Obama asked about gay marriage in TV interview

It is clear from  this video clip that President Barack Obama is very uncomfortable about LGBT issues right now. He looks pained as he answers NBC’s Brian Williams’ question “Do gays and lesbians have a friend in the White House.”

Obama said that we do because he has supported “a whole host of legal rights” that “they” don’t have right now.

But certainly not marriage.

“I don’t think it makes sense for the federal government to get in the business of determining what marriage is,” said Obama.

Towleroad.com makes an interesting point: if that is how Obama feels, then he should be advocating the repeal of Defense of Marriage Act.

Friends and I were talking about Obama and gay issues over dinner last night: is he personally fine with gay marriage and the repeal of DADT and DOMA etc. but is afraid of galvanizing the opposition which is in such disarray right now?

My opinion what that even if his virtual silence is part of a strategy, there has to be as middle ground Obama can take so he does not appear so aloof and uncaring about our issues. He has so deeply disappointed so many of us at this crucial time in our history.