So what do you think of Obama's Iowa marriage joke?

[dsc]

In his monologue at the Correspondent's dinner Obama told a joke about he and Axelrod deciding to run for President. He said they did what thousands of partners are now doing, went to Iowa and made it official. I won't offer an opinion yet, I am curious as to other people's.

[cecilfirefox]

1. Well...

It's not demeaning, just a well made pun. So personally it doesn't bother me.

[otohara]

2. Since Iowa Is The First Caucus For Primaries

and now the first in the so-called "heartland" for same-sex-marriage - I thought it was cute how he tied the two together. That's what I took from it.

[madaboutharry]

3. I think it was fine, but I am not gay so maybe

I don't have the right antenna to measure it. It is like being Jewish, there is stuff in jokes or comments that you will pick up on that others won't. One thing that I think is for sure is that there wasn't any malice, it was meant as a pun.

[hulklogan]

4. Meh.

It would have been funnier if he were actually the fierce advocate he pretends to be.

[Ken Burch]

5. I'm still waiting for somebody to do something with his use of the word "fierce" in thsi context

n/t.

[jefferson_dem]

6. Cute pun... Neither rolling on the floor funny nor offensive.

n/t

[ZombieHorde]

7. Nothing bad. nt

[mth44sc]

8. it was

perfect

[cboy4]

29. I agree. Perfect homophobia.

:puke:

[FreeState]

9. I don't think it was funny nor do I think he as someone against equal rights

Should be joking about. I'm not pissed about it just disturbed that the president can make a joke about my civil rights but can't even put out a statement of congratulations for winning our basic civil rights.

[msongs]

10. got the humor of it just fine thanx. now wanda...... :-) nt

[Creideiki]

11. What I'm taking from it

Is that Obama is an insensitive asshole who just doesn't get it.

And before anyone comes in to tell me that it's just a joke (just a song, just a sermon, just a prayer, just a, just a, just a...) let me assure you that you're most likely in the multitude, even here, that Just. Don't. Get. It.

[flor de jasmim]

12. So how did you feel about the jokes about specific people?

[Creideiki]

15. No idea yet--I'd rather watch Torchwood than obsess over political theater

It's better, and honestly, Capt. Jack is much better looking. (Not to mention John Barrowman knows more about being gay than most people who will come here and tell us how we should feel.)

Still, at some point, I'll track down Wanda's monologue.

[Chovexani]

19. Mmm, Jack/Ianto

Sorry, my pants just went to a very happy place.

And yeah I just can't work up the desire to watch the President crack jokes about my rights when he refuses to lift a finger to do anything to help.

[Bolo Boffin]

14. Don't get it?

I don't get what you're getting at.

[Bolo Boffin]

13. Before reading anyone else's

I thought it was great. It wasn't disparaging what was going on in Iowa at all. I thought it was a great acknowledgment.

[Creideiki]

16. Personally

I think people who believe that other people shouldn't get married shouldn't be making jokes about other people finally being allowed.

[Bolo Boffin]

18. I don't think Obama is so set against gay marriage

He has said that due to his religious beliefs he believes that marriage is between a man and a woman. But he want to repeal DOMA, he wants to make sure that all federal rights given to married people are given to civil unions and (this is key) other legal recognized unions. That means that in places like Iowa, where gays can get married, marriage is what it is, and Obama will support that by ensuring that legally recognized union receive all federal benefits.

That's far different from, say, a Pat Robertson or a Rick Warren.

[Creideiki]

24. Tell you what

If you think that Obama really wants to repeal DOMA, then you hold your breath. After your untimely demise, I'll arrange for a group to play Brahms' Requiem at your memorial service.

[Bolo Boffin]

43. Tell you what

We'll just agree to disagree.

[Toasterlad]

50. Ah,"Agree to Disagree". The Classic "I'm not a homphobe, I just see all sides" Final Response.

So. Very. Lame.

Obama is on record as stating that he doesn't believe in same-sex marriage. What he does believe in is "civil unions", which amounts to separate water fountains for gays and straights. There is no way around it: Obama's position is cowardly, bigoted, and homophobic. If you want to "agree to disagree" that gay people shouldn't have the right to be married, you are a homophobe.

[LooseWilly]

53. Dammit...

Now I'm laughing so hard I don't know if I'll make it through all the posts in the thread..

Perfect capturing of my evolving opinion on the subject...

[NYC_SKP]

17. I see it as a positive. Why:

If he was the chicken shit on this issue that many portray him to be, he wouldn't have come near this topic, even with a "joke".

He's not that stupid, and he's not that insensitive, I think it was a way to acknowledge something he's glad passed in Iowa.

I think he's a friend of the GLBT community, though not a champion.

:patriot:

[WillParkinson]

45. What is that old saying....?

With friends like these?

[Toasterlad]

51. "he wouldn't have come near this topic"

What makes you say that? His statement didn't in any way endorse same-sex marriage. It was not a politically brave thing to say. It was safe and cowardly and offensive, as are all his comments on equal rights.

[DU9598]

20. As a gay Iowan

I thought it was hilarious and recognizes Iowa as such a great place to be right now.

[dsc]

21. I admit to being of two minds about it

I don't particularly enjoy someone who is publicly against marriage equality telling jokes about it but I admit that he likely wouldn't have told the joke if he were going to not do anything for gays.

[beyurslf]

22. I thought it was funny. Not the funniest he told but funny.

[ThomCat]

23. It's funny but disingenuous.

It makes it sound as if he approves of marriage equality when he doesn't. He has a hemming and hawing position supporting civil unions. He thinks separate can be equal.

It makes it sound as if he might have supported marriage equality back when he was campaigning in Iowa. But we know how hard it was to drag any statement out of him supporting us, and then it was a late statement supporting marriage only for heterosexual couples but civil unions for us.

It's nice that he can joke about our marriages now, after we fought for this. But it's kind of sad too. Before hand he has to hem and haw and hedge his language and afterward he has to joke. Wouldn't it be so much nicer if he could have a serious conversation on this topic with us?

Wouldn't it be even nicer if he could have that serious conversation and actually support our civil rights. Though I suppose we'll have to settle for him acknowledging them in a joke.

:shrug:

[roody]

25. It was funny.

How can he really believe that gay people should not marry? I think he is a politician, and when it becomes politically expedient, he will support gay marriage.

[Name removed]

54. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[queerart]

55. What An Ordinary, Repugnant , And Ineffectual Troll You Are.....

perhaps he holds that union a sacred one as many people in this country do....perhaps he identifies the possibility of a slope that could lead towards a US in the future where a man could legally marry an 8 year old boy and he doesnt want to be a part of that

Are You On Drugs...... Or Just Profoundly Fucking Insane?


What a grimy, and debauched little sewer you have that passes as your mind.......


I won't bother to acknowledge you again, as you are unworthy of anyone's time.....

[gaspee]

56. Wow

You're an idiot. And a troll. And a bigot - hey! You hit a trifecta!

[roody]

57. He is against the "war" in Iraq also.

He is a successful politician.

[ruggerson]

26. Given the fact that he hadn't yet uttered ONE WORD

about the biggest civil rights advances in forty years (Iowa, Vermont, Maine), I thought it was kind of patronizing that his very first public reference to something so important to so many people was a joke.

Had he publicly commented on the series of events of the last few months prior to joking about them, it might have been more appropriate.

[Lex]

48. Exactly right.

nt

[ruggerson]

27. It was the first time he's ever reminded me of Bush

[Jamastiene]

31. Seconded.

I might have felt entirely different if he had kept ANY of his campaign promises regarding gay rights.

[Dawgs]

35. Is he still the President, or did it end last night?

I swear you would think some DUers have never followed politics.

[queerart]

33. Mark Me Down As "Third" In Line To Your Comment.....

Some folks will never understand that they shouldn't be gnawing on bone that doesn't belong to them.......


It's bad manners at best...... but falls more in the "disingenuous category"........


If he had helped Gay Marriage get where it is today... this wouldn't even be a topic.....


But like most other Democrats, (and many Republicans I might add).........


They see opportunity to usurp a movement where they carried no water to the fire......


Then they make bumbling statements about partnerships..... or to tell Brownie how he has done a heckuva job......


It's all rather clear notwithstanding the fact that I'm quite sure I will be corrected by a multitude of "Non Queers" about how foggy my vision really is.......

[cboy4]

28. He's such a loyal right winger when it comes to teh gays.

:puke:

[closeupready]

38. ... and not just teh gays, but nearly everything else (seems like some days).

:puke:

[bluedawg12]

30. I didn't know he was aware of anything going on in Iowa.

As long as it's good for a gay chuckle.

[Smarmie Doofus]

32. It would be nice if he did something besides joke about us. nt

[Creideiki]

34. Remember all the furor at DU

over alleged racist jokes (that no one can point to) and why those were so bad?

But homo jokes. Wow! A laugh riot! Obama should start doing stand up!

[LostinVA]

36. I think it's best for my health not to give my opinion

[ruggerson]

40. lol

:thumbsup:

[closeupready]

37. Fine. Shows he implicitly accepts the court's ruling, unlike Bush who railed against "activist judg

judges!" So I have no problem with it.

[RufusH]

39. Have to admit that I'm a little surprised. I know he doesn't believe in civil equality, but joking?

I had really hoped he would come around and do the right thing.

[Lex]

41. FINALLY! He mentioned the issue of gay marriage!

But it was a joke.

[jody]

42. My experience is audience & context are important when judging the efficacy of a joke.

For example, my African-American relatives and friends often use the forbidden N word in their jokes because they are completely comfortable with me but I would never use that word, never because I know it may offend someone.

If the joke in question was told to an organization representing GLBT rights it would be received one way but told to an anti-GLBT organization it may be received differently.

I will defer to members of the GLBT forum on this incident but I hope Obama, with his background in constitutional law, finds a way to support CA's Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown in supporting cases that recognize "same sex marriage has the protection of Article 1 and, like other inalienable rights, cannot be taken away by a popular vote".

[Duncan Grant]

44. I think his remarks trivialize gay lives. What's new?

:shrug:

[pup_ajax]

46. Wasn't really amused ...

I've never liked this event because I hate to see Presidents making light of serious issues. I can't imagine anything worse than GW Bush making fun of not being able to find the weapons of mass destruction while so many were dying in Iraq. This isn't quite on that scale, but it still leaves me a tad bitter knowing that he so willingly sells out our civil rights for political expediency. He may be on our side, but he sure doesn't seem willing to step out on a limb and use his current political power to do the right thing right now.

[mitchtv]

47. eh, not real funny

I never expected any leadership from him . Remember the marijuana question? at least we came off better than that

[Toasterlad]

49. He Should Shut His Fucking Mouth.

He has absolutely NO right to "joke" about equal rights, when he hasn't done SHIT to guarantee them. His little joke was EXACTLY as distasteful as Bush pretending to look for WMD in his office. You don't fucking joke about atrocities you help perpetuate.

[NMMNG]

52. It's indicative of his overall attitude and behavior toward us

He isn't, and never has been, a friend to the LGBT community.

[Name removed]

58. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[BR_Parkway]

59. After reading through - I feel like the only gay guy here who thought

it was a cute pun.

And rather than be offended that he mentioned such a historic milestone in a joke - I have to wonder - is this part of the same "in other, no big deal news today, Iowa, Vermont, Maine will begin legally recognizing same sex marriage" that is failing to stir up the base of opposition that this news has always met with (beyond the usual fundie pleas for more cash)

Think about it for a moment - Everyone was told all the horrors that would befall any area where marriage equality passed - and now, 5 years later practically all of Massachusetts neighbors have enacted it or are seriously on their way towards it.

In 5 years, we've gone from "end of the world" to "no big deal" - and the more gays and lesbians that get married and the four horseman don't come riding over the border - the easier it is for other Americans to realize that there is no downside to them for recognizing our rights to be treated equally.

Does Obama's silence prevent this recognition from growing? Or would him speaking out right now have a backlash effect?

Considering the man's political instincts that got him this far, against all odds - I'm still willing to trust that the man knows what he's doing up there in DC when it comes to political maneuvering - and that in the end we're going to be better for it.

His banking decisions? Not so much, but that's a topic for a different thread.

[Toasterlad]

60. As Long As the Federal Government Decrees That Gays Are Second Class Citizens...

...the President of the United States does not get to treat equality as "no big deal".

His silence and cowardice on this issue are reprehensible, and his willingness to joke about it is distasteful at best.

[Sapphocrat]

61. Jesus Effing Christ, snap the fuck OUT of it.

Stockholm Syndrome apologist much?

Substitute "jumping the broom" and the Dixiecrat of your choice for Obama, and then come back and say how fucking "cute" it was.

[BR_Parkway]

62. Not apologizing for anything - simply a view that not all battles are

won with ordering the infantry to march straight ahead or the general to ride ahead on trusted steed.

All I'm saying is that I'm not the guy with the political skills to pull off the impossible things that he already has - along with bringing so many people along with him - I'm willing to trust his skills at this longer than it appears others are.

I hated the Rick Warren fiasco as much as anyone else here (and got my share of the homophobic "get over it" comments as well) but in the end, Warren is shown to look like a buffoon and loses some of his credibility - totally opposite of what I expected when it was announced.

States announce marriage equality - and in the near silence of the White House, there's nothing for the wingnuts to rail on the airwaves about - in that silence the only thing getting covered is Maggie Gallagher putting almost half the donated cash in her pocket, the parodies of NOM's ridiculous ad, and being called out for lying and using Miss California to push their bigoted agenda. While that is playing out, I don't want anyone to distract from it.

And yes, at this moment, I like the strategy of "it's no big deal that gay folks are getting married" (obviously it is to us) but it never should have been a big deal to anyone else - our equal rights take nothing from anyone. And as long as all those horrible predictions the fundies were making if we started marrying are shown to be false, then it simply paves the way for other states to do the right thing as well.

I think DOMA should be repealed - NOW
I think DADT should be repealed - NOW
I think all of us, in whatever state should get full marriage benefits on State & Fed level - NOW

But if you go back through the last 50 years of GLBT fight for rights - sometimes there were big, flashy things like Stonewall - but sometimes there were very quiet things that had bigger impact, like the board of the APA voting in 1973 to stop saying that we had a mental disorder. And that came from 3 years of lobbying the at their convention and letting them meet "normal" gay people instead of the just ones who had gone in for therapy of some kind.

Look at the fundie's ability to pass Prop 8 in the midst of an historic election 5 1/2 months ago. And the sea change of public opinion since then (including Iowa, Vermont, Maine & New Hampshire - which may not have come about without Prop 8 causing so many people to question what happened and how they really thought about it).

If he repealed DADT today? Every wingnut out there would be on TV non-stop talking about damage to our national security and the conversation would turn away from equal rights (the same way that the conversation is turning to how the Democrats allowed Cheney to torture versus the fact that Cheney tortured). The same with DOMA.

But in every movement, there are ebbs and flows. There came a moment where the People said, of course women should be able to vote. Of course African Americans shouldn't be slaves and should be treated as equals. And when those moments came, there was no turning back the tide.

Our moment is coming. And I, even though I'm probably in the minority am happy that the President is politically savvy enough not to do something prematurely to cause a backlash against it.

[RomanHoliday]

63. I liked it-- clever pun.

I have some disagreements with Obama on gay marriage but I think he's most gay-friendly of the major 08' candidates.

I think the joke was more about the popularity of the "bromance" these days. It was cute in a very I love you man or Pineapple Express way.

[WillParkinson]

64. Gay friendly....

I've yet to see it. Unless you count the lip service on DADT.