Clinton and Obama Issue Bland Statements on CA Marriage Ruling

The Democratic presidential candidates release bland responses to the landmark ruling on same sex marriage by the California Supreme Court. Neither Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama spoke on the subject at their press availability or issued direct statements. Both of the statements were released by spokespersons and leave much to be desired.

First, the lukewarm response from the Clinton campaign:

Hillary Clinton believes that gay and lesbian couples in committed relationships should have the same rights and responsibilities as all Americans and believes that civil unions are the best way to achieve this goal.

As President, Hillary Clinton will work to ensure that same sex couples have access to these rights and responsibilities at the federal level. She has said and continues to believe that the issue of marriage should be left to the states.

And the tepid response from the Obama campaign:

Barack Obama has always believed that same-sex couples should enjoy equal rights under the law, and he will continue to fight for civil unions as President. He respects the decision of the California Supreme Court, and continues to believe that states should make their own decisions when it comes to the issue of marriage.

On the issue of constitutional amendments, Senator Obama has been on record for some time: He opposes all divisive and discriminatory constitutional amendments, state or federal. That includes the proposed amendments in California and Florida.

Both of the Democratic candidates have equally strong records on gay and lesbian issues (PDF). It's too bad neither campaign could offer congratulations or issue a preemptive warning to the Republicans against using the marriage ruling as a wedge issue.

Presumptive Republican nominee John McCain is also avoiding the subject and "did not mention it in a speech he gave Thursday outlining what he wanted to do as president," notes The New York Times. McCain "is at a point in his campaign now where he is seeking to appeal to moderates and Democrats uncomfortable with Mr. Obama [and] emphasizing social issues would repel those groups."

"This year, the decision in California could at the very least have resonance with socially conservative voters in places like Ohio and Pennsylvania. Even if Mr. McCain does not wield it as part of his fall campaign—and his political associates said he almost certainly would not—history suggests that independent conservative advocacy groups would seize on the ruling to try to define Mr. Obama and his party as culturally out-of-step."

Ruling May Revive Gay Marriage Issue in Campaign [NYT]
Dems Offer Lackluster Marriage Remarks [Queerty]

More POLITICS
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Did You Read ... ?
CA Supreme Court Overturns Marriage Ban [R20]
Behind the Gay-Friendly Faces [The Advocate + PDF]
A Tale of Two Cities [The Advocate]
I Have a Dream ... Ticket [The Advocate]
Democratic Debate Addresses Homopohobia, Race [R20]
Obama Snubs Clinton at SOTU [R20]
The Advocate: Clinton vs Obama [R20]
Obama Addresses Homophobia and Anti-Semitism [R20]
HRC/Logo Forum: Obama Conference Call [R20]
HRC/Logo Forum: Morning After [R20]
Obama Meets the Press to Discuss Gays [R20]
Obama on McClurkin to "The Advocate" [R20]
Hillary: The Advocate Interview [R20]
Obama Talks to "The Advocate" [R20]
Obama's "A More Perfect Union" Speech [R20]
Guest Commentary: Rod McCullom [Logo]
The Advocate: Clinton vs Obama [R20]
YearlyKos Day 3: Hillary Clinton [R20]
Democrats Debate Homopohobia, Racism,HIV [R20]
Democratic Candidates Debate Gay Issues [R20]
Clinton Names Prominent Gay Supporters [R20]
Clinton, Edwards Oppose Surgeon General Nominee [R20]
Clinton Camp Targets Gay and Lesbian Donors [R20]
Obama: Not "Very Christian" to Criticize Gays [R20]
Obama Buys Ads in Gay Newspapers in TX, OH [R20]
Obama: Hospital Visitation for Gay Couples is "Not a Special Privilege" [R20]
Right-Wing Townhall.com: "Obama Would Be First Gay President!" [R20]

Comments

[Me]

I think at least part of it is that they are realizing now that this can only be a wedge issue for so long. It's a distraction of little importance in the big picture when you look at everything that is wrong right now. People are losing their homes, struggling to keep their ice boxes full and pumping $4 a gallon gas into their cars. Those are issues, not whether or not Jim and Bob next door say I do. Voters screwed themselves the last time by voting based on such issues and focusing on the wrong things and I think the dems don't even wanna get that ball rolling again.

I guess I agree that the statements were weak, but I wasn't surprised by them.

[Ryan]

I agree with Me....

At the end of the day, this is powerful. But, in the context of the utter and growing decline of this country--the mortgage crisis hasn't improved, people are loosing their houses, have no jobs, there is a recession, etc.

this decision is quite minor...so i'm not surprised at their mediocre and lukewarm responses.

[Perry Hoffman]

All so terribly predictable.