Affirming their humanity

In the latest issue of Newsweek, Andrew Sullivan writes movingly about what he felt as he watched President Obama say on television that he supported gay marriage: “[T]he tears came flooding down. The moment reminded me of my own wedding day. … I was utterly unprepared for how psychologically transformative the moment would be. To have the president of the United States affirm my humanity—and the humanity of all gay Americans—was, unexpectedly, a watershed. He shifted the mainstream in one interview.”

Was there political calculation behind it? Undoubtedly. As Obama said, Vice President Joe Biden had “got out a little over his skis” by earlier announcing his support for gay marriage. The president clearly believed he needed to take control of the issue. And, as those close to him have said, he was planning to take that stand in coming months, before the November election.

But it’s wrong to say that his action was a cynical ploy designed to bolster his campaign. If anything, it was risky. Americans are split down the middle on this issue, so it’s impossible to say what the political impact will be, one way or the other. Certainly it’s energized Obama’s youthful supporters, and wealthy gay donors are opening their wallets, but at the same time Christian conservatives are incensed and are gearing up to support Mitt Romney, who is opposed to marriage equality.

As Sullivan points out, Obama is someone who knows the healing power of marriage. Now he’s said all Americans should be able to enjoy it. The country is a better place because of the president’s action.