Thanks for checking out my very first post on 365gay.com. I’m new to the website, to blogging in general, but not to politics, or the very satisfying game of pointing out just how enraging the American landscape can be, especially if you’re gay.

 I’ve spent the last three years in law school and before that I was writing and working with a law firm (there’s a theme here). I’m really excited about spending some time talking about legal issues facing the gay and lesbian community.

But since the election is in full swing and we have a debate tomorrow, I think a little talk about Obama is appropriate.

I was helping a friend of mine move out of Hyde Park this past weekend and found myself around the corner from Barack Obama’s house. As we pulled over by the side of the road a secret service agent immediately arrived to investigate. We chatted (what with us being a couple of non-threatening girls in a tiny car) and as we left, I asked the agent to take good care of the Obama family. I was gushing, truly, blushing and everything.

The thing is, I’m a little in love with Obama.

I’m not completely blinded of course. Many of his policies, economic and social, frustrate me (I’m always hoping the Democratic party will dump the privatization of essential services), but what I really should be mad about is his utter refusal to step up and support gay marriage.

Many say it’s political suicide)  to support marriage for gays and lesbians (that’s almost a bit of street cred for all of us – we are that risky) and the last thing I want is an aging Republican in office, but do I really have to adore the man that thinks I’m not quite as good as him and his wife?

So today, despite my crush, I’ve decided that I will be mad at Obama for not standing up for full rights for gays and lesbians.

Sure, his thirty second sound bite on Ellen sounded very progressive and Biden said last week that he supports my right to visit my partner in the hospital. Biden, especially, emphatically purported granting marital rights to gays and lesbians who choose to commit. Still, the word marriage will be reserved for heterosexuals.

Why the anger? Because our government is telling us that we are not like them. They are hoping to write that distinction into law. And even though in the near future same sex unions and marriage may grant the same rights, at any point, changes can be made that put same sex couples at a disadvantage all over again.

Sarah Palin is earning her salary as John McCain’s attack dog (I’m not calling Palin a dog; just using a rather standard political phrase). The Alaskan governor took the gloves off this week-end and went after Barack Obama for his ties with Bill Ayers.

Read More: Withers: One more month and presidential campaign turns real nasty

This morning I’m a little disappointed. Last night’s vice president debate was supposed to be filled with kooky moments. Like Joe Biden having a meal of shoe leather or Sarah Palin confusing the leaders of China and Iran (I do that all the time). However, both candidates can return to their camps proud.

Read More: Withers: The morning after the Palin and Biden debate