The folks at MSNBC were ecstatic this morning following the Supreme Court’s invalidation of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), but that joy exploded to Chris Matthews levels of tingledom during the 11:00 a.m. hour when President Obama decided to call the couple who took the Prop 8 case to court while they were being interviewed by network anchor and outspoken same-sex marriage advocate Thomas Roberts. [See video after jump. MP3 audio here.]
Roberts, who himself is openly gay, runs regular segments pushing his support for "marriage equality," so the president's decision to call in during an interview on the “Lean Forward” network seems like a calculated move to talk to address his socially liberal base. On a side note, later on in the same broadcast Roberts brought on his colleague Rachel Maddow, who acted like a school girl upon learning that President Obama had called to congratulate Roberts' guest on air.
So much for journalistic restraint at MSNBC.
See relevant transcript below.
MSNBC
MSNBC Live
June 26, 2013
11:15 a.m. Eastern
THOMAS ROBERTS: But joining me right now, I'm happy to introduce to you two of the plaintiffs from the Prop 8 case, Sandy Stier and Kris Perry. We saw both of those ladies speaking from the steps just moments ago. Kris, let me start with you because you were very emotional in thanking everyone and also talking about going back to your four boys, most importantly to let them know that their family is just as important as other American families across this country. Is that you are most looking forward to see on the heels of this decision, your kids?
KRIS PERRY: Well the most important person to see would be sandy, because we have been in this battle now for four and a half years. And together we share that commitment to our kids, all four of them. And we are really actually dying to see them. But even in addition to our own kids we are so elated over the way in which this helps all kids in California growing up today, they don't have to live under the tyranny of a law that tells them they are less equal than everybody else. Sandy and I could not be happier that we have left a legacy in California for all kids to feel equal.
ROBERTS: Well not only have you left a legacy in California, you've left a legacy around the country. I think I see Chad Griffin from the HRC talking on the telephone which I believe is with President Obama. Chad is right there.
CHAD GRIFFIN: The president is on the line from Air Force One.
ROBERTS: President Obama.
GRIFFIN: Go ahead.PERRY: Hello, Mr. President this is Kris Perry.
SANDY STEIR: And Sandy Stier, and we thank you so much for your support.
BARACK OBAMA: We're proud of you guys, and we're so glad in California. And because of your leadership things are heading the right way. So you guys should be very proud today. And, you know through your courage you’re helping out a whole lot of people and we’re with you.
UNKNOWN PERSON: Thank you, Mr. President!OBAMA: I hope you have a great celebration.
GRIFFIN: Well, thank you, and while we celebrate today, we know we've got to roll up our sleeves and get to work for those in the 37 states that didn't get marriage equality today. But we're well on our way. And thank you for your leadership.
UNKNOWN MAN: You're invited to the wedding.
OBAMA: Okay.
GRIFFIN: Bye-bye.
ROBERTS: Chris, I see there that you have Chad with you as well as Jeff Sorillo and Paul Katami. That is an enormous phone call you just received from the president there saying that we are proud of you guys and thanking you for your leadership. Obviously, you had the support of the White House all along.
