May 14, 2012

It has been almost a full week since President Obama announced his support of same-sex marriage. After a week of weighing public opinion, the question still stands, “Will this endorsement help or hinder the President?” There are two sides to this argument.

Pro-Romney
Let’s be clear, President Obama is the FIRST President to publicly endorse same-sex marriage. In turn, this very action could help rally supporters for Mitt Romney. We’ve seen this theme of choosing the “lesser of two evils” throughout history and that is the mindset that some voters are going to the polls with. It is no secret that plenty of traditional Christians are in uproar after getting wind of this, so who do you vote for? The practicing Mormon? Or the supporter of gay marriage? Polls are already showing an increase in Mitt Romney’s support from anti-Obama voters. For some people, gay marriage is a deal breaker for whom they choose to support. Some analyst believe that Romney will experience an influx of black supporters who just will not compromise on gay marriage, so they will either not vote at all or vote for Romney; both are bad scenarios for President Obama.

Pro-Obama
Polls reflect Americans protest to gay marriage has decreased to 43% from 60 % in 2004, with African-American’s opposition declining from 67% to 49%. If there is ever a perfect time to support same-sex marriage, this was it. It also doesn’t hurt the President that the remainder of states to vote in the primary are conservative states that he’s not likely to garner support from either way. I’m sure the Obama campaign administration is working hard to poll the public’s thoughts. Rev Jamal Bryant, a minister in Baltimore noted on the Tom Joyner Morning Show,

“Given the option I’ve got with Mitt Romney, I think I’ve got no choice [but to support Obama]. And I think African-Americans are mature enough to say, ‘This is not the issue I’m going to walk away from him [on].’ “

In 2008 we witnessed how many young people came out to the polls to involve themselves in a movement, i.e. voting for the first black president ever. Same-sex marriage could be the movement o f 2012.

At this point, voters truly have to pick their poison; there are still other key issues on the ballot such as unemployment, poverty, and education. What are your thoughts? Will gay-marriage be the deal-breaker for President Obama?