Same-sex marriage move may help Obama raise cash

(CBS News) WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama flew to the West Coast Thursday for three campaign fundraisers. The trip comes a day after he said he favors same sex-marriage. CBS News White House correspondent Norah O'Donnell explains what effect that will have on the campaign.

Mr. Obama said his decision to embrace same-sex marriage may hurt him in some important swing states, but CBS News has learned it has helped him rake in a lot of campaign cash.

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His campaign won't say how much because they're afraid it makes the president's decision look too political.

Chad Griffin is the incoming president of the Human Rights Campaign, the main lobbying group for the gay and lesbian community.

"It further energized an already enthusiastic base and I expect now you're going to see fundraisers sell out earlier and certainly people that were withholding their support will come out for the president," said Griffin.

He has already raised more than $300,000 for Obama's re-election campaign.

"I immediately sent out an email to my friends and colleagues across the country, encouraging them to now do more," he said. "To now support this president even more and to reach further than they had already gone to support him."

In fact, just hours after Mr. Obama announced his support for same-sex marriage, he released a new video drawing a contrast with Republican rival Mitt Romney.

Obama's finance director, Rufus Gifford, who is openly gay, sent out an email to campaign supporters saying, "I am just so happy ... This is a great time to make a donation to the campaign."

CBS has learned the president had planned to make his announcement public next Monday one day before an important gay and lesbian fundraiser with singer Ricky Martin in New York and then another fundraiser on June 6 in Los Angeles with rock star Pink.

"I expect now you're going to see some of these events selling out more quickly, you certainly see some people that were withholding funds now jumping on in full force supporting this President," Griffin said.

CBS News has learned that Vice President Biden went into the Oval Office Wednesday, prior to the president's announcement and apologized. The president said he knew Biden's comments came from the heart.

[Bugtooth]

Obama may raise some money from gay groups. He will find out in November that all that cash can't buy votes.

[sallychicago]

Well there you go folks. The Presidency is bought and paid for. We have to get this cash out of politics, it's ruining our country.

[stephand]

I thought Obama was different?

[Middle_American_Man]

I have a younger friend whose little sister is gay. She was mentioning how so much of the opposition to gay rights is from old people, but how that will change as they pass away. If you're opposed to gay rights, how does that make you feel, that the younger people are waiting for you to die to make the world a better place? Just asking.

[tryingtodogoodwork]

I'm married to a lovely and extraordinary woman, we're expecting our first child in October -- and gay marriage does not lessen or degrade the value of my marriage (or yours or anyone's) in the least. Nor does it challenge my masculinity or her femininity. What a ridiculously fearful person it takes not to recognize the right of all people to marry anyone they choose.

Strong, smart, wise, brave decision Mr. President.

Obama, 2012!!!!!!!!

[stephand]

Agree. While we're at it, we should also legalize polygamy.

[LVwidow]

dadirt: tryingtodogoodwork is NOT the idiot here! You are. What is ruining this country are people like you who will not or cannot allow themselves to live and let live. Who gave you the right to play God? Yes, gays used to be called queer, blacks were called slaves and the "n" word (and still are), Jews were called everything and their neighborhoods were "hemytowns" - does that make it right? I know what the bible says and I know what my personal beliefs are, but the bible also teaches me to judge not, least ye be judged yourself. Saying someone who supports someone politically makes them a bad parent shows your extreme intelligence.