(Image source: HLN)
BY TRACY PFEIFFER
ANCHOR EMILY SPAIN
President Barack Obama got a standing ovation at the 15th Annual Human Rights Campaign Dinner, where he made some jokes and took some jabs at his rising presidential rivals.
One of the most-talked-about moments was when the president assailed the GOP presidential candidates for staying silent after a gay soldier was booed at a debate. HLN has the clip. (Video: MSNBC)
PRES. BARACK OBAMA: “We don’t believe in the kind of smallness that says it’s okay for a stage full of political leaders - one of whom could end up being the President of the United States - being silent when an American soldier is booed. [applause] …You want to be Commander-in-Chief? You can start by standing up for the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States, even when it’s not politically convenient. [applause]”
The president also highlighted the progressive moves he’s made as president, including the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and his administration’s abandonment of the Defense of Marriage Act. (Video: MSNBC)
A writer for MSNBC says the dinner, held by the United States’ largest gay rights organization, was a platform of opportunity for the president.
“Obama found an opportunity to attack his Republicans rivals indirectly. He has been seeking to rally his liberal base of support as he campaigns for re-election ... with his poll numbers down and Americans in general unhappy with his handling of the U.S. economy.”
AMERICAblog suggests gay and lesbian rights is where the president could find his best rallying point.
“It's the new ‘fighting Obama,’ and I like it. And actually, there's [another] remarkable thing here: that gay rights is being used as a wedge issue (and effectively) against the GOP presidential candidates. So much for all that talk about gay rights being the third rail of politics - it turns out it is; the GOP's third rail.”
But as HRC’s chief legislative counsel tells CNN, there’s still one issue sticking like a thorn in the president’s side.
BRIAN MOULTON, HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN: “The president has, you know, said he’s ‘evolving’ on marriage, and we all would like him to evolve faster. Certainly, it would be a powerful thing for the president to support marriage forthrightly, but it doesn’t take away from the amazing accomplishments that we’ve seen in this presidency.”
Sky News puts that issue a little more strongly, suggesting it could really be a stumbling point in the re-election campaign.
“Some of the president's backers say he could be wasting a chance to energize key segments of his base, including young people, if he doesn't publicly advocate for gay marriage.”
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