"I think same sex couples should be able to get married," President Obama said.
More surprising than what the president said may be when he said it, and how clearly. While he supported gay marriage when he ran for the Illinois State Senate in 1996, he said he was against it for religious reasons when he ran for the US Senate in 2004. In 2010, he said his position was “evolving.”
So why come out for gay marriage now?
"What this is all about is a simple proposition: who do you love?" Vice President Biden said on Meet the Press Sunday.
Perhaps Obama was pushed by the vice-president…but maybe he was motivated by money.
The day before his announcement, the Washington Post reported "some leading gay and progressive donors are so angry…they are refusing to give any more money to the pro-Obama super PAC…"
Make no mistake, the president's decision has political consequences.
Yes, a national poll shows 50% support gay marriage, while 48% are against it…but what about the battleground states where this election will be decided?
In Ohio, the latest poll shows 32% for gay marriage, and 55% against it.
In Virginia, the most recent numbers are 34% in favor, and 53% opposed.
And in North Carolina this week, 39% voted to expand the definition of marriage; while 61% said marriage is only between a man and a woman.
Republicans and Democrats will argue about gay marriage until Election Day.
But, no matter what they say, here's one opinion that won't change:
My respect for the president has increased, because he's publicly taking a risky position that could cost him his job.
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