Watch: Thomas Roberts Talks To Gay Vet Who Challenged Romney On Marriage

MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts today spoke with Bob Garon, the gay Vietnam veteran who became an overnight sensation after Mitt Romney spoke to him at a New Hampshire diner and explained his opposition to same-sex marriage equality. Garon, who was sitting next to his husband, told Romney he wanted to deny him his constitutional rights.

READ: Gay Vet Chats With Anti-Gay Romney About Gay Marriage. Romney Loses Vote

 

WATCH: Gay Vietnam Veteran Confronts Romney On Gay Marriage

Yesterday, The Washington Post wrote:

Asked why he felt so strongly about Romney’s response, Garon said: “Because I’m gay, alright? And I happen to love a man just like you probably love your wife. Alright? And I think that he or she or whatever are entitled to the same rights that I have. I fought for my country, I did my thing, and I think that my spouse should be entitled to the same entitlements as if I was married to a woman. What the hell is the difference? I was definitely offended. He doesn’t even open the door to a conversation. It’s just a boom! But I did ask him ‘yes or no,’ so I got what I asked for.”

Today, Igor Volsky at Think Progress got the of Roberts interviewing Garon, and offers this transcript as well:

GARON: I thought he would be a little more diplomatic in his answer….What I didn’t expect from Mr. Romney is how confrontational he was and argumentative. I wasn’t there for a debate with him, I just wanted him to answer the question and my question was really hoping that if he gets into the White House that he would be in support of the benefits entitled to veterans and their spouses. Currently they’re not. […]

I probably won’t see [benefits extended to gay and lesbian couples] in my lifetime and my partner probably won’t see it in his lifetime. However, I do believe the country will eventually recognize same-sex marriage on the federal level so that at least we can have our Constitutional rights. I mean, if my husband was a female, she would be entitled to all the benefits and currently he is not. And I don’t see why. Why on earth is he not entitled to the same benefits that if my partner was a female? It just makes no sense to me.

On another note, Thomas Roberts is doing an amazing job at MSNBC. Thanks, Thomas, for all the great work you do!