Touting his administration's accomplishments on behalf of gays--including ending the military's don't-ask-don't-tell policy and no longer defending the Defense of Marriage Act-- Obama applauded New York State which adopted gay marriage earlier this month for its vigorous debate over the issue. Obama has said on earlier occasions that his position on gay marriage is "evolving" and today he went so far as to say that the principle of gay equality "will win out." The president's comments were not the same as saying that he favors gay marriage but by endorsing the debates in the states and saying that equality will prevail, he took a position that went farther than he's gone before and is far different than the one taken by GOP presidential candidates including former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney who fought gay marriage when he was in office.
The president also called on Congressional Republicans to show flexibility on revenue increases as the August 2 deadline for raising the debt ceiling looms large over negotiations being led by Vice President Joe Biden. At least five times, Obama invoked tax breaks for corporate jets and juxtaposed it against what he said would be necessary spending cuts in federal responsibilities like food safety (mentioned at least twice) unless more revenues were raised..