(crossposted to Confessions of a Cybernegress)
During the NBC White House special, Brian Williams asked if gays and lesbians who wish to marry have a friend in the White House. Obama's answer:
"I think gays and lesbians have a friend in the White House because I've consistently committed myself to civil unions."
That wasn't the question, and Obama knows it. But this answer rather clearly declares what he thinks of gay marriage. He's not a supporter. That's disappointing, if only because I thought his politics were left enough to be considered progressive. They're not.
And that's okay, because:
"I don't think it makes sense for the federal government to get in the business of what marriage is. That isn't traditionally the federal government's role."
In a way, Obama's stance and approach to gay marriage are impressive: while he doesn't believe that gays and lesbians should be married, he does believe that the federal government should not have a role in legalizing--or banning--gay marriage.
So, what does that mean? Not only does this allow Obama to stay out of a deeply contentious battle (at least politically), he appears to support the spirit of the law, as well as the letter.
I know a lot of folks won't agree with me on this, but I believe that while his personal politics may be found wanting in this case, his professional politics couldn't be much better.