Tag Archives: Barack Obama

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the murder of David Kato. In Uganda, David showed tremendous courage in speaking out against hate. He was a powerful advocate for fairness and freedom. The United States mourns his murder, and we recommit ourselves to David’s work. At home and around the world, LGBT persons continue to be subjected to unconscionable bullying, …

No, I have no clue what a “spudneck” is either.

“Tonight President Obama recognized the important role of parents in the educational achievement of their children. President Obama himself has set an example as a father and husband. However, the agenda he has pursued and articulated tonight does not strengthen the kind of family children need: one with a Mom and Dad. [snip] Unfortunately, many of the Administration’s policies have …

Via the White House, here’s last night’s complete State of the Union address. “This enhanced version features charts, graphs and other visual aids that accompany the President’s speech.”

(Via Steven Thrasher @ Village Voice)

Stony faces from the Joint Chiefs, just like last year.

From the text of tonight’s speech: “Our troops come from every corner of this country – they are black, white, Latino, Asian and Native American. They are Christian and Hindu, Jewish and Muslim. And, yes, we know that some of them are gay. Starting this year, no American will be forbidden from serving the country they love because of who …

Today the Windy City Times republished several 1996 documents in which Barack Obama pledged his support for marriage equality. Presumably they’ve done this to remind everybody as they sit down to watch tonight’s State of the Union address. Pragmatists might claim that had Obama stuck to his guns on same-sex marriage, we’d be in Year Three of the McCain/Palin administration. …

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs today nearly cut his press conference short after Washington Blade reporter Chris Johnson pressed him about the president’s 1996 support of same-sex marriage, a position Obama later reversed. Gibbs resumed taking questions after other reporters complained. Johnson has been relentless on LGBT issues with Gibbs for the last couple of weeks.

Openly gay Arizona shooting hero Daniel Hernandez and his father will be seated with the First Lady at Tuesday’s State Of The Union address. “I’m both honored and excited to have the opportunity to travel to our nation’s Capitol for a once in a lifetime event. Also the chance to bring my father along for his first trip to Washington, …

“I’m not an idiot: Now that the Republicans hold the House, only wishful thinkers and the deeply delusional expect to see any movement on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender legislative agenda this year or next. Nevertheless, President Obama should address gay rights in his State of the Union speech this week, and he should tackle the biggest, most meaningful …

Obama’s recognition of the heroes begins at 12:00.

UPDATE: The event is concluded. I’ll post video recaps as soon as they become available.

“Well, I share his experience because we obviously share a lot of the same friends, but I have not changed my position.” – Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, responding to the president’s recent hint that he is “evolving” on the issue of same-sex marriage.

President Obama and the First Lady joined members of Congress and their staffers today for a moment of silence honoring the victims of Saturday’s massacre in Arizona.