It would seem that the progressive community is virtually unanimous in supporting the President's views on marriage equality. Of course, I am in complete agreement. But the title refers to Obama's political acumen.
I think the commentators have overlooked the advantage of Obama's statement on marriage equality. Between now and September, the passions on the core of the issue will have died down. Progressives will still support Obama; conservatives will still support Romney. What about those in the middle?
On the issue itself, there will be centrists that fall on either side of the issue. But there are few voters outside the LGBT community for whom this is a defining issue. I don't think the president's statement will swing many votes one way or the other.
When the immediate controversy dies down, what will remain -- like the Chesshire cat's grin -- is the fact that President Obama has shown character, courage, and leadership in an area where Romney can only sputter and flail. Even a centrist that disagrees with marriage equality must be impressed with the contrast.
Now, I must wonder if the entire affair has been choreographed. Obama is a very good politician, and I have to wonder if he might have used Joe Biden to plausibly push the issue to the forefront so that he could make a personal statement on the issue without tying it to specific legislation.
Note that Romney was totally perplexed about what his response should be. There was not a bill or a proposal that he could oppose, so how could he say anything against what the President said? Could he oppose the President's views that were based on equality? You could almost feel his pain in trying to say something intelligent. Almost.
Don't misread me; I think this tactic (if that's what it indeed was) was a perfectly legitimate masterstroke of politics. Why should Democrats not put their core beliefs in the best possible light?
If I'm wrong about the choreography, I still must admire Obama for turning what could have been an awkward political moment to his advantage. But it must be admitted that he has a natural advantage over his opponent; he has courage and character. I think that's what will be obvious next November.