I suspect, from his life experience, he knew that gay marriage was the right thing to do, but that taking that position publicly was a calculation dependent on how it would affect his popularity and politics. And I think those are legitimate considerations, even if they do not lead to a flattering portrait. I also think that the gays in the military issue was more important.

As the Dutch said while fighting the Spanish: "It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."