Obama is not up for re election, Congressional Dems had their chance to take advantage if there was an advantage to be gained
Exactly. Doing this would help people who might vote for him or Democrats be more energized about heading to the polls. Those that oppose it already oppose Obama. And the majority of Americans do support getting rid of Don't as Don't Tell. It isn't as if Obama would be giving any political support away by issuing the executive order.
I agree that Congress should have done something, but Obama could have as well. He isn't up for re-election this year, but he will be in 2012.
Sure and the Republican presidents I mentioned could've tried to push directly for an amendment that outlaws abortion, as that is the only way outside of the judiciary to get past Roe. It probably wouldn't pass but if this is about the 'right' think to do shouldn't they have tried.
I don't have the exact info but off the top of my head I recall most in the military still oppose it.
republican presidents never promised to outlaw abortion. they have no interest in that. it's just a good talking point to rile up the base. Obama did not just say he opposed DADT, he said he would end it.
Of course that is germane as the crux of the argument is that Obama isn't issuing an executive order because of politics. Correct and my bad but as you correctly note nothing in that quote says it pertains to DADT either. That said I recall that quote and the context of it was regarding a question about health care. He obviously is afraid of the political repurcussions but at the moment this issue isn't front and center. I suspect if Obama were to issue an exec order it would rapidly become an issue. I suspect that it will be a was politically but what it will do is provide another issue that he will have to defend from detractors. True and it will be spun no matter what. As I said before DADT will likely be overturned by the courts so at the moment Obama doesn't feel it worthwhile to wade into it and essentially letting the DOD and DOJ go on autopilot filing worthless appeals.
True the never promised so in that sense they are more cunning than Obama. Anyway as noted this issue is likely going to be resolved in the court. I suspect if things had worked out differently in the courts or in regard to things like health care and the election he probably would end it by exec order.
They might but I thought you were talking about a political negative. The people in the military who still oppose revoking it don't trump 75% of Americans you favor repealing the measure.
The guys and gals in the military, most of them, don't like deployment after deployment, either, but the vast majority have been able to handle it. That's a far larger change in the US military than changing this stupid policy.
the issue was decided by a court. Obama chose to appeal, something he did NOT have to do (see post above). this begs the question, "why did he appeal?" and the answer, my friend, is not pretty, if you care about this issue. not sure why you're letting him off the hook.
you gotta love our so called gay rights fighter george bush loving non republican now tea partier complaining about obama on DADT. truly a study in psychology.
No, arguing about the affect of an executive order is not germane, because we are way past that stage (Obama specifically avoided the EO-->congress failed to act as needed-->the courts stepped in). All Obama has to do now is tell the DOJ to drop it. You are right. My point was that Gibbs made it generically apply to "tough decisions" and we are faced with one here. (Obviously, I don't think it's tough - politically or otherwise.) The argument was that this backtracking was necessary for "political obligation", but this quote would indicate (farcically) that such is not a priority for Obama. Contradiction. If this is the case, he's either stupid or cowardly. Sure, but that's not the case at all. Which is a nice way to say that he wants the kudos without doing anything. Hilariously, I can see the strategy being: a) Hey look republicans, it's not my fault - blame the courts! b) Hey look democrats, I got it repealed! Naturally, of those who care about DADT, supporters will blame him anyway and detractors will know the truth. In terms of political capital he only stands to lose support. It's very clear.
I don't think anyone who is serious about gay rights believes basso is on the side of gay rights. He isn't, and his ideas about it and claim to support it are laughable.
Alright Mr President! This is what you were waiting for! Executive Order Please! Most troops wouldn't oppose serving with gays, survey finds A majority of active-duty and reserve service members surveyed by the Defense Department would not object to serving and living alongside openly gay troops, according to multiple people familiar with the findings. The survey's results are expected to be included in a Pentagon report, due to President Obama on Dec. 1, regarding how the military would end enforcement of the "don't ask, don't tell" law that bans openly gay men and lesbians from serving in uniform.
