The agenda of this year’s presidential election was change. Vague, but nonetheless catchy enough to be used as a national motto for this year’s race for presidency. Before we were introduced to the Washington elite outcast, Sarah Palin, we were just familiarizing ourselves with the faces running for presidential candidacy.

Candidates were tactful in response to their stances on major issues of today, avoiding the chance to lose any possible votes. The candidates targeted every group through their issues within today’s society.

Groups ranged from senior citizens and their stance on Medicare and social security to the youth and their stances on global warming, and the Iraq war. The candidates successfully evaded their stances on these topics by just restating the problem each topic presented.

However, one topic would not be simple enough to evade. Americans tuned into each candidate’s speech awaiting a hint towards their stances on gay marriage. People only wanted to be told one of two words: yes or no. Each candidate addressed their stances and feelings towards the gay community.

According to nationalledger.com, candidates looked ridiculous pandering on a segment of an open homosexual show, CBS News on Logo, one of whom was Hillary Clinton, former presidential candidate, who openly discussed her views.

According to The Pew Forum on religion and public life, Clinton favors civil unions in which gay couples receive full recognition and benefits, and she has even been an advocate for the repeal of a provision in the Defense of Marriage Act that prohibits federal recognition of same-sex marriage; however, she surprisingly opposes gay marriage.

Rudolph Giuliani, Republican presidential candidate also shared his concern with the gay community. He has signed legislation recognizing domestic partnerships, marched in gay pride parades, actively supported gay rights and temporarily lived with a gay couple during his divorce while he was mayor. However, our mayor opposes gay marriage, stating, "marriage should be between a man and a woman."

The Democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama, also shared his views on the gay community. Obama is an advocate for the complete repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Obama suggests, "federal law should not discriminate in any way against gay and lesbian couples". Obama also heavily supports granting civil unions for gay couples, and in 2006 he opposed a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. However, he is opposed to gay marriage.

Last and certainly not least is John McCain, Republican presidential nominee. During his presidential debate, McCain stated his support for gay rights. However, he is completely against same-sex marriage.

Ironically, the presidential candidates of 2008 have expressed their concern for the gay community. Some have even shown their support by walking in parades with them or by appearing on television shows geared towards the gay community.

By spending this time with them, it would be only obvious that they would acknowledge the one major concern the gay community has: same-sex marriage. Instead, they reject the chance of same-sex marriage, but present gay rights, which include visiting your spouse in the hospital. Who needs same-sex marriage when you can see your spouse in the hospital now?