GOPRoud, Log Cabin Defend Gingrich's "Vote For Obama" Remark

Presidential GOP candidate Newt Gingrich shocked several Americans from both the left and right when he told a gay Iowa man that he should vote for Obama if he believes that same-sex marriage is the most important issue, EDGE reported in a Dec. 22 article.

Gay conservative groups GOProud and Log Cabin Republicans are now defending the politician's remarks, Think Progress reported. The organizations are claiming that the "liberal press is misrepresenting Gingrich's comments," Think Progress writes.

"The liberal press is at it again, attempting to mischaracterize the words of a Republican Presidential candidate," GOProud said in a statement.

"Speaker Gingrich said absolutely nothing wrong in his exchange with the gay Iowa voter... Speaker Gingrich handled himself with class and dignity in this discussion with the gay voter and the press reports that have reported otherwise have done a real disservice to the truth."

The Log Cabin Republicans also said, "there are those who are working hard to paint any and all Republicans as bigoted," most likely referring to the "liberal media."

Think Progress writer Zack Ford writes that by these groups supporting Gingrich that they are LGBT rights are not their number one concern.

"Apparently, voters who care about their own ability to live, love, and work without fear of discrimination do 'a real disservice to the truth' by refusing to 'judge each character fairly,'" Ford writes.

Scott Arnold, an adjunct professor of writing at William Penn University, went to hear Gingrich with an open mind and wanted to hear the candidate's views on LGBT issues, such as same-sex marriage.

When Arnold had the opportunity to speak to Gingrich he asked if he became the next president, what would he do to "engage gay Americans."

"I think those for whom the only issue that really matters is the definition of marriage, I won't get their support," Gingrich said.

"I accept that as reality. On the other hand, for those to whom it's not the central issue in their life, if they care about job creation, if they care about national security, if they care about a better future for the country at large, then I think I'll get their support."

Arnold told Gingrich that same-sex marriage was his most important issue.

"Well, if that's most important to you then you should be for Obama," the politician said.

"I am," Arnold said.

"It's perfectly legitimate. I think it's perfectly legitimate," Gingrich responded.

"It is being reported that Speaker Gingrich is telling gay voters to vote for President Obama, as though the Speaker rejects the support of LGBT conservatives. That is simply not true," said Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper in a statement on the organization's website. "If you watch the video, Newt is engaged in an extended back and forth with a Democrat who insists that marriage equality is the only issue that he cares about. Based on his stated opposition to same-sex marriage, Newt ultimately concedes that he is not likely to win this particular voter's support," Cooper adds.