How is supporting marriage equality seen as an election winning strategy?

[justiceischeap]

32. Obama once asked that the LGBTQ community hold his feet to the fire

because, basically, he didn't want to take the mantle on this particular fight. That said, it's great that he voiced his support--which I believe he's supported all along and played the same game all Dem president's have up until now... going so far with statements/support to keep the favor of conservatives and the LGBTQ community. Well, the LGBTQ community (and our allies) decided to no longer allow this pandering. When big dollar gay donors started withholding donations, suddenly his opinion was "evolving." We held his feet to the fire until he had fully evolved and, frankly, IMO, he hasn't fully evolved on the issue. He's a step closer but until he says he believes in marriage equality without tacking on the "states rights" bit, then he'll have fully evolved.

So, to answer the original question, is it a winning strategy? Not in the purest sense but it does certainly help with feet on the ground and monetary support. Plus, 49% of Americans say they support equality. Finally, I'd just like to point out that a lot of the things Pres. Obama has done for the LGBTQ community is great but temporary. The first Repub president will strip away the majority of the progress Obama has made in this area.