Charles Kaiser : Obama 's stance on gay rights has effect similar to Civil Rights Act . His statement instantly obliterated doubts of millions of his gay supporters , he writes . Gallup Poll : 65 % of Democrats , 57 % of independents support same-sex marriage . In his interview with ABC News , the president himself cited the end of do n't ask , do n't tell as one reason he felt compelled to speak out . Comment:
Charles Kaiser : Obama 's stance on gay rights has effect similar to Civil Rights Act . His statement instantly obliterated doubts of millions of his gay supporters , he writes . Gallup Poll : 65 % of Democrats , 57 % of independents support same-sex marriage . Comment: