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Crimson Hexagon Inc.
While general online sentiment strongly favored President Barack Obama's statement, judgments of its political impact were much more closely divided.
Online reaction to President Barack Obama's endorsement of same-sex marriage is running 3-to-1 in his favor, but commenters are sharply divided over whether it will help him or hurt him in November, according to a computer-assisted analysis of hundreds of thousands of social media posts in the first 24 hours after the announcement.
 M. Alex Johnson is a reporter for msnbc.com. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook. |
The analysis examined 532,000 posts on Twitter and Facebook, about 300,000 of which expressed a clear opinion about Obama's statement. Of those, 72 percent approved of the announcement.
(The analysis — which ran from 3 p.m. ET Wednesday, when ABC News broadcast its interview with Obama, through 3 p.m. ET Thursday — used a tool called ForSight, a natural-language data platform developed by Crimson Hexagon Inc. For this type of sentiment analysis, Crimson Hexagon reports a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3 percentage points among the self-selected social media audience. Click here for a detailed explanation.)
More social media analysis from NBCPolitics.com
While Obama won widespread praise online, a significant proportion of it was grudging.
Many supporters of same-sex marriage criticized the president for not having announced his position until now, 3½ years into his presidency. Fully a third of those agreeing with the decision did so while asking, in essence, "What took you so long?"
Twitter.com
Twitter.com
A further 18 percent of those agreeing with the announcement complained that the president hadn't gone far enough, with some noting that he stopped short of taking any concrete action, such as proposing legislation or issuing an executive order to have federal agencies recognize same-sex marriages.
Twitter.com
Twitter.com
By contrast, opponents of Obama's announcement strongly indicated that they believed it was a politically cynical move.
Nearly half of those opposing the move — 47 percent — expressed sentiments like these:
Facebook.com
Twitter.com
Interestingly, about a fifth of the sample — well more than 100,000 people — chose to analyze the announcement not so much on its merits but on whom it would benefit in the general election. And by 52 percent to 48 percent, a slim majority of those thought it would likely help Obama and other Democrats.
Twitter.com
Twitter.com
The social media analysis is also notable for its variance from public opinion at large. Recent polls generally indicate that only about half of Americans believe same-sex marriages should be legal; the most recent Gallup Poll, taken May 3-6, for example, showed a 50 percent to 48 percent split.
Following Obama's support of gay marriage, a flood of emotions
A possible explanation lies in the makeup of the social media audience.
The Pew Internet & American Life Project, which uses ForSight in its statistical analysis of social media, reported in March that people who identify themselves as liberal are more likely to use social networking sites than are people who identify as conservatives.
Watch US News videos on msnbc.com
Moreover, marketing surveys indicate that people who identify themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered are more frequent users of social media than the population as a whole.
More content from msnbc.com and NBC News:
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The Idiot in Chief already had all the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transexual, and all other deviant votes locked up because they are heavily liberal and vote Democrat. He just alienated 100% of all the independents, conservatives and a significant portion of Democrats who support family values. He's toast! Yippee!
Your right, and it's funny, political suicide. ROTFLMFAO.
Shows you how smart he is. NOT!!!!
100% Agree.
It doesn't matter which way Obama tries to steer our minds, it isn't good news anywhere. If I remember correctly, less than favorable news on the economy came out just days before this whole gay marriage fiasco. So, somehow focusing on a social issue like gay marriage would divert attention away from the bad economy and get him some votes with young people and gays.
I guess Obama didn't realize that all he really did is anger most everyone who was conservative or independent, while at the same time polarize the country along these issues. All the while he should've been doing something about the economy.
Think he only saying it for votes. If he was strongly for it he would have said it a long time ago.
Is it political opportunism? Yes. Was the Emancipation Proclamation political opportunism? Yes. Does political opportunism diminish the historical significance? No. If you are an adult and can't figure out that politicians do things strictly for political reasons, regardless of party affiliation, then you're pretty dumb.
@fallout
I think you're pretty dumb to generalize all politicians the same. Politicians do things for many different reasons. Political opportunism isn't the cornerstone of the entire thought process of a politician. Some politicians actually stand for something, in the face of huge opposition. It's those leaders that we want to vote for. It's clearly debatable whether that is what President Obama just did... stand for something, or take us backward.
What I can tell you is that his decision to focus on social issues, instead of the economy and jobs, will hurt him in the election. The religious right will be energized now to defeat Obama any way they can.
A queer is a queer. Gay is a happy state of mind, male & female. All queers chose the path of damnation and misery. Only a demon possessed fool would promote the destruction of mankind and say it is right. God damned these perverts and they will rot with Obama in the pits of hell. Do not believe or trust a queer or a supporter of queers like Obama and Biden unless your are a queer, then you are headed in the right direction, next stop the pits of hell. Say hi to Obama when you arrive!
Words of wisdom from a believer of an invisible zombie Jew in the sky. You go girl!
@Top Gun: Your language is strong and rhetorical, but I agree with the idea.
@fallout: Mitt Romney, or any other candidate that isn't Obama, will do more good for America than President Obama has. President Obama really hasn't done much in the way of jobs or the economy. All he does is talk and give speeches... and those seem like rare occurrences now. He's also failed in his campaign promises... to name a few: shut down Guantanamo, stay out of Super Pacs, lower the unemployment below 8%, etc. Speaking of unemployment, the reported number doesn't count those who gave up looking for work. The real unemployment rate is much higher.
Regardless of this issue of gay marriage, the bigger picture shows President Obama has failed overall as president.
You Top Gun are a bigot and religious zealot. Stay at your "church", stay within your "club" and leave the rest of the American citizens alone. We don't want to be part of your angry, vitriolic, bigoted, discriminatory club. America is based on all citizens having equal rights. You, Top Gun, and your religious zealots are nothing more than an ugly, angry mob. You, in your self-righteous, arrogant preachings damning people. Is there anyway for you to see your sickness? Some of you see gay people as perverse. I see religious zealots with all their hate, discrimination, and anger as perverse. Most of time people like you will spew out vicious words and then end by saying, "Have a blessed day!" You are the epitome of hate!
Obama sold out to the whores, porn stars, and drug users of Hollywood to collect campaign contributions.
Once again Obama puts the good of the nation, equal rights and empathy ahead of politics, he would have probably been kicked out of church if he wasnt the pres. Go Obama
I would like to kick him out of the country.
royce -
That's because you're Un-American.
no she has a brain
Obama is going to lose the election because of this... and other things too. Right now polling shows him losing among Likely voters. Perception of the economy has worsened. Gas prices are high, thus people blame the president.
But this social issue of gay marriage just awakened all the social conservatives, Christians, and religious democrats(oxymoron?).
What church does Obama go do?
You people have not slept since Palin's shrill voice woke you... so, the fact that you are still awake is not that big a newsflash.
1) As far as polls go, you might want to change the channel on occasion if you are looking for accuracy.
2) What a nasty (and yet totally in character for the RWNJ's) thing to say about those who are supposed to be your brothers and sisters in Christ. Are your proud of that? Really? You know, not everyone is simple minded enough to be a single issue voter.
@Just My 2 Coppers
You people?
What do YOU mean by "you people"?
Don't you get it yet? I don't listen to Glen Beck, Limbaugh, or any Tea Party people. I don't care about Sarah Palin or that group. I don't listen to the extremists on the left either.
I listen to NPR and watch The Daily Show and Colbert Report, among other things. I get my news online from multiple sources and sites. And I don't watch Fox either.
I am an Independent voter who cares about jobs and the economy.
Your assumption that I must be with the right shows that you do not understand the electorate and how bad a mistake President Obama made with his announcement supporting gay marriage. Not only are conservatives angry, but so are Independent voters like me. And I'm guessing even some Democrats are upset as well. So are some of my friends who actually voted for Obama last time.
It is you Coppertop that has no clue of what is going on here!
So... then you are not even going to address the fact that you specifically said "religious democrats (oxymoron?)"... I see. You are just going to assume that your earlier words will not be used to judge what you are saying now.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/may/9/obama-sets-talk-gay-marriage/
In any case, you can believe whatever bull@!$%# you want... but the FACTS are that 65% of democrats favor gay marriage... and 57% of independents. So the announcement that Obama made that he is on the side of the majority is certainly not "news."
Cackle gleefully all you like, but know that this support of civil liberties did not alienate those who were going to vote for him regardless... and he has nothing to lose for the people who were never going to. From your statement above about "actually voted for him last time" it is easy to glean that you didn't vote for him last time (and voted for Palin, instead)... and you were never going to vote for him this time. What has he lost? lol
President Obama has just changed the definition of a marriage from uniting a man and a women to uniting two people. Why doesn't he go just a little farther and call marriage open sex with any and all partners and make everyone happy! In my mind marriage is uniquely between a man and a women. Civil unions, or some other term, legally instituted would have been a more appropriate solution. I have no ax to grind against gays but unfortunately your unions, whether they be man to man or woman to woman, just are not a marriage.
Wonder how long we'll have to wait until polygamy can make a comeback.
What is wrong with having multiple husbands/wives if it okay to marry same-sex?
Nothing as far as I am concerned. It was good enough for Moses... it was good enough for King Solomon. Who are you to judge?
Lets make all the minorities shove their beliefs down everyone's throats. My beliefs have nothing to do with christianity. I'm a Deist and homosexuality goes against the laws of nature. I feel it's a choice as I have seen both sexs in Hetero relationships get out into another than become gay. I'm sure for some there might be a chemical imbalance, but we have come to accept it and have it shoved down our theoats as a "DIFFERENT" life style in the schools. Not that being gay is bad, but it goes against the laws of nature. Now I'm sure I will hear the word or accusation I'm homophobic, I'm not I know many men and woman that are gay, I support them in their life, they work for me, but that doesn't mean I have to accept their beliefs that it is NORMAL.
As far as politics is involved they make up 7% of the population, Obama will lose this election because of the handling of this country, he has done worse than Carter, and he will lose by a greater landslide than Goldwater, but maybe not. I remember in 60 they said Jack didn't stand a chance because he was catholic, well folks get ready for a morman, because the country is tired of the HOPE and CHANGE that only became "We hope it Changes" and it will. Mitt will get this one. And I'm independent, and only one vote. Obamma will spend a Billion thru his fundraising and super pacs, waste of money. But I'll be glad to see him go.
this is about legal rights, not "being normal". How is letting them marry "shoving their beliefs down your throat". Are they making you marry a guy?
Uhhh, royce, you do understand - if you understand US history - that your exact same argument was made against interracial marriage, the right of women to vote, and to deny rights to Native Americans (because they were "savages" and not "normal"). Thank goodness that our laws are not written by the majority for minorities, or by personal beliefs. If they were, the Equal Protection clause would have no meaning at all and the majority would get to decide the fate of anyone they did not like, approve of, or think is "not normal." If your preference is majority rule in all situations, then you need to move to a country that routinely oppresses minorities and feels good about it. Your call....that's not the country I would want to live in.
royce- My mama used to tell me that before I criticized anyone, I must put myself in their shoes and see from their side. Now, you don't have to pretend you are gay to do that. Just pretend for a minute that heterosexuals were the minority. If you wanted to have equal rights to live your life freely as others do in our country, would you work to have that? Would it mean you were "shoving it down other's throats?" Would you be asking gay people to be heterosexual? Or would you be asking to live openly without having to hide who you are? Wouldn't it be nice to introduce your partner to friends and work associates? Wouldn't it be nice to not be afraid of being fired because you were different. That is called compassion. Do you have any compassion and understanding? Are you really so shallow that the only person you are OK with is someone just like you? Do you think that there are probably people in your life who "tolerate" you for some reason, but don't actually like you or what you think very much? I would bet on it!
Don't see why anyone would discriminate against the queers anyway. They're fun to watch.
OK, now it's time to go back to bigger issues like the economy and getting people back to work.
100% Agreed.
Let's get back to work and make America #1 again!
Obama, we're waiting on you to be a leader and DO something... anything!
The American voters that are railing about President Obama becoming a champion for the legalization of gay marriage were not going to vote for him anyway. He aimed this at his base, the swing and independent voters, liberatarians, and lastly the Gay Community.
Two people get married in St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC, the County Clerk's office of Clark County, NV, a Mormon Temple, Muslim Majid, a superior or muni. court judge or commissioner, or even a tugboat capt. and all religious dogma aside the product of the marriage = LEGAL MATRIMONY. Legal matrimony is a very binding and legal contract beteen "the stuckee and the stuckor."
If all Americans are guaranteed "life, liberty, and the persuit of happiness" under the Constitution then gays and lesbian Americans should be afforded the right to legally marry and to have that marriage respected, not only by society, but by those that marry.
LTC Rattus, USA, ret.
<sarcasm>
And we should also allow polygamy as well because I have a right to as many husbands and wives as I want. In fact I have a right and am entitled to anything and everything that I want as I continue my pursuit of happiness. Otherwise all you are doing is violating my civil rights. And if you continue to violate my "rights" then I'll use personal attacks and call you a bigot and intolerant. Then I'll misquote the Constitution and make it mean what I want it to mean, without regard for its intended purpose or historical significance.
</sarcasm>
If you want polygamy then vore for Romney; problem solved.
There are two ways of looking at marriage, as a religious union and as a civil contract. In the US, at least, a religious ceremony includes the benefits of the civil contract, the civil ceremony also includes the civil benefits(tax deductions, next-of-kin status, contracts, etc.) If churches don't want to perform 'gay' marriages, they don't have to, they don't even have to recognize them; but the Civil Authority must perform and recognize the civil marriage contract. This could, at least, satisfy those couples for whom a religious ceremony is not important. Others, of course, on both sides will hate it because they have not conquered the other side.
what comments are these media a-holes reading? the overwelming online reaction was of disgust towards obumma.
The tyranny of the majority should never dictate the rights and liberties of all citizens. Regardless of the political consequences, the president's stance is bold and it's the right one. In ways people do not yet comprehend, it is a historic milestone, not only for this presidency, but for politics, the nation and the world.
oh its historic alright, brings the country one step closer to damnation
The Nazi is back! Take your hatred somewhere that it is appreciated - like out of the US.
Not that I care but you all know this is the third time he's fipped flopped on this issue.
Obama can say whatever he likes about homosexual marriage. I believe he is very bad for America and his intentions are to "bring America down" a few pegs in punishment for "past crimes" against the developing nations, "the poor", etc. So it doesn't matter what he says about homosexual marriage, to me. I do not care what homosexuals do with their lives, it is their business unless they are breaking the law. However, for 5000 years of recorded history, and who knows how long before that, unless you were the ruling royalty, marriage was defined exclusive as between a man and a woman, not related by blood. If we now change this (I don't think we should though) then I sincerely and honestly wonder how other forms of "marriage" can be morally, legally, ethically denied such as: incestuous marriage--sibs, parent-child, grandparent-grandchild; polygamous marriage between/among a mix of genders (or not), marriage with a pet or favorite animal, marriage to an inanimate object. I mean, if we're going to completely change the meaning of marriage, how can these other discriminated-against-groups be denied? Do you really think in 20 years it will NOT be a serious question?
Marriage will mean a union of two individuals of the human species without regard to gender. Anything beyond that is your own twisted imagination.
I'm very surprised that there are actually people thinking this will help him in November. This is one of the worst political blunders he's made (and that's saying something!).
Think about it, folks.
1) Who is the most happy with this development? Gays. Who were the gays gonna vote for before? The same guy they're gonna vote for now. He didn't pick up any votes by this opinion.
2) Who are some of the people verrrrrry unhappy about this development? Independents. I was on this site when the original article hit. We had over 4,000 comments in just a few hours. I read SEVERAL posts saying "He just lost my vote."
He didn't gain any votes from gays, and he lost votes from independents.
Bad move, Mr. President.
How are you so sure that this hurt him among independents and swing voters?
Did you see any good data?
I am an independent voter.
President Obama lost any credibility, if he ever had any.
He should be focusing on the economy and jobs; not on social issues right now.
As far as data goes, everyone I talked to is not voting for Obama... and some not for Mitt either. Of course that is my own personal observations, not a statistical representation.
For cold, hard data, all you have to do is a quick Google search on the matter. Wikipedia has something on same-sex couples divorce rates. I still haven't figured out how to put links in posts here. :(
ROFLMAO... ok, so in one post, you call religious democrats and "oxymoron"... and now you want us to believe you are and "independent?" Um yeah... Does your bible tell you lying is wrong? If you want a political party to focus on "jobs" instead of the social issues, why are you screaming holy hell about the 918 bills sponsored by the TP newbies that deal with WOMEN'S health issues ALONE?
My guess is, Obama hasn't "lost" your vote, because he never had it to begin with. For you to pretend otherwise is nothing more than dishonesty. You proud of that, too?
Laughing here too! "Heavenly Messenger" is a dead giveaway, kiddo! Your posts are too. You wouldn't understand the meaning of conservative or independent. Look quickly, maybe you can find an answer in the "good book". You know the one with all the hatred, killing, discrimination, and damnation in it?
I question how anyone can accept his comments without a shred of skepticism about his sincerity. It defies reason to not entertain a healthy skepticism, at least, about his convictions on this matter. Think of the events leading into this, the timing, etc, and if you can claim with a straight face that Obama's "evolution" was absolutely organic and completely sincere, well, you're a better man than me, Charlie Brown.
Without question, it is a politically brave decision, but I fear that, in the end, it will do more to mobilize the forces of intolerance than it will to galvanize liberals. Many well-meaning American men and women like to imagine that their nation has entered this grand post-racial, tolerant America and those opposing this new vision are dwindling fringe elements in our culture. Utopia isn't coming.
With 30 states having statutes ot amendments defining marriage, I would say that the forces of intolerance are already out there long before today.
Jason - Anyone who doesn't look at the action of EVERY politician, no matter what party or non-party, without skepticim would be an idiot. In every election our responsibility ends up having to choose the "lesser of two evils." We are human, they are human. There isn't a "God-like" candidate and never will be. Some have more or less experience, some have more or less integrity. We also must use our brains, hearts, and souls to decipher all information received. Obama's statement didn't lift my heart with joy and say, "Wow, what a great man!" It did however at least make me feel that he took a step forward regarding human rights and dignity.
Romney on the other hand, showed a side today of a bully. Yes, back when he was a kid, but a bully attitude follows him in other endeavors. So, weighing the two today, Obama won out for me today. We'll see how things progress. We will only have two choices. I hope my choice will be for the person with the most integrity - not just picking someone with a particular party/club.
Obama would be in favor of sex with a doorknob if he thought it would get him votes.
Now lets be fair your talking about Mitt...no one filp flops more then him. I don't agree with Obama on this issue, and I didn't vote for him in 2008 because I didn't jump on the bandwagon. However, this year he will get my vote I can't see voting for Mitt, because honestly I don't know where he stands on a lot of issues. He is to busy talking about Obama and never saying what his plans are..
wow, talk about regression!
Wow...
Obama is a narrcissitic, arrogant sociopath who will say anything and do anything to get re-elected. The TRUTH is that HE ALONE has put this country in more debt than all other U.S. Presidents combined. Gas prices are no better, the economy is no better, joblessness is no better, and the only people who WANT Obamacare are those who have no health insurance to begin with. At this point, Obama and his ilk can't blame Bush anymore. And while Obama wants to take credit for taking out Osama bin Laden, HE had NOTHING to do with it - it was all about the bravery of the Navy SEALS. Period.
Two of the most ridiculous argument I've heard from GLTBs on why they should be allowed to 'marry' are: 'It would encourage monogamy in our relationship,' and 'Interracial marriage used to be illegal, too, but now it isn't.'
Seriously? Marriage hasn't encouraged monogamy in over half the heterosexual marriages in this country.
There's a HUGE difference between interracial marriage and so-called 'gay marriage:' In interracial marriages, blood runs red no matter what race one is. However, gay marriage will never be able to produce children without artificial means.
Oh, here we go again....the whole 'if you're not producing babies you have no right to be married.' Let's go for it.....hey, in fact, let's forget about love and commitment and caring....if you can crank out a baby, then you're 'better' than any other form of relationship. Yup, makes a lot of sense.
Workerbee - Blood runs red in gay marriage too! What? Having children is NOT a prerequisite for marriage. Many heterosexual couples choose not to have children, or can't have children. Older people marry and have no plans to procreate, workerbee. Your analogies don't even make sense. A marriage is a union between two people who at least plan to spend their life together. It creates a bond for two marrying. It is not something that only heterosexual people can want, feel, or be!
You use the same worn arguments that were used during working for equal rights for Black people. They just "aren't the same!" "They aren't as good as we are", etc., etc. Your arguments are simply bigoted and discriminatory.
Right... and gay people's blood is green. /s
I would like to know where all of this stops...where do you draw the line? I absolutely believe that people should be treated fairly, and not be subject to abuse or ridicule, but is marriage a right? What's next? How do you draw the line on what is acceptable now and for the future? There are many people that would like to normalize many things, but does that mean we should? How many more things that are not accepted now will be in the future? Should we just accept every type of behavior, no matter what?
Tredsox....marriage is a right not granted by the Constitution, but by our humanity. The Constitution recognizes this through and through and it is beyond any honest debate that our rights are protected by the liberty of the Constitution. Where do we draw the line?....Freedom is where we draw the line and it is only bound when it begins to infringe on another persons freedom. Marriage equality cost nobody a penny but for those who are denied it, it costs them their livelihood and dignity. What are you afraid of normalizing? What do you feel is going to be accepted in the future which currently causes you anxiety? Why not analyze each issue on its merits and not jump to the conclusion that because we accept marriage equality that we're going to open the floodgates to everything else. Marriage equality is not the holy grail of delinquent behavior. We do not have to accept every type of behavior...being gay is no more a "behavior" than being "straight." It is a sexual orientation not a sexual "preference."..some people are attracted and have emotional and romantic attachments to the opposite sex, some to the same sex and others to both. It is fact of life but too many are so quick to say that being gay is a "changeable behavior" and thus not worthy of recognition. You should honestly speak to gay people to really understand this issue. Reading, posing questions and commenting on a blog isn't nearly enough to understand this issue, especially with all the misinformation that is put on by so many other commenters.
Well said!
The State and Federal governments need to get out marriage business. They should only be issuing contracts which affect and set limits and permissions as defined by the participants. Marriage should be sanctioned and performed in a non governmental setting. If two guys want a judge to do something to them, that is fine. Do Not Call It Marriage!
I suspect, conservatives being the troglodytes they are, that any internet analysis of opinions will skew towards progressive thinking and against those who fail to recognize change is the future.
Not all change should happen just because it is change. Some things should change, such as the current president, but do we let anything happen if people feel strongly enough about it just because it is change?
tredsox - "Feeling strongly about wanting discrimination" is not a good enough reason to withhold equal rights from a minority group of people.
I have said before that I "feel strongly that bigots and religious zealots" should be banned from spewing anger, hatred, and vitriol at other Americans. Guess what? They still have rights. Why? Just because they do not have a sexual orientation that prefers loving and caring for someone of the same sex. Not your preference, fine! They aren't telling you to BE gay, they are asking for their equal rights to live comfortably and in peace with who they are. Not that difficult to understand, is it?
People who think this is news are really stupid. He pushed to get federal benefits for partners, ended DADT and told his Justice Department to stop defending DOMA...did gay people really need to pressure him to come out in support of marriage equality before election time and risk losing the election. I am glad that he has formally stated his support but a few months wouldn't have made a damn bit of difference. Everybody knew from day one that he completely supported it but politics the way they are turn on the slightest things. I hope we didn't win the battle just to lose the war...
Gosh, I am absolutely for throwing the bum out, if that is what you mean by win the battle and lose the war.
President Obama coming forward on gay marriage is a good step for so many people who are born that way. They deserve to love who they love and marry who they love. That won't be possible in a lot of states but in some it is possible and it is good that these people can stand tall and marry as first class citizens because they are.