Current Event Posting #4
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: Obama Says Gay Marriage Stance ‘The Right Thing to do,’ Courts Women, Gay, Young Voters in NYC
Author: Associated Press
Publication Name: Washington Post
Day of Publication: May 14. 2012
Length: 2 pages
President Barack Obama recently declared his support for same-sex marriage saying "That doesn't weaken families. It strengthens families". Aiming for appeal towards women, young people, and gays/lesbians, he gave a commencement address at Barnard College, a women's college, and held an interview with "The View", a day-time talk show mainly for women. While these audiences have supported him through the 2008 election, Democrats hope that Obama's new embrace for gay marriage will encourage and re-energize previous supporters. With his new competition, Republican Ritt Romney, Obama plans on focusing on those groups, under the belief that “At root, so much of this has to do with a belief that not only are we all in this together but all of us are equal in terms of dignity and in terms of respect, and everybody deserves a shot,”. He has begun taking action as he called for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as commitment between a man and a woman. During his address at Barnard College, he recognized women as the ones who will "help lead the way", gaining women's support, giving him a leading advantage over Romney with 54% over Romney's 39% women voters. He also encouraged young people to fight through the nation's challenges and look up to history's leaders who have worked through them in the past. Overall, Obama's recent declarations have won support as shown through surveys revealing 19% of voters gaining favoritism towards Obama.
Obama has been an inspiration through his reign as president, making history as the first African-American President, now fighting for equality within sexual orientation, and the persistence of women and young people. While Congress may not currently agree with Obama's actions towards the Defense of Marriage Act, Obama is making a distinct effort in improving the lives of the mistreated, and will continue on with his encouragement and support of the people. Although controversy also exists between voters of different ages, as a shown 42% over the age of 65 view the president less favorably, Obama still strives to live in an equal society, despite the difference that exits.
Obama is definitely trying to achieve equality for gays and the public in general, but his secondary motivation is to gain votes in the upcoming election. This is evident with his attempt to gather support from women and its success is clear because he has 54% support from women voters. His recent actions have made him gain favoritism from 19% of voters. That percentage will obviously soar higher if Obama continues his efforts towards equality for everyone in the U.S.
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