Joyce L. Arnold, Liberally Independent, Queer Talk, equality activist, writer.
To this point, maybe the best reaction I’ve seen to this cover for the latest Newsweek is from John Aravosis: “Hmmm.”
Of course the “first gay president” is recalling Toni Morrison naming Bill Clinton the “first black president.”
The story was written by Andrew Sullivan, who was on today’s Chris Matthews Show. From Mediaite:
Through muted tears, Sullivan explained the impact of Obama’s announcement for gay Americans like himself:
‘Beforehand, I was kind of steeled. I was like, ‘I didn’t care; he’s going to disappoint us again.’ And then I sat down and watched our president tell me that I am his equal. … And to hear the president who is in some ways a father figure speak to that – the tears came down like with many people in our families.’
Hmmm.
Okay, that really wasn’t my first reaction. That was more in the line of “over-reach” – both on the cover and on Sullivan’s comments. I haven’t read the story, so can’t comment on that. I also thought about Newsweek marketing and, of course, 2012 politics.
( Photo via Newsweek )
Hi Joyce! My first reaction was… It is about time! My second was…..this is fantastic news. My third was…… There must be a political advantage for Obama in this.
The GOP is going to have a field day with this cover! The fact that President Obama had nothing to do with it won’t make any difference to all the Karl Roves out there.
Someone explain to me why anyone who is Gay would care less what the President thinks of gay marriage if he is willing to leave that Civil Right to the mercy of the Majority in the states. This is exactly like Democrats and Republicans who said that they were “personally” in favor of civil rights in the 1950s but also that they felt it was a “state issue.”
Anyone who believes that the Majority should have a veto over the Civil Rights of the Minority has done nothing to earn tears of gratitude, let alone a multi-colored halo. Talk about the soft bigotry of low expectations. Jesus, what a world we live in.
jjamele, I totally agree with you. Yes, I am thrilled about what President Obama said about his support of Gay Marriage. But myself along with many others also has to thank VP Biden for slipping it out on Morning News show. I personally think President Obama was under a hugh amount of pressure from the LGBT Community and Progressive and moderate allies. President Obama has to understand that the states that passed constitutional amendments are breaking the Federal Constitution. And to have the Democratic Convention in a right to work state that just passed a amendment to discriminate against that states minority is wrong and thats why Labor is not donating much for the convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. Andrew Sullivan has been sticking up for the President, since day one and will continue to do so no matter what. I brush off what he says most of the time.
For those who want Obama re-elected this is not good news. Coming out for gay marriage at this time was not a great idea either but this will only make things worse. Those who weren’t galvanized before will certainly be so now. There are many voters who say they are ok with gay marriage to pollsters but aren’t really and those who though they may have gay friends don’t really want their president on the cover of Newsweek labeled the first gay president, and will vote accordingly. I’m sure this cause for celebration in the LGBT community but not everyone is coming to the party.
I hear you fangio. I am waiting to hear my older brother’s response to that cover. He is a lifelong moderate Republican who voted for Obama. He has defended him for the last three years and told me he intends to vote for him again. The main reason being he thinks the repubs have gone off the deep end. That cover will make him squirm but I think he will still vote fo him.
Yeah……Well………No matter how much advertising, entertainment, spin, political and corporate promotions and distractions are thrown at us, at the end of the day I encourage all of us….”Remember His Words”, “Remember His Promises”, “Remember His Cofirmation”…..I DO SUPPORT YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
Evening JOYCE
I misspelled a word too!
Wear that halo like a badge of honor Mr. President.
He’s earned it at least as much as he has that Nobel Prize. Just ask the survivors of the current Drone War. Better hurry, though.
Nice to see no sign of that ODS clearing up there.
That’s a nice dodge which does nothing to refute my post. But I expect nothing better from you, so I’m not disappointed.
I would like to know what is “deranged” about pointing out the obvious- that Obama has ordered the murder of countless civilians since he took office, and has no intention of doing anything to help gays secure their civil rights. But I’ll wait until someone with a functioning brain and something other than witless talking points (do you get paid every time you type “Republikant/teabagger?”) responds. You don’t qualify.
Hi — A bit off topic, but it is related to LGBT issues. Just wanted to share with you all that a friend of mine from HS was recently appointed as the first female Portland Fire Chief… and she has been a Lesbian since HS. I was so happy for her and she deserves it!
Congrads to your friend whitepaw !!
Here is a link if anyone is interested
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2012/02/erin_janssens_named_portland_f.html
Good for your friend whitepaw
Yes.. Good for my friend… Thanks LL
A good evening to all of you.
As usual, you bring great comments, questions, analysis. Even when I don’t always get to join in the comments, I always read them, and pro, con or somewhere inbetween, am always appreciative. One thought: it’s always helpful for any and all posts here at TM to have that little “Like” button clicked upon. So if and when that works for you, that will also be appreciated
I just liked your post
I wish we could like comments as well….
Hmmm- glad the prez has expressed his approval of marriage equality. Im troubled that he thinks its up to the states. Civil rts are never up to states. We wait for SCOTUS to make gays equals I suppose
In regards to the Newsweek cover only. Just seems kind of dated.
Poor Andy Sullivan, as irrelevant as ever.
Really though.
A Halo.
And they wonder why he is nicknamed the Messiah.