I really appreciate Digby's post on what could have been a historic day Wednesday. Her point of focus was Lyndon Johnson and how he threw himself, body and soul, not just behind civil rights but behind the Civil Rights Act.
If there is anything we know about Obama from the past four years, it's that he's an incrementalist. If he believes in going forward, it's not as if he's the first man through the door. It's not that he hasn't been bold at times, but you could say he's "cautiously bold," meaning that any risk has been so calculated there's really not that much risk left or that far to fall.
So, is it a significant development that the president of the United States has professed his support for gay marriage? Of course it is. Is it also a narrow development, however, and a frustrating one to many that the decision was a personal (and surely, a strategic) one that pretty much leaves intact the status quo? Yes, that too.
Because words also form pictures, let's take a second to consider Obama's exact words on the matter:
I've just concluded that 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.
That's two "I's," two "me's" and a "personally" (with the word "just" meaning anything but). Amidst the self-consciousness, it's not like Obama is flatly stating his support for gay marriage so much as he's sharing how he's chosen to decide to go ahead and think that way. Because it was that important.
Closing my eyes, I could imagine yesterday's White House photo-of-the-day capturing words and a scene as deeply touching as
to an arena full of people after Gabrielle Giffords was shot. I could imagine words and a scene as stirring, and as informed by history and justice and misunderstanding, and as electrifying and instructive as
back in March '08. Instead, however, in posting a photo taken by ace WH photographer Pete Souza of Obama sharing his gay marriage sentiments with ABC host Robin Roberts, the emphasis and the focus here is not on legislation or appealing to our better selves or rallying around civil rights as much as it's about having been on camera having shared his mind.
BagNewsNotes: Today's media images analyzed. Topping LIFE.com's 2011 Best Photo Blogs, follow us at BAG Twitter and BAG Facebook.
(photo: Pete Souza caption: President Barack Obama participates in an interview with Robin Roberts of ABC's Good Morning America, in the Cabinet Room of the White House, May 9, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza.)
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.