How would this work as a Kerry response to the DMA in the general election? This isn't the kind of response that would please the base, but it might mollify swing voters angry at Bush but scared of the "Massachusetts liberal."
"Though I am against gay marriage, I'm also against the Federal Marriage Amendment. I've made that clear numerous times. President Bush claims this is a contradiction, but of course, it is not. One can oppose abortion and yet not support a constitutional amendment banning it. One can oppose flag burning and yet not support a constituional amendment banning it. One can oppose adultery and yet not support a constituional amendment banning it.
"Furthermore, I want to remind the American people of a basic fact my opponent would like you all to forget: The president of the United States has no role in amending the constitution. He doesn't sign an amendment. He can't veto one, either. So in the end it doesn't matter what President Bush or I, if elected, think about any of this. This issue is up to the Senate, the House and the 50 state legislatures. They are the ones who matter here. Heck, Congress could try to pass an amendment banning broccoli and there wouldn't be a thing President Bush or I could do about it."
Well, I'm not a speechwriter, but I think it's important for swing voters to understand that the president has no role in amending the constitution.