Calling All Demagogues

from the Baltimore Sun

MSNBC commentator Rev. Al Sharpton cut a web video supporting same-sex marriage legislation in Maryland and hosted MD Gov. Martin O'Malley on his cable show this evening to talk about the issue.

Sharpton says in his video: "As a Baptist minister, I don't have the right to impose my views on anyone else." He added: "If committed gay and lesbian couples want to marry, that is their business, none of us should stand in their way."

The governor was on the show live for about six minutes and stuck to his usual talking points -- saying the bill is about fairness and equality. He noted that he "dialed up" the religious protections in the legislation this year.

Asked about today's decision by a federal court to knock down a ban on same-sex marriage in California, O'Malley said: "I hope it has a persuasive influence on those delegates that are still open minded."

"He's looking at me," joked Del. Robert Costa, who allowed The Sun to watch the TV apperance from his office with a group of delegates. Costa is who is one of the few House members who has not taken a position on the bill.

O'Malley earned groans from the group for one remark. Sharpton asked O'Malley about New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's position that same-sex marriage should be settled by referendum in that state.

O'Malley said that New Jersey's governor, who is overweight, wants to "have is cake and eat it too" by giving advocates a path to success via the ballot box and still saying he'd veto the legislation.

"A fat joke" yelled one delegate who was watching.

"Right to the middle!" yelled one other one.

"Always picking on the fat guy" chimed in another.

A joint hearing on O'Malley's same-sex marriage bill is set for Friday. Last year a similar measure passed in the Senate, but was pulled from the House floor because leaders were a few votes short.

See you at the ballot box, Governor. :)