Democrats celebrate President Obama's statement on marriage equality

WH aides tell me it's almost a given gay marriage will be new plank in the Democratic Party platform that's passed at this year's convention
' @chucktodd via TweetDeck

Here's a smattering of reaction from Democratic office-holders to President Obama's announcement that he now believes in marriage equality. The responses range from supportive to joyful, suggesting that plenty of Democrats don't see any danger in keeping up the party's modern tradition as the party of civil rights.

• House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA):
  

  'Today marks progress for the civil rights of LGBT Americans and all Americans.  With President Obama's support, we look forward to the day when all American families are treated equally in the eyes of the law.

  'Republicans are standing on the wrong side of history. [...]

  'Throughout American history, we have worked to live up to our values of liberty and freedom, and to end discrimination in all of its forms.  Today, we took another step forward in our march toward equality.'

• Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA):
  

  Earlier this year, President Obama took a major step towards vindicating the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to marry when he announced his refusal to defend the Defense of Marriage Act's blatant discrimination against us.

  Today he has taken the next logical step to complete the process by expressing his support for our right to marry people of the same sex. [...]

  This does not meant that the President's decision today was entirely without some political risk, but I believe it will be clear in the days ahead that this will cost him no votes, since those opposed to legal equality for LGBT people were already inclined to oppose him, and that it will make it easier for us to mobilize the people in this country who oppose discrimination to help reelect him.

• Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO):
  

  'President Obama's announcement in support of marriage equality is welcome news for American families. I thank the president for his support for equality and look forward to working with him to strengthen the institution of marriage by securing the right of all Americans to marry the person they love.'

• Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Senate candidate:
  

  'I am proud of President Obama's strong record of promoting fairness and equality. These are values I share, that we all share, and the pride I take in the president's recognition today comes not just at a deeply personal level, but also because he has done the right thing for so many people. I am pleased that the president has today joined a growing number of people across the country who are moving forward on the issue of marriage equality and equal opportunity for all Americans.'

• Sen. Al Franken (D-MN):
  

  'I'm proud of what the President did today It marks an important step for loving families across the country. I've been married to my wife Franni for 37 years, and it's the best thing that's ever happened to me. That's why I've long believed that people should be able to enter into loving, committed marriages regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.  And I'm glad the President agrees.'

• Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY):
  

  'The president's unequivocal support today in favor of all committed couples to marry the person they love is a watershed moment in American history that will provide the leadership needed to finally repeal DOMA and win the unfinished fight for equality for all Americans.'

• Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT):
  

  'We passed the repeal of DOMA in the Judiciary Committee. [...] And if you have two people who love each other, we're better off for that.'

  Nice.
• Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI):
  I support same sex marriage and will cosponsor the Respect for Marriage Act. #MarriageEquality #LGBT
  ' @SenJackReed via web
• Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid:
  

  'My personal belief is that marriage is between a man and a woman. But in a civil society, I believe that people should be able to marry whomever they want, and it's no business of mine if two men or two women want to get married. The idea that allowing two loving, committed people to marry would have any impact on my life, or on my family's life, always struck me as absurd.

  'In talking with my children and grandchildren, it has become clear to me they take marriage equality as a given. I have no doubt that their view will carry the future.

  'I handled a fair amount of domestic relations work when I was a practicing lawyer, and it was all governed by state law. I believe that is the proper place for this issue to be decided as well.'

  So maybe we shouldn't be holding our collective breath on the Respect for Marriage Act.

Celebrate with them. Send an email to President Obama thanking him for endorsing marriage equality.