Presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, long opposed to gay marriage and even civil unions, appeared on Thursday’s "The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” saying that he disagrees with the California decision, but wishes her all the best as she makes plans to walk down the aisle with girlfriend, actress Portia de Rossi.
DeGeneres tried to sway McCain’s opinion by explaining to the senator that she views the issue in the same way as when blacks and women didn’t have the right to vote.
“Women just got the right to vote in 1920, and blacks didn’t have the right to vote until 1870,” she noted, adding, “It just feels like there’s this old way of thinking that we are not all the same. We are all the same . . . You’re no different than I am.”
“I’ve heard you articulate that position in a very eloquent fashion,” McCain countered. “I just believe in the unique status of marriage between man and woman, and I know that we have a respectful disagreement on that issue; and I along with many, many others wish you every happiness.”
At times looking uncomfortable, McCain acknowledged the necessity of partnerships for legal agreements: “I think people should be able to enter into legal agreements. And I think that it is something we should encourage, particularly in the case of insurance and other areas where decisions have to be made.”
“So, you’ll walk me down the aisle?” DeGeneres said to laughter and applause from the audience. “Is that what you’re saying?”
“Touche,” was the senator’s response to loud applause.
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