Biden apologizes to Obama over gay marriage flap
Source: USA Today
Vice President Joe Biden apologized to President Obama for preempting him on the gay marriage issue, officials said today.
Biden's Sunday statement on NBC's Meet The Press that he was "absolutely comfortable" with idea of same-sex marriage put political pressure on Obama, who agreed to a hastily scheduled television interview on Wednesday to declare his own support.
Obama told ABC's Good Morning America that he had planned to endorse gay marriage at a later date, but Biden's comments prompted a change of plans.
Biden "probably got out a little bit over his skis, but out of generosity of spirit," Obama said.
Read more: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2012/05/biden-apologizes-to-obama-over-gay-marriage-flap/1#.T6xDMVYitHE
seabeyond
(110,159 posts)but they seems to compliment each other well.
I personally don't think Biden has anything to apologize for but I'm not the one that makes that decision. I doubt Obama was offended myself aside from the comment from Obama that Biden's statement prompted a statement from himself sooner than planned.
hlthe2b
(102,131 posts)#thebidenbump
http://twitter.com/#!/joshtpm/status/200305956721139712
LOL
seabeyond
(110,159 posts)awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)at least until Joe decides to wash the Trans Am:
http://www.theonion.com/articles/shirtless-biden-washes-trans-am-in-white-house-dri,2718/
I know, it is old- but it makes me laugh. I could almost see Joe doing this
Cleita
(75,480 posts)What was he supposed to do, hem and haw? It would have made him look homophobic. All he could do was answer truthfully and he did. I think Obama understands that.
elleng
(130,739 posts)FiveGoodMen
(20,018 posts)Especially that he should have to do it publicly.
Just reinforces the impression that Obama didn't really want to go there (in which case, all this cheering for him is completely undeserved).
high density
(13,397 posts)That was a stupid idea and I'm glad Biden forced them to reconsider it.
Lars39
(26,107 posts)Every time he apologizes and Obama responds is just that much more air time.
center rising
(971 posts)He didn't say or do anything wrong.
ProudToBeBlueInRhody
(16,399 posts)Anyone who doesn't think everything said is all planned out in advance is a fool.
onehandle
(51,122 posts)hamsterjill
(15,220 posts)Amazes me that some people actually think Joe is a "loose cannon", when what Joe really is, is a "smart cookie".
You can be certain that it is ALL orchestrated down to the last detail. That's the way a well-oiled operation is run, and Obama/Biden know what they are doing!
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)truthisfreedom
(23,140 posts)First Joe floated the idea at a Hollywood party, 3 weeks ago.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0512/76156.html
Next, the Obama campaign crew (likely) contacted Jason Horwitz at the Washington Times to let him know there was a good date to release his story, and set up the Meet The Press show for Biden to appear to make his "gaffe."
Then Joe went on Meet the Press and "gaffed."
Next, Obama stalled until Tuesday to make his announcement about gay marriage to make it look like he was doing some soul-searching and consulting with his staff and family. The country rejoiced. Well at least our people did.
Next, the hair-cutting story appeared, including a quote (as recalled by the school principal) from the victim who Romney had sheared by force... Lauber paused, then responded, It was horrible.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/mitt-romneys-prep-school-classmates-recall-pranks-but-also-troubling-incidents/2012/05/10/gIQA3WOKFU_print.html
Next, Mittens issued his non-apology apology to, essentially, a gay man who was already dead for 8 years from liver cancer, which often happens after cirrhosis, which is associated with excessive drinking, which is also associated with bullying. He used the "I don't remember the incident" defense. The only problem is, in the original article, everyone remembers the incident, with horror.
This article resulted:
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/politics/2012/05/todays-worst-day-mitt-romneys-high-school-bullying-story-come-out/52147/
Also, this article was published:
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/05/romney-threatened-lgbt-anti-bully-commission-as-governor.php
Which shows that he's still unconcerned with gay bullying. And that he doesn't want his name associated with gay causes in any way, shape or form.
So, what do we have? Mittens bullied a gay boy by forcibly cutting his hair, then apologized 8 years after he died, calling it a prank, but claimed he didn't remember doing it, and added that he didn't know the guy was gay, even though his classmates at the time said that the boy was known to be gay, and Mittens also bullied another gay boy by yelling out Atta girl! when the boy attempted to speak out in class. When he grew up and became Governor, he effectively killed his own office's project to help protect LGBT kids from bullying. And meanwhile, Obama has "changed" his stance on gay marriage and is now "embracing" it, and has taken firm positions on bullying and gay rights, especially in the military.
This was very carefully orchestrated. Right down to the apology by Biden. It's all cover, and Mittens is in a very very bad place with the youth vote right now. He's a known bully who is apparently a homophobe. What would Jesus do? Apparently when you're Mormon, Jesus does things differently, we've now learned from Romney.
eggplant
(3,908 posts)Given the smoothness of the process in the press of the entire thing, it is difficult to believe that it was a true gaffe that required handling.
On the other hand, I say "great!" One can only wonder what POTUS' next "upon further consideration" moment will be. Taking MJ off the Schedule I list, after talking with a lot of hospice patients dying in terrible pain? Let's hope.
SteveG
(3,109 posts)Obama wanted to do it just before the convention. But the question was asked of him, and there really wasn't any way for him parse his words in a way that wouldn't sound like he was dissembling, so his best bet was to state his personal opinion with the proviso that he didn't set policy, which he did. I don't think this really plays against Obama in the election, since the people he alienated by backing same sex marriage were already not going to vote for hime because of his refusal to defend DOMA and his getting rid of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. What the Republican base forgets is that too win a state like PA, they have to win the upscale suburbs around cities like Philly and Pittsburgh with wide margins like they did up through Bush I. These people, while generally fiscally conservative are socially liberal and the Social Issue conservatives give them the creeps in a big way. Starting with Clinton the Democrats have done much better with this demographic. Support for gay marriage isn't going to be an issue for these voters except in a positive way.
DCKit
(18,541 posts)The Republics would be laughed out of office on election day.
grantcart
(53,061 posts)rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)Beacool
(30,247 posts)gateley
(62,683 posts)struggle4progress
(118,234 posts)star-stucked by the bright lights o'th'big city, with the sharks o'hollywood and wallstreet circlin around em
SemperEadem
(8,053 posts)I do not fault him at all for forcing the administration's hand. This should have been a done deal a long, long time ago.
captainmojo
(3 posts)Completely agree. Maybe they can make amends by moving the convention out of Charlotte, NC.
http://signon.org/sign/democrats-pull-the-national
VWolf
(3,944 posts)Every time the other side gets pissy about something we say, we apologize for it!
I'm sick and tired of this.
Oh wait, never mind.
captainmojo
(3 posts)No more excuses...let's get that convention out of Charlotte!
http://signon.org/sign/democrats-pull-the-national
captainmojo
(3 posts)Biden APOLOGIZED to Obama?! It's OBAMA that owes the apology for being such a wuss about this issue for so long!
The Dems have shown once again that they lack the backbone to make real change in this country, and I am tired of making excuses for them.
Something that would help: MOVE THE DEM CONVENTION OUT OF CHARLOTTE, NC
http://signon.org/sign/democrats-pull-the-national
ScreamingMeemie
(68,918 posts)I know a lot of people are upset this week, but this is a Democratic message board. While it is okay to critique the policies of this administration, over the top rhetoric does get people banned. You might want to add your petition to your profile so that it does not appear that you are spamming the forum. I look forward to getting to know you better.