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Obama seeks campaign cash after gay marriage endorsement - US politics live Obama seeks campaign cash after gay marriage endorsement - US politics live
(39 minutes later)
3.47pm: Mitt Romney may not be able to recall the bullying incident described vividly by the Washington Post – but others involved in it certainly do.
One told CBS News: "I've carried this story with me a long time. It was very disturbing. I think that view is shared by everyone involved in it":
Phillip Maxwell, an attorney in Michigan, confirmed to CBS News that the incident with John Lauber is accurately described in The Washington Post piece. Maxwell was one of the Post's four on-the-record sources. A fifth asked not to be named. Maxwell says the only thing not accurate is that the Post reporter said the incident occurred in a dorm room, but it happened in a common room.
"Mitt was a prankster, there's no doubt about it. This thing with Lauber wasn't a prank. This was, well, as a lawyer, it was an assault. It was an assault and a battery. And I'm sure that John Lauber carried it with him for the rest of his life," Maxwell told CBS News.
3.34pm: The Boston Herald is claiming that "word from the Beltway is that President Obama will not return to Martha's Vineyard this summer" for his holidays.
It's election year, so pick any swing state – New Hampshire? Colorado? – and you might be right.
3.23pm: Perhaps the best introduction on any piece examining Barack Obama's endorsement of same-sex marriage:3.23pm: Perhaps the best introduction on any piece examining Barack Obama's endorsement of same-sex marriage:
In what can only be called a stunning defeat for those who still considered him a Muslim....In what can only be called a stunning defeat for those who still considered him a Muslim....
3pm: It turns out that a high school contemporary of Mitt Romney's was the politics wonk Michael Barone. BuzzFeed Politics unearths this clip of Barone saying that Romney was "kind of a jerk" as a student:3pm: It turns out that a high school contemporary of Mitt Romney's was the politics wonk Michael Barone. BuzzFeed Politics unearths this clip of Barone saying that Romney was "kind of a jerk" as a student:
I have to say I have had always had trouble taking him seriously as a candidate because I have memory of him as a 14 year old boy, who was kind of a jerk, the way most 14 year old boys are.I have to say I have had always had trouble taking him seriously as a candidate because I have memory of him as a 14 year old boy, who was kind of a jerk, the way most 14 year old boys are.
2.27pm: Good news. The US government reported its first budget surplus for the first time in 42 months in April:2.27pm: Good news. The US government reported its first budget surplus for the first time in 42 months in April:
The US Treasury said it had logged a $59.12 billion surplus in the month, compared with a $40.39 billion deficit in April 2011. The last time the government notched a surplus in any month was September 2008, officials said.The US Treasury said it had logged a $59.12 billion surplus in the month, compared with a $40.39 billion deficit in April 2011. The last time the government notched a surplus in any month was September 2008, officials said.
2.12pm: Remember Americans Elect, the independent outfit that was going to use money and internet whizz-bangery to promote a genuine presidential challenger to the Republicratic two-party status quo:2.12pm: Remember Americans Elect, the independent outfit that was going to use money and internet whizz-bangery to promote a genuine presidential challenger to the Republicratic two-party status quo:
The implications are sending shockwaves through America's political establishment as it comes to realise the group is deadly serious. After all, by the end of the year Americans Elect expects to have 2.55m of the total 2.9m signatures it needs to achieve ballot access.The implications are sending shockwaves through America's political establishment as it comes to realise the group is deadly serious. After all, by the end of the year Americans Elect expects to have 2.55m of the total 2.9m signatures it needs to achieve ballot access.
Some experts are already won over. "I think it is going to have a potentially huge impact on the election next year," said Mark McKinnon, a former top adviser to 2008 Republican candidate Senator John McCain.Some experts are already won over. "I think it is going to have a potentially huge impact on the election next year," said Mark McKinnon, a former top adviser to 2008 Republican candidate Senator John McCain.
Not so fast, writes Michale Crowley in Time (yes the one with that cover):Not so fast, writes Michale Crowley in Time (yes the one with that cover):
So far, Americans Elect is looking more like the Zune than the iPod. The group canceled a May 8 online caucus after no candidate met the necessary criterion of 1,000 backers in each of 10 states. More voting scheduled for later this month may also be scratched; it's possible that Americans Elect won't nominate a single candidate.So far, Americans Elect is looking more like the Zune than the iPod. The group canceled a May 8 online caucus after no candidate met the necessary criterion of 1,000 backers in each of 10 states. More voting scheduled for later this month may also be scratched; it's possible that Americans Elect won't nominate a single candidate.
More Zune than iPod, oh dear. The Zune did actually work.More Zune than iPod, oh dear. The Zune did actually work.
1.45pm: You'd think the Romney campaign would like the whole teenage gay-bashing thing to go away, right? And yet:1.45pm: You'd think the Romney campaign would like the whole teenage gay-bashing thing to go away, right? And yet:
ABC News has learned that the Romney camp is reaching out to several of Romney's old HS friends to ask them to offer "supporting remarks"ABC News has learned that the Romney camp is reaching out to several of Romney's old HS friends to ask them to offer "supporting remarks"
Mmm. Possibly not the smartest move.Mmm. Possibly not the smartest move.
1.30pm: Possibly the best piece on the political impact and calculations behind President Obama's decision to publicly back gay marriage is from the incomparable Ron Brownstein in the National Journal:1.30pm: Possibly the best piece on the political impact and calculations behind President Obama's decision to publicly back gay marriage is from the incomparable Ron Brownstein in the National Journal:
Obama's shift on gay marriage remains politically significant because many Democratic leaders have resisted embracing it for the same reasons the party has lost enthusiasm for gun control and blinked at fully pursuing comprehensive immigration reform. In each case, the party's primary fear has been losing support among the most socially-conservative elements of the white electorate: blue-collar, older and rural whites.... Yet even while resisting gay marriage, shelving immigration reform, and abandoning gun control, Democrats have hemorrhaged support among those socially-conservative white voters in recent years.Obama's shift on gay marriage remains politically significant because many Democratic leaders have resisted embracing it for the same reasons the party has lost enthusiasm for gun control and blinked at fully pursuing comprehensive immigration reform. In each case, the party's primary fear has been losing support among the most socially-conservative elements of the white electorate: blue-collar, older and rural whites.... Yet even while resisting gay marriage, shelving immigration reform, and abandoning gun control, Democrats have hemorrhaged support among those socially-conservative white voters in recent years.
1.08pm: All right then:1.08pm: All right then:
Photo of Mitt Romney at Cranbrook Prep. twitpic.com/9ji9kkPhoto of Mitt Romney at Cranbrook Prep. twitpic.com/9ji9kk
Although in all other regards, Nelson Muntz bears no comparison to Mitt Romney. He's in touch with the struggles of low-income, working class Americans, for one.Although in all other regards, Nelson Muntz bears no comparison to Mitt Romney. He's in touch with the struggles of low-income, working class Americans, for one.
12.40pm: More than a few Republicans have answered Barack Obama's embrace of gay marriage with a "what took you so long?" jibe using Dick Cheney, Rick Perry and others who supported states deciding to legalise it if they wished. (Although Perry also said he personally opposed gay marriage and backed a federal ban.)12.40pm: More than a few Republicans have answered Barack Obama's embrace of gay marriage with a "what took you so long?" jibe using Dick Cheney, Rick Perry and others who supported states deciding to legalise it if they wished. (Although Perry also said he personally opposed gay marriage and backed a federal ban.)
But where does that leave their own candidate, Mitt Romney, who – as Molly Ball points out in the Atlantic – is to the right of many in his own party on the issue, opposing civil unions as well as same-sex marriage:But where does that leave their own candidate, Mitt Romney, who – as Molly Ball points out in the Atlantic – is to the right of many in his own party on the issue, opposing civil unions as well as same-sex marriage:
There is a hypothetical middle ground on gay unions, a politically safe position that would be likely to offend the least amount of voters. It is, in fact, the position Obama held until recently – support for civil unions, stopping short of full marriage equality. But now that Obama has shifted, neither candidate occupies this middle ground. Perhaps they're both to be commended for taking a stand rather than cautiously triangulating. But if Obama has taken a politically risky stance on gay marriage, Romney has, too.There is a hypothetical middle ground on gay unions, a politically safe position that would be likely to offend the least amount of voters. It is, in fact, the position Obama held until recently – support for civil unions, stopping short of full marriage equality. But now that Obama has shifted, neither candidate occupies this middle ground. Perhaps they're both to be commended for taking a stand rather than cautiously triangulating. But if Obama has taken a politically risky stance on gay marriage, Romney has, too.
12.10pm: RedState's Erick Erickson is unhappy that the media is focusing on a detail from Mitt Romney's childhood while appearing to be incurious about Barack Obama's own past:12.10pm: RedState's Erick Erickson is unhappy that the media is focusing on a detail from Mitt Romney's childhood while appearing to be incurious about Barack Obama's own past:
But the press is perfectly happy to go back several decades to tell us every salacious detail about Mitt Romney the teenager.But the press is perfectly happy to go back several decades to tell us every salacious detail about Mitt Romney the teenager.
This reminds me of 1992 all over again. The George HW Bush team wanted to go focus on Bill Clinton the draft dodger from Vietnam because they couldn't fight on the economy. Unlike 1992, Barack Obama has the media doing it for him.This reminds me of 1992 all over again. The George HW Bush team wanted to go focus on Bill Clinton the draft dodger from Vietnam because they couldn't fight on the economy. Unlike 1992, Barack Obama has the media doing it for him.
11.50am: Some interesting and disturbing poll numbers on the presidential candidates' religious views, from the Public Religion Research Institute:11.50am: Some interesting and disturbing poll numbers on the presidential candidates' religious views, from the Public Religion Research Institute:
After nearly four years in office, 16% of voters continue to incorrectly say that Obama is Muslim. About one quarter of white evangelical voters (24%) and Republican voters (25%) incorrectly identify Obama as a Muslim.After nearly four years in office, 16% of voters continue to incorrectly say that Obama is Muslim. About one quarter of white evangelical voters (24%) and Republican voters (25%) incorrectly identify Obama as a Muslim.
A slim majority of voters correctly identify Mitt Romney as Mormon. Another 12% identify him generally as some type of Christian (7% Protestant/Christian and 5% Catholic). Roughly one-third (35%) report that they are not sure what his religious beliefs are.A slim majority of voters correctly identify Mitt Romney as Mormon. Another 12% identify him generally as some type of Christian (7% Protestant/Christian and 5% Catholic). Roughly one-third (35%) report that they are not sure what his religious beliefs are.
11.33am: The Washington Post hears Mitt Romney's apology for the incidents it outlined today, with Romney telling a radio show: "I participated in a lot of hijinks and pranks during high school and some might have gone too far and for that, I apologise."11.33am: The Washington Post hears Mitt Romney's apology for the incidents it outlined today, with Romney telling a radio show: "I participated in a lot of hijinks and pranks during high school and some might have gone too far and for that, I apologise."
More detail:More detail:
Romney said the incident involving cutting the hair of John Lauber, whom some students suspected was gay, occurred "a long time ago."Romney said the incident involving cutting the hair of John Lauber, whom some students suspected was gay, occurred "a long time ago."
"I don't remember that incident," Romney said, laughing. "I certainly don't believe that I thought the fellow was homosexual. That was the furthest thing from our minds back in the 1960s, so that was not the case.""I don't remember that incident," Romney said, laughing. "I certainly don't believe that I thought the fellow was homosexual. That was the furthest thing from our minds back in the 1960s, so that was not the case."
Asked specifically about having interrupting a closeted gay student in English class, Gary Hummel, by shouting, "Atta girl!" Romney said, "I really can't remember that.Asked specifically about having interrupting a closeted gay student in English class, Gary Hummel, by shouting, "Atta girl!" Romney said, "I really can't remember that.
From New York magazine:From New York magazine:
"Nowadays he just pranks gays by offering them jobs and then quickly firing them." -- a commenter nails it, bit.ly/JgctKJ"Nowadays he just pranks gays by offering them jobs and then quickly firing them." -- a commenter nails it, bit.ly/JgctKJ
That's the business involving Richard Grenell, you may recall.That's the business involving Richard Grenell, you may recall.
11.16am: Obama for America has a trio of new campaign ads out today:11.16am: Obama for America has a trio of new campaign ads out today:
This one, pushing the recovery of the US auto industry, has an unmentioned subtext: how foolish Mitt Romney's "Let Detroit go bankrupt" op-ed piece was.This one, pushing the recovery of the US auto industry, has an unmentioned subtext: how foolish Mitt Romney's "Let Detroit go bankrupt" op-ed piece was.
11.11am: Rudy Guiliani – himself a supporter of same-sex marriage – has some advice for his fellow Republicans, via Taegan Goddard:11.11am: Rudy Guiliani – himself a supporter of same-sex marriage – has some advice for his fellow Republicans, via Taegan Goddard:
I think it's going to work for or against the President on its own. Republicans should stay the heck out of it.I think it's going to work for or against the President on its own. Republicans should stay the heck out of it.
10.55am: So the incumbent president of the United States only got 59% in a West Virginia primary running against a convicted, imprisoned felon. Kyle Kondik of Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball says it's funny but not serious:10.55am: So the incumbent president of the United States only got 59% in a West Virginia primary running against a convicted, imprisoned felon. Kyle Kondik of Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball says it's funny but not serious:
We would make a joke about President Obama only taking 59% of the West Virginia primary vote against a federal prison inmate named Keith Judd, but every possible one was exhausted on Twitter by Wednesday morning. Suffice it to say, it was an embarrassing performance for the president, albeit in a state he has no chance of winning in November.We would make a joke about President Obama only taking 59% of the West Virginia primary vote against a federal prison inmate named Keith Judd, but every possible one was exhausted on Twitter by Wednesday morning. Suffice it to say, it was an embarrassing performance for the president, albeit in a state he has no chance of winning in November.
And that's just it: West Virginians don't like Obama, they never have and they most likely never will. We could hypothesize on the reasons for that, but it's beside the point. Obama got crushed there in his 2008 primary against Hillary Clinton (67% to 26%), and he will be crushed there in the fall.And that's just it: West Virginians don't like Obama, they never have and they most likely never will. We could hypothesize on the reasons for that, but it's beside the point. Obama got crushed there in his 2008 primary against Hillary Clinton (67% to 26%), and he will be crushed there in the fall.
10.43am: When Mitt Romney was asked about allegations of homophobic bullying from his school days – mentioned below – he had "no recollection," according to his campaign.10.43am: When Mitt Romney was asked about allegations of homophobic bullying from his school days – mentioned below – he had "no recollection," according to his campaign.
Romney on WAPO piece on pranks: "Back in high school I did some dumb things and if anybody was hurt by that or offended by that I apologize"Romney on WAPO piece on pranks: "Back in high school I did some dumb things and if anybody was hurt by that or offended by that I apologize"
Now he's changed his tune slightly. Maybe his memory has improved?Now he's changed his tune slightly. Maybe his memory has improved?
10.25am: Any rejoicing at President Obama's change of heart over same-sex marriage is not shared by Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee.10.25am: Any rejoicing at President Obama's change of heart over same-sex marriage is not shared by Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee.
As well as stuffing the military's defence bill with expensive projects – including $5bn for a missile defence system on the US's eastern seaboard that even the Pentagon doesn't want – the committee decided to do some grandstanding, as the AP reports:As well as stuffing the military's defence bill with expensive projects – including $5bn for a missile defence system on the US's eastern seaboard that even the Pentagon doesn't want – the committee decided to do some grandstanding, as the AP reports:
Conservative Republicans still angry with the end to the "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays in the military pressed two measures.Conservative Republicans still angry with the end to the "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays in the military pressed two measures.
The committee, on a vote of 37-24, backed an amendment that barred same-sex marriages or "marriage-like" ceremonies on military installations. The panel also endorsed an amendment that said the military services should accommodate the rights of conscience of members of the services and chaplains who are morally or religiously opposed to expressions of human sexuality.The committee, on a vote of 37-24, backed an amendment that barred same-sex marriages or "marriage-like" ceremonies on military installations. The panel also endorsed an amendment that said the military services should accommodate the rights of conscience of members of the services and chaplains who are morally or religiously opposed to expressions of human sexuality.
Adam Smith, the leading Democratic representative on the committee, said: "Members of this committee are looking to turn back the clock and find new ways to discriminate against gay and lesbian service members."Adam Smith, the leading Democratic representative on the committee, said: "Members of this committee are looking to turn back the clock and find new ways to discriminate against gay and lesbian service members."
10.10am: A brief history lesson from the archives of previous political campaigns by Mitt Romney:10.10am: A brief history lesson from the archives of previous political campaigns by Mitt Romney:
Romney: I'll Be Better Than Ted for Gay Rights. (The classics are classics for a reason.) twitter.com/dankennedy_nu/…Romney: I'll Be Better Than Ted for Gay Rights. (The classics are classics for a reason.) twitter.com/dankennedy_nu/…
As Dan Kennedy notes sagely: the classics are classics for a reason. This comes from Mitt's 1994 Senate campaign against Ted Kennedy in Massachusetts.As Dan Kennedy notes sagely: the classics are classics for a reason. This comes from Mitt's 1994 Senate campaign against Ted Kennedy in Massachusetts.
9.45am: The fallout from President Obama's declaration of support for gay marriage continues to dominate US politics, with Democrats appearing to gain a windfall in campaign contributions as a result.9.45am: The fallout from President Obama's declaration of support for gay marriage continues to dominate US politics, with Democrats appearing to gain a windfall in campaign contributions as a result.
But Republicans are also using Obama's announcement as an opportunity to raise funds from their supporters and social conservatives, with some seeing it as an opportunity to drum up enthusiasm among the grassroots who have so far failed to embrace Mitt Romney's candidacy.But Republicans are also using Obama's announcement as an opportunity to raise funds from their supporters and social conservatives, with some seeing it as an opportunity to drum up enthusiasm among the grassroots who have so far failed to embrace Mitt Romney's candidacy.
Here's a summary by Ryan Devereaux the latest news.Here's a summary by Ryan Devereaux the latest news.
• Campaigners, political pundits and activists are picking over the fallout to Barack Obama's declaration that he is in favor of gay marriage. In a hastily-arranged ABC interview yesterday afternoon the president said: "At a certain point I just concluded, for me personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married." At this point the president's statement is purely symbolic. But gay rights campaigners say it is a hugely important move.• Campaigners, political pundits and activists are picking over the fallout to Barack Obama's declaration that he is in favor of gay marriage. In a hastily-arranged ABC interview yesterday afternoon the president said: "At a certain point I just concluded, for me personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married." At this point the president's statement is purely symbolic. But gay rights campaigners say it is a hugely important move.
• Today the president will travel to Los Angeles, where he will attend a fundraiser at the home of actor George Clooney. Obama is expected to raise $12m for his re-election efforts from same-sex marriage supporters attending the $40,000-a-plate event.• Today the president will travel to Los Angeles, where he will attend a fundraiser at the home of actor George Clooney. Obama is expected to raise $12m for his re-election efforts from same-sex marriage supporters attending the $40,000-a-plate event.
• Mitt Romney quickly responded to Obama's comment by reaffirming his opposition to legal recognition of same sex relationships. Acknowledging the issue is "a very tender and sensitive topic", Romney went on to say: "My view is the same as it's been from the beginning: I don't favour civil unions if it's identical to marriage, and I don't favour marriage between people of the same gender."• Mitt Romney quickly responded to Obama's comment by reaffirming his opposition to legal recognition of same sex relationships. Acknowledging the issue is "a very tender and sensitive topic", Romney went on to say: "My view is the same as it's been from the beginning: I don't favour civil unions if it's identical to marriage, and I don't favour marriage between people of the same gender."
• The Washington Post has published a story recounting an incident of apparent homophobic bullying from Romney's youth. The story, which appears to have multiple sources, alleges Romney led a group of students in forcibly cutting the bleach-blond hair of a fellow student who was presumed to be gay. Romney's campaign said he had "no recollection" of the incident.• The Washington Post has published a story recounting an incident of apparent homophobic bullying from Romney's youth. The story, which appears to have multiple sources, alleges Romney led a group of students in forcibly cutting the bleach-blond hair of a fellow student who was presumed to be gay. Romney's campaign said he had "no recollection" of the incident.