More than half of Americans say they approve of President Barack Obama’s recently announced support for full marriage equality for gay and lesbians, according to a new USA TODAY/Gallup poll.
But the poll also indicated that 60 percent of Americans responded that Obama’s support of same-sex marriage will have no impact on how they vote this November.
Overall, 51 percent approve of Obama’s new position on same-sex marriage, compared with 45 percent who disapprove. Nearly 13 percent say his shift in position will make them more likely to vote for him, while 26% say it will make them less likely, suggesting that more supporters of likely GOP nominee Mitt Romney feel more strongly about this issue than do base supporters of Obama.
Since Obama announced on Wednesday his shift on the issue in an interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts, his campaign has highlighted his position on gay rights while charging that Romney would further restrict rights for same-sex couples.
Though Obama endorsed gay marriage, he told Roberts that the issue should be a matter for each state to decide on individually.
Gallup’s Jeffrey M. Jones said the poll results “suggest Obama’s gay marriage position is likely to cost him more independent and Democratic votes than he would gain in independent and Republican votes, clearly indicating that his new position is more of a net minus than a net plus for him.”
But Jones also cautioned that “it is important to note that the poll’s results give a sense of Americans’ immediate reactions to Obama’s position.”
“It is possible that the impact of Obama’s same-sex marriage position will ultimately be greater or lesser, depending on the attention paid to the same-sex marriage issue during the duration of the presidential campaign,” Jones wrote in his analysis.
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- as they should.
his saying that made me love him even more!!!
YEAH! This is ONE GIANT STEP !!!
He’s a good man, now people can see him as that instead of scapegoat for Bush
I think everyone should have the right to get married whether straight, gay, transgender and such!!!!!
It’s all BS take a look at NC
We have already learned that the right doesn’t care what the majority of us want Oy think.
North Carolina is a single state, just because they approve of his view, does not necessarily mean they approve of gays getting married
Gay rights are important, but so are many OTHER issues…I’ll definitely vote for him
I see voting “gay” in NC on the rise!!
Too bad he has no power to make thechanges needed
Democrats in N.C. weren’t strongly motivated to get to the primary polls — but — those N.C.ers who voted for the amendment are hateful brainswashed gay-bashing zombies for Jesus. Q.V. Pastor Sean Harris who gave his parishioners “special dispensation” to crack their son’s wrists if they seem gay.
Lies beyond belief with this president I’m sick of this government bullshit
Congress has the real power but The GOP refuses to compromise with Obama
Well at least he has the balls to come out and say it. Good for him and the democratic party.
i congrats predients obama that rite support gay marriages
Go Obama! Im suprized it didnt pass in a state like NC…theres so many open minded spirits there….
Well if “more than half of Americans” approve then …just pass it for all states and be done with it already…I know it’s not that simple but damn….enough is enough
Gay rights all over the world would be great
Happy Weekend everyone! In humility we walk with PRIDE…we are no better or NO WORSE than others….
Well I thought it was a great thing until I read this ““suggest Obama’s gay marriage position is likely to cost him more independent and Democratic votes than he would gain in independent and Republican votes, clearly indicating that his new position is more of a net minus than a net plus for him.”” I hope it doesn’t cost him more votes :( If more than 50% of people want gay marriage legal though why not just make it legal already?
Well I think that those who side with NEED TO GET OUT AND VOTE and not just sit back! Only then will he win a second term in a slaughter :)
Fuck….finally!!!!!!!
Couldn’t agree with ya more Michael! In 08 it was the first time I was old enough to vote (i’m 23. Turned 18 Feb of 07) and I voted for Obama, and in will for a second time in 2012 too!