Obama punting on gays in the military repeal

The Washington Times reports the Obama administration may wait until at least 2010 before pushing through Congress an end to the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy towards gays and lesbians.

While Obama campaigned to the gay community on a repeal - which would allow gays and lesbians to serve freely - it is not surprising that he is placing the issue on the backburner. It has gained public support in recent years among both the general public (75 percent supported gays in the military in a July Washington Post-ABC News poll) and military brass (more than 100 retired generals and admirals called for the repeal last week). It would likely pass Congress as well. But it is not where Obama would like to use his political capitol right now.

For one, the LGBT community is at a period of weakness, coming off losses in California and Florida on propositions to outlaw gay marriage. By focusing initially on an issue prominent in the LGBT community, Obama would be essentially ignoring the message he received from two states that helped get him elected, which supported a Democratic candidate but did not back steps forward in gay rights. A repeal now would be perceived as an appeal to a liberal base at a time when he should be reaching out to moderates, including religious moderates for whom gay issues remain a touchy subject.

Secondly, a change in the military rules would not go down smoothly. Conservative veterans would likely protest, as would many of the religious groups that mounted the strong challenges against gay marriage in California and Florida. The Republican Party would likely quickly grab hold of the debate as a wedge issue as well. Obama would need time and energy to defend the repeal, and that would distract from the economic crisis, which could hurt his public support at a time the nation is economically weakening.

By punting the issue, though, it reopens the perennial question - is there ever a right time to make a big move on gay rights. By 2010, midterm congressional contests will add new reasons not to push a repeal on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

-Matthew Berger