On the June 8 edition of CNN Newsroom, host Carol Costello was skeptical of Scott Walker’s support for a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. Costello seemed bewildered that Republicans like Walker could take such a stand given the increasing popularity of same-sex marriage. She asked Republican strategist Ron Christie to weigh in on the likely presidential candidate’s position:
So, Scott Walker was not as open. He was looking all macho as he road his Harley into Iowa for that cattle call. He backs a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage if the Supreme Court decides that’s unconstitutional, which is kinda weird, Ron.
Christie gave a half-hearted defense, saying that he personally supports same-sex marriage, but that “I just don't know that we necessarily need the Supreme Court and our judicial system weighing in on this.” Yet again, Costello was shocked that an issue like gay marriage could be left to the states. She questioned Christie in a stunned tone: “Really?”
The CNN personality then wondered why “the Supreme Court shouldn’t rule on such an issue.” Christie expanded on his original answer and also took a shot at Hillary and Bill Clinton:
Well I think these things are best left to the states. I think there is a reason why we have a Tenth Amendment and I think there is a reason why states are given the authority in areas not ceded by the federal government. Let the states decide. But again, I don't think this is a big, huge deal that the Republicans are in this. Look, remember it was Bill Clinton, President Bill Clinton, who signed the Defense of Marriage Act which defined marriage as being between a man and woman. Why don’t we ask the former president's wife, Hillary Clinton – who has been largely silent on this issue – what she thinks about it, rather than the Republicans?
The media’s double standard on gay marriage has been crystal clear for years. For example, while support for voter ID laws and bans on abortion after the first trimester (and especially after 20 weeks) have the overwhelming support of Americans, you will not hear the media calling out as “weird” the liberals who disagree with the majority opinion.
The relevant portion of the transcript is below.
CNN
CNN Newsroom with Carol Costello
June 8, 2015
9:26 a.m. Eastern
CAROL COSTELLO: The culture wars are heating up, no surprise. We’re heading into 2016, and there are lots and lots of people who want to be president. Perhaps they would find the latest CNN/ORC poll helpful. Support for same-sex marriage continues to grow. 63% of Americans say gay couples have a constitutional right to marry. As for whether they think the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on this issue fairly, about 49% say they have a great deal or a moderate amount of trust in the bench.
[...]
CAROL COSTELLO, host: So, Scott Walker was not as open. He was looking all macho as he road his Harley into Iowa for that cattle call. He backs a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage if the Supreme Court decides that’s unconstitutional, which is kinda weird, Ron.
RON CHRISTIE, Republican strategist: Yeah, good morning, Carol. You know, my take on this is if you want to enter the institution of marriage, if you want to have your wife or your husband boss you around
and tell you who is in charge and recognize that it’s not you, I welcome them all to the party. I mean, let’s be real. I just think that, uh, in the United States today and around the world, if two people find the way to love each other and to spend time with each other, I'm all for it. I just don't know that we necessarily need the Supreme Court and our judicial system weighing in on this.
COSTELLO: Really?
CHRISTIE: Yeah. Really. I think, look, I agree with Lindsey Graham. I'm a traditional, you know, marriage kind of guy, but I understand and I believe that two people who are committed to each other should have the opportunity to be with each other. Should be the end of the story, shouldn’t be that big of a deal.
COSTELLO: But the Supreme Court shouldn't rule on such an issue?
CHRISTIE: Well I think these things are best left to the states. I think there is a reason why we have a Tenth Amendment and I think there is a reason why states are given the authority in areas not ceded by the federal government. Let the states decide. But again, I don't think this is a big, huge deal that the Republicans are in this. Look, remember it was Bill Clinton, President Bill Clinton, who signed the Defense of Marriage Act which defined marriage as being between a man and woman. Why don’t we ask the former president's wife, Hillary Clinton – who has been largely silent on this issue – what she thinks about it, rather than the Republicans?
COSTELLO: I think Hillary Clinton has spoken out about this issue.
MARC LAMONT HILL, CNN contributor: She has.
