Democrats Want Romney to Explain Offshore Accounts

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. (AP) — Mitt Romney privately raised millions of dollars from New York's elite on Sunday, as Democrats launched coordinated attacks against the likely Republican presidential nominee, intensifying calls for him to explain offshore bank accounts and release several years of tax returns.

The new push by Obama and his allies comes two days after the release of a lackluster jobs report that said the nation's unemployment rate was stuck at 8.2 percent. Romney has been largely focused on the economy throughout his campaign, an issue that voters overwhelmingly report will be on the top of their minds come Election Day. 

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By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS -Published: July 8, 2012 at 5:43 PM ET

Obama Backs Gay Marriage

The statement constitutes an act of political bravery on the president's behalf, as well as a major victory for the gay rights community, which has been pushing him to declare his support for marriage equality for several years. With the issue back in the news this week, the pressure intensified.

Still, the symbolism of Obama's remarks is hard to ignore. In becoming the first president to publicly support marriage equality, he sets the bar for its political acceptance. He also has the ability to shape public opinion further on the matter.