While his likely opponent in the fall presidential contest, Mitt Romney, dug in his heels and doubled down on his opposition to same-sex marriage, President Obama continued to earn praise from the entertainment community for his historic support of gay marriage .
After hearing from stars including Neil Patrick Harris, Ellen DeGeneres, "Modern Family" star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Kim Kardashian on Wednesday, the list of well-wishers grew to include everyone from Lady Gaga to hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons, Alec Baldwin and political blogger Meghan McCain.
"Obama, congratulations on being the first sitting president to support marriage equality," tweeted Gaga. "Feels like the future, and not the past. #NoFear." Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons simply said "thank you," and singer Michelle Branch gave it a rousing, "YAY Obama!! #EqualityForAll."
Obama, congratulations on being the first sitting President to support marriage equality. Feels like the future, and not the past. #NoFear
Frequent "Chelsea Lately" panelist and out comedian Ross Matthews could hardly contain his excitement, writing, "OMG, it's official! Obama becomes 1st president to support gay marriage!!! Historic day!" Meanwhile, another out TV personality, Bravo boss and talk show host Andy Cohen, shouted, "THANK YOU MR. PRESIDENT." Singer Ricky Martin offered his props as well, saying, "I applaud President @barackobama for affirming that ALL Americans should enjoy equal rights. Historic!" CNN talker Piers Morgan called it, "One small step for him ... one giant leap for mankind," while comedian/actress Sandra Bernhard offered up the poetic bon mot, "Viva Obama who has just endorsed gay marriage. Right on time drop a dime blow your mind."
"It Gets Better" found and "Savage Love" columnist Dan Savage urged action on the back of Obama's announcement, saying, "Gay people better get out there and support the president. If he loses in November, we'll be blamed."
"30 Rock" star Alec Baldwin kept is brief with, "Obama gets it right on gay marriage. Bravo," out blogger Perez Hilton dubbed the announcement, "better late than never" and singer Josh Groban said it was just "historic."
Twitter master comedian Patton Oswalt took the opportunity to have fun with the Obama news in a series of tweets about his upcoming (fake) gay marriage. "Oh my God -- Seal Team Six just broke down my front door and are forcing me to marry @stephenfry! DAMN YOU, OBAMA!!!!!!" That was followed by some more good news in the form of, "Well, I'm now married to @stephenfry. Ceremony was charming, but watching Seal Team Six fight over the bouquet was f---ing INTENSE." Funnyman Michael Ian Black was in a joking mood as well, taunting, "Hey Obama, if you love gay marriage so much, why don't you marry it?"
And in keeping with her maverick streak (not to be confused with her dad's), political blogger Meghan McCain opined, "Even though he did it a little late under political pressure -- very happy to hear the President came out in support of gay marriage." What do you think of President Obama's support of gay marriage? Let us know in comments below.