Biden on Marriage Equality: From “Evolving” in 2010 to “Absolutely Comfortable” Today
To see Vice President Joseph Biden’s own evolution on marriage equality, one need only look at the difference between his answer today to David Gregory on Meet the Press and his answer to a similar question at the end of 2010.
On Dec. 24, 2010, Biden talked with Good Morning America‘s George Stephanopoulos:
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: You said earlier – the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the President signing that. And, and in his press conference afterwards, he also dealt with the issue of gay marriage. In his remarkable answer, he said that his position was evolving. This is something he really struggles with. Where are you on that these days?”
VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: Well, I think, I think the country is evolving. And I think there’s inevitability for a, a national consensus on – on gay marriage. That is my view. But this is the President’s policy and, but it is evolving. I think the country’s evolving. I remember, the first time he met with the joint chiefs, I was with him, met and he said, gentlemen, I want you to prepare now. I want to end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. And so, we prepared the ground so that it was so widely accepted as it is today by the military. And I think the same thing is happening across the country with regard to the issue of marriage.
Today on Meet the Press:
BIDEN: The good news is that as more and more Americans come to understand what this is all about is a simple proposition. Who do you love? Who do you love and will you be loyal to the person you love? And that’s what people are finding out is what all marriages at their root are about. Whether they’re marriages of lesbians or gay men or heterosexuals.
DAVID GREGORY: Is that what you believe now?
BIDEN: That’s what I believe.
GREGORY: And you’re comfortable with same-sex marriage now?
BIDEN: Look, I am vice president of the United States of America. The president sets the policy. I am absolutely comfortable with the fact that men marrying men, women marrying women and heterosexual men and women marrying one another are entitled to the same exact rights. All the civil rights, all the civil liberties. And quite frankly, I don’t see much of a distinction beyond that.
* * *
READ Metro Weekly‘s full coverage — including Biden’s comments, the administration and Obama campaign’s claim that the comments don’t differ from President Obama’s “evolving” position, and responses to the news:
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
