved or is it still on the table?
Carney: Again, I think I just answered that question. I don't have an update for you on his position. The remarks he made last year stand and I just don't have anything new to add to that.
Blade: But when will the evolution come to an end?
Carney: Again, I have anything new to add to that.
