Poll: 51% support Obama’s endorsement of same-sex marriage

July 31, 2016

By Sarah Wolfe

More than half of Americans support President Barack Obama's endorsement of gay marriage earlier this week, although 60 percent say in a new poll that it won't impact how they vote in November.

Overall, 51 percent approve of Obama's new position on same-sex marriage, compared with 45 percent who disapprove, according to a new USA Today/Gallup poll.

Nearly 13 percent said his shift in position will make them more likely to vote for him, while 26 percent said it will make them less likely, which USA Today said suggests that more supporters of likely GOP nominee Mitt Romney feel more strongly about the issue than Obama's supporters do.

Obama announced his support for gay marriage Wednesday in an interview with ABC's Robin Roberts, although he added the issue should be up to states to decide on individually.

During a campaign fundraiser at the home of actor George Clooney on Thursday night, Obama described his shift in position. He previously supported civil unions, but opposed gay marriage, Reuters reported.

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"It grew directly out of this difference in visions," Obama said. "Are we a country that includes everybody and gives everybody a shot and treats everybody fairly, and is that going to make us stronger? Are we welcoming to immigrants? Are we welcoming to people who aren't like us? Does that make us stronger? I believe it does. So that's what's at stake."

Romney steered clear of the issue while campaigning in North Carolina on Friday, just days after voters there passed a ban on gay marriage, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Several hours after Obama's endorsement on Wedneday, Romney reaffirmed his view that marriage should be between a man and a woman. He has also said that same sex civil unions should not be permitted if they grant the same rights as marriage, according to the LA Times.