NEW : White House officials : Obama favors full benefits , but legislation is stalled . Obama extends some benefits to same - sex partners , but not health care . ` ` Nice gesture , but a disappointment , '' says David Goodman , senior editor of The Nation . Some critics show up by pulling out of DNC gay fundraising dinner .
NEW : White House officials : Obama favors full benefits , but legislation is needed . Obama expands some benefits to same-sex partners , but not health care . `` Nice gesture , but a disappointment , '' says Richard Kim , senior editor of The Nation . Some critics show discontent by pulling out of DNC gay fundraising dinner .