Exclusive: 10 years ago, a day to remember for Obama
On June 26, 2015, Obama delivered a eulogy — and sang the opening lines of "Amazing Grace" — for the leader of a Black church in Charleston, S.C., one of nine victims of a shooting there.
Hours earlier, his team had lauded the Supreme Court's landmark ruling legalizing same-sex marriage.
Driving the news: In an interview with social media influencer Garrison Hayes out today, Obama calls that day a defining time for him and his administration.
Zoom in: Taken together, the events seemed to reflect some of the nation's racial and cultural divisions that many hoped Obama's presidency would bridge.
But in a video of the interview previewed by Axios, Obama tells Hayes that he was inspired by the examples of "courage" he saw that day, and the challenges it represented for the nation.
"I think what pulls it all together is that no one person did any of that. It was just a bunch of people figuring out how I can make something better," Obama says in the video.
Flashback: The day began with the high court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which required states to license and recognize same-sex marriage. It ended a long legal fight that had begun in Massachusetts and New Mexico a decade earlier.
The ruling was met with excitement among civil rights advocates and scorn by religious conservatives.
Rainbow colors lit up the White House that evening in celebration.
Obama traveled to Charleston, S.C., that day to deliver the eulogy for Clementa Pinckney, the slain pastor at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, who also was a state senator.
A week and a half earlier, a 21-year-old white supremacist fatally shot Pinckney and eight other church members during a Bible study class at Emanuel, the oldest AME church in the South.
"I didn't even want to talk," Obama told Hayes. "I was so mad. Part of the reason I think I ended up having anything to say at that moment was when I heard some of the victims' families forgive the shooter."
Zoom out: Eric Schultz, senior adviser to Obama, said the ex-president wanted to mark the 10th anniversary of these events by talking with a young online creator.
Schultz said the events "resonate today — namely that making progress in our democracy relies on ordinary people doing their best to make America a better place."
Hayes is an influencer with nearly a million followers on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube combined.
He produces innovative short documentaries on Black history, faith and politics.
The other side: The Obergefell anniversary arrives as some Republicans seek to have the Supreme Court revisit the decision and potentially overturn it.
The Southern Baptist Convention voted overwhelmingly this month to call for the overturning of the decision.
Yes, but: Polls show that Americans overwhelmingly support marriage equality.
72% of all voters believe that same-sex couples should have the right to marry, and 55% of Republicans support the Respect For Marriage Act, according to a survey released this month by Centerline Liberties and Project Right Side.
The Respect for Marriage Act, which became law under President Biden in 2022, gives protections to same-sex and interracial marriages.
"In just a few years, same-sex marriage has transitioned from a divisive political issue to an accepted social norm," said Alex Lundry, co-founder of Redbud Consulting.
As most Americans continue to support marriage equality, the Confederate symbols that came under attack after the Charleston massacre have returned.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Trump Reveals Red Carpet Applause for Putin Was Just the Start
President Donald Trump's cushy treatment of Russian President Vladimir Putin went beyond rolling out a red carpet for the Russian president. Trump left Alaska on Friday with no ceasefire agreement, no concessions, and having gifted priceless PR to an adversary engaged in war with a U.S. ally. Now, sources tell Axios that Trump's path forward is in line with that of the Kremlin. Trump reportedly told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday that he is no longer pushing for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, which was among his stated goals entering the summit. Trump is instead calling for a peace agreement without a ceasefire. That puts him in lockstep with Putin and at odds with Zelensky, who has been adamant that a pause in hostilities is necessary before a peace agreement can be reached. Zelensky and NATO leaders were informed of Trump's change of heart in a 'difficult' phone call the president made from Air Force One on his way back from Alaska, a source told Axios. Trump reportedly spoke for an hour with Zelensky before European leaders joined the call, which went on for an additional 30 minutes. 'Trump said on the call that he thinks a fast peace deal is better than a ceasefire,' the source said. The White House did not respond to a request for comment regarding the call. Trump was described as appearing 'defeated' by the end of his meeting with Putin, which began with much enthusiasm from the president. Shortly after the 79-year-old struggled to walk straight, he applauded Putin, shook his hand, and shared laughs with the leader before welcoming him in the 'Beast,' the high-tech presidential limo. The president's demeanor was noticeably different after he met with Putin. The leaders appeared before cameras for what was billed as a 'press conference,' but no questions were answered—something that even rubbed Fox News the wrong way. Trump played up the meeting as a 'success' but has not provided details that back up his claim. 'We had an extremely productive meeting, and many points were agreed to. There are just a very few that are left,' Trump said. 'We didn't get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there.' That—more or less—is how Trump has described the situation between Russia and Ukraine since his first weeks in office. Despite guaranteeing to end the war on day one of his presidency, he has discovered that, not surprisingly, Putin wishes to keep the land in Eastern Ukraine that his troops occupy. Zelensky has said he is not willing to cede Ukrainian land to end the war. Axios' source summarized Putin's thoughts on the situation, as told by Trump to Zelensky: 'The impression was that in return for territory, Putin is willing to end the war and commit not to try and occupy more areas in Ukraine and to not attack other countries.' Trump told Fox News on Friday that a deal for peace is not in his hands, but that it is instead 'up to President Zelensky to get it done.' Zelensky will travel to meet with Trump in the White House on Monday, six months after his last visit, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance chastised him in an Oval Office ambush that famously went off the rails. At least publicly, Trump remains confident that peace will soon be reached. 'President Zelensky will be coming to D.C., the Oval Office, on Monday afternoon,' Trump posted to Truth Social on Saturday morning. 'If all works out, we will then schedule a meeting with President Putin. Potentially, millions of people's lives will be saved.'
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Opinion - Why in the world is Trump punishing Moldova with tariffs?
President Trump's tariff blasts continue. The White House released its latest list on July 31 and it is clear that no nation is safe — not allies, enemies, neighbors or distant lands. No menacing power escapes the vigilance of the president's team, ever alert to those 'ripping off' the United States of America. Case in point: Moldova. Dominating both sides of the Dniester River — well, one side actually — this Eastern European colossus of 2.3 million people (about the size of Houston) could inflict mortal damage on the American economy. In 2024 alone, the U.S. bought nearly $136 million (with an 'm') worth of goods from the Moldovans, whereas they bought only $51 million from us. With the U.S. economy valued at more than $30 trillion (with a 'T') we could probably only bear such abuse for … well, forever. In a July 9 letter to Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Trump made clear that America will not be bullied by Moldova any longer. He imposed a tariff of 25 percent on every bottle of wine or fruit juice the Moldovans force us to buy. Calling the deficit with Moldova a 'major threat to our Economy and, indeed, our National Security!' the president warned of even higher tariffs if Moldova retaliates or tries to send goods into the U.S. through transshipment. The letter accuses Moldova of taking advantage of us for 'many years.' Tariff rates are one of Trump's favorite weapons, employed under the dubious premise that the U.S. faces a trade deficit 'emergency.' The legality of such action aside — the Supreme Court has yet to rule — the president uses this weapon for a variety of non-economic goals. He has threatened Canada for indicating it might recognize a Palestinian state, and Brazil to try to save former President Jair Bolsonaro from prosecution. Moldova has committed no such offenses — at least none charged — but Trump wants trade with Moldova and a host of other countries to be based on 'reciprocity.' Whatever the precipitating dynamics, punishing Moldova for its involvement in international trade serves no reasonable Western security or broader policy interests. It undermines them. Sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova has a long history of not being a country. The people of this region, who were unwillingly traded between Romania and Russia for nearly a century, gained independence from a collapsing Soviet Union in 1991. With a population that is 75 percent Moldovan-Romanian, some within the Russian and Ukrainian minorities feared the country's absorption into neighboring Romania. During a brief internal war in 1992, Moscow positioned a 'peacekeeping force' on the eastern side of Dniester River to guard the self-proclaimed state of Transnistria — which is still there, not recognized even by Russia. This force is small, locally recruited and considered less than formidable. But it is part of a sustained campaign by Moscow to prevent Moldova from embracing the West. This same motive drove Vladimir Putin to unleash a brutal invasion and occupation of much larger Ukraine. If victorious there, he is unlikely to be more accommodating toward Moldova. Moldova is the poorest country in Europe, and its elected leaders and population have been seeking stability. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Moldova applied to join the EU. It was quickly granted candidate status, and negotiations for membership began. In 2024, the country reelected pro-EU President Sandu and in a referendum enshrined the country's 'European course' in its constitution — despite massive Russian interference and disinformation. The EU has not been cowed by Moscow and developed a generous aid and development package. Most Moldovan goods enter the world's largest trading bloc duty-free, a policy that was further extended to agricultural products last month. Under President Biden, the U.S. had been similarly supportive, providing more than $400 million in military and humanitarian aid in part to help reduce the country's dependence on Russian gas. Trump sees no need for aid to Moldova, or indeed for most foreign assistance. Other moves supporting Trump's 'America First' orientation also penalize Moldova. Eliminating the U.S. Agency for International Development meant the loss of virtually all projects in Moldova — including for democracy promotion and economic and energy development. At the same time, cutting resources for election monitoring and an independent press leaves the field open for Russian interference. Such indifference, along with Trump's shifting attitude toward Ukraine and transactional foreign policy, leaves Moldova exposed. A study by the Stimson Center concluded, 'With a White House that seems increasingly eager to align its perspectives with Moscow at the expense of traditional allies, its willingness to support Moldova's democratic transformation in the face of Russian opposition is now uncertain.' Neighboring Romania, a member of both the EU and NATO, has a huge stake in the fate of Moldova. An intimidated or occupied satellite country — a second Belarus — on the Alliance's more than 400-mile border would dramatically change the strategic equation. This should get Washington's attention — at least of those willing to honor the American commitment to NATO. Preserving an independent and economically healthy Moldova thus serves European and American interests. Increasing the cost of doing business with the U.S. and damaging democratic efforts there does not. Supporting Moldova costs the U.S. very little. Excusing a tiny trade deficit to a strategically important democracy does not make Americans suckers. Helping Moldova does not require a military commitment. The country has been cooperating with NATO but is constitutionally neutral. Rather than punishing the country, the U.S. could and should offer support. This could be based on a view of the geopolitical map — or, even better, from an appreciation of a resilient people's desire for democratic choice. Ronald H. Linden is professor emeritus of political science at the University of Pittsburgh, where he directed the Center for European Studies and the Center for Russian and East European Studies. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Axios
5 hours ago
- Axios
D.C. resists Trump's takeover — in court and on the streets
D.C. was filled with resistance to President Trump's federal takeover this weekend, with rallies, locals documenting arrests, and a sharper edge from Mayor Muriel Bowser. Why it matters: Washingtonians are navigating daily life under federal control as both sides — the feds and resistance — ramp up their manpower and rhetoric. Catch up quick: Friday fired off with a lawsuit. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb sued to block Trump's takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department. A federal judge pushed the city and Justice Department to reach an agreement, and the Trump administration relented. MPD Chief Pamela Smith will keep command of 3,100 officers, while U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's appointee for the city's "emergency police commissioner," DEA head Terry Cole, can't issue directives for now. And Bowser is shifting her tone from cool diplomacy to heated pushback, calling Trump's action "an authoritarian push" and posting on her personal X account that "policing American citizens on American soil is #UnAmerican." Friction point: " Trump must go" protests flared over the weekend, drawing action from Dupont Circle to the White House. Social media feeds were filled with video footage of arrests, and empty morning sidewalks — typically crammed with vendors — in Columbia Heights. On Saturday morning, masked federal agents — including one wearing an ICE badge — tackled a moped driver on 14th Street, reports the Washington Post. D.C. police were not involved in the arrest, a spokesperson tells Axios. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an X post that the arrest involved an undocumented immigrant "with suspected gang affiliation" facing a final order of removal. Leavitt said the individual resisted arrest and that a law enforcement officer suffered a concussion. Zoom in: Statehood advocates say police pepper-sprayed activist Afeni Evans during her arrest over Metro fare evasion Saturday, per a statement Free DC shared with Axios, which sparked protests outside the DC Courthouse. She was later released to cheering crowds. MPD told Axios it wasn't involved in the arrest. Metro Transit Police didn't immediately return Axios' request for comment. By the numbers: More than 300 people have now been arrested in the crackdown as of Saturday night, per a White House official. 135 undocumented immigrants have been arrested, and 44 homeless encampments have been cleared. All such camps have now been cleared from federal property, reports U.S. Park Police. Between the lines: Everyday life continued across the city — the Nats played ball, thousands boogied down for Chuck Brown Day — but resistance seeped in. Chants of "Free DC!" erupted during the Spirit's match Friday at Audi Field. Sidewalk chalk messages filled Mount Pleasant — an immigrant hub targeted by ICE. The intrigue: " Sandwich guy" — the now-former DOJ staffer who was arrested for launching a sub at federal agents — is being embraced as a symbol of the resistance. Banksy-style murals popped up in Adams Morgan, while some protestors carried sandwich signs or marched with actual baguettes. What we're watching: Red states from West Virginia to South Carolina pledged to send up to 700 more National Guard troops to D.C., on top of the 800 already deployed. And while the National Guard still isn't making arrests, they may be armed now, per the White House official. "[This is] consistent with their mission and training, to protect federal assets, provide a safe environment for law enforcement officers to make arrests, and deter violent crime with a visible law enforcement presence," says the official. The bottom line: In a late Friday email to constituents, Bowser acknowledged a city in "crisis" and commended citizens for rallying together.
