On the day NBA basketball player Jason Collins came out and became the first openly gay male athlete in major professional team sports, President Barack Obama reportedly called Collins and offered him congratulations while Michelle Obama tweeted her support for Collins.
“So proud of you, Jason Collins!” Michelle Obama tweeted. “We’ve got your back! -mo”
CBS News’ Major Garrett reported that Obama spoke to Collins over the phone.
So proud of you, Jason Collins! This is a huge step forward for our country. We’ve got your back! -mo
— FLOTUS (@FLOTUS) April 29, 2013
President Obama spoke by phone to Jason Collins @jasoncollins34 after his announcement. Obama offered support/congratulations on courage.
— Major Garrett(@MajorCBS) April 29, 2013
Obama, who changed his personal position on gay marriage before the 2012 election in support of it, has repeatedly called people like Collins–and Sandra Fluke–who advance left-leaning causes. The president, though, has also made a habit of not calling people–like the family of slain former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle–who may not help the White House politically.
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