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DES MOINES, Iowa -- Rick Santorum took an unusual diversion from his stump speech on the campaign trail here on Tuesday as he paused for a moment to get "metaphysical" with voters about his opposition to same-sex marriage.
After ticking off his usual talking points on the issue -- the importance of family, morality and religion -- Santorum paused in search of a prop within reach to drive his position home. Pointing to a brown paper napkin on a nearby table, Santorum told voters in nearby Iowa Falls that calling gay marriage a marriage is like calling a napkin a paper towel.
"This is a napkin. I can call this napkin a paper towel, but it is a napkin," Santorum declared at the local Hy-Vee grocery store.
"You can it whatever you want but it doesn't change the character of what it is to the metaphysical," he continued. "Now we can call it marriage but doesn't make it marriage," Santorum concluded, shaking the napkin in mid-air.
Santorum's metaphors go beyond paper products. The former senator has also used a water versus beer analogy to make his point. In a video from the Des Moines Register posted on C-SPAN today, Santorum said marriage is like a glass of water, not beer.
"It's like saying this glass of water is a glass of beer. Well, you can call it a glass of beer, but it's not a glass of beer. It's a glass of water. And water is what water is. Marriage is what marriage is," said Santorum , who defines it as a union between a man and woman.
In another appearance Tuesday, Santorum delivered a more muddled message on the issue, reports NBC's Alex Moe. First he told voters, "We can't have 50 marriage laws in this country...it's not equal treatment under the law." But moments later, he said he would not seek to tell states what to do despite his opinion: "I'm against gay marriage but you know I'm not going to tell the states what to do."
Leave a Comment:
Is anyone really considering this guy to be a serious candidate?
I don't think I've seen a creepier crowd of candidates in my lifetime...
Step right up folks and get yourself some of that Santorum Jam - it's sure to be a collector's item! ;o)
No Nurse, no one is.
But it sure beats First Read having to report on the fact that the world is falling down around us.
nurse-1006475
Is anyone really considering this guy to be a serious candidate?
Yes, only Santorum himself is. How much more pathetic and delusional can this anti-gay freak get?
"Is anyone really considering this guy to be a serious candidate?"
Nah.....they're just keeping him around to make the rest of the field look serious in comparison.
Santorum belongs in a sanitarium.
Napkins vs paper towels?......It's a wonder he didn't morph into the death of trees because of paper products.....but I guess that really would have gone to far, or too close to 'go green'.....
Hopefully nobody understands what he says, 'cause if you do, then you're as crazy as he is!
This is a peanut, this is a walnut, you can call the walnut a peanut, but it's not, its a walnut....
They're both nuts, you wing-nut.
White Collar Auto
But it sure beats First Read having to report on the fact that the world is falling down around us.
Sure
White Collar, you right wing troll, are standing on shaky ground. FYI: T- BAGGERS have been downgraded.
You and the rest of the T-BAGGERS are going down!!!
Wow Bev, I really missed your wisdom. What exactly is a "right wing troll"?
I'd say welcome back, but I was thoroughly scolded by your friends for actually asking about your well being while you were gone.
Guess when you guys draw a line, you really draw a line.
So Bev., Feisty, what exactly is Obama's position on gay marriage?
Is he for, or against it?
Oh and as for the whole "tea party has been downgraded" mem, I suggest you review the results from last night.
I really thought poor Ed Schultz was going to cry. Poor clueless bastard.
I love that guy.
Lordy, lordy, did you ever think you'd live to see the day you got to use Santorum and "metaphysical" same sentence?
How's that for a google-gasm?
No. But he sure is good for a few laughs.
This brilliant logic was presented to Mrs. Butterfield of Boloxy, Ms. Hanson of Hartford, and Mr. Jones of Jacksonville, who were in the grocery store shopping and trying high fiber samples at a stand in produce section.
[Is anyone really considering this guy to be a serious candidate?]
I wonder if Santorum is going to trot out his dead baby for another morbid photo-op...
[So Bev., Feisty, what exactly is Obama's position on gay marriage? Is he for, or against it?]
The only one who seems to care where Obama stands on gay marriage is you...right, ambulance chaser?
So what type of napkins was the Rickster giving away as samples? Boy is Hy-Vee slipping.
It's one of the worst kept secrets that Rick has a man crush on the Brawny man! ;o)
I thought he had a Man Crush on the Koch Brothers. I think they do own the Brawny Man! Don't they?
Why -- I believe you're right!
Small world eh? lol
He is not a serious candidate you can call him a serious candidate but he is not a serious candidate he is a paper towel, well he is not a paper towel he is an ass wipe but you can call him a paper towel.
This is a human heart. It is a heart whether it's in a body that desires those of the same sex, or in the body of those attracted to the opposite sex. Two hearts, beating as one, form a marriage. A marriage is a marriage, whether it's a same sex relationship or heterosexual.
Wrong camel breath, it is the limited funds being raised by the GOP/TP field who has wasted their money in Wisconsin. President Obama is doing just fine with small individual grass-roots contributions alone.
Wow- you libbies sure are good at blowing through money. What'd you all chunk in Wisconsin, $30 million? Well played, as usual.
So taking the Hopper race as an exemple - Hopper won by just a couple of hundred votes in 2008, and lost last night by about 1k. You all are always so hysterical about Citizens United, but all that cash made zero difference.
Or do you all really think the vote difference was because of the money, not the issues and the infidelity?
Exit question - how bad will the loss effect next Tuesday?
So to recap - $30 million blown, Best case scenario libbies net 2 seats. Likely scenario 1 seat, and possible zero.
Again, just an outstanding job all around. Especially since, as you all said "this has national implications." Yep, it sure does, and the tea party won, public unions lost.
The good times. They just keep rolling.
Say anyone heard what Obama is up to these days? Seems like he ought ot think about doing something about the little financial meltdown.
Spanky, we're trying to have a serious discussion about napkins and paper towels and beer here. Try to pay attention, will you?
Thanks, JoAnne...I just spit Mountain Dew all over my computer screen!
Spanky: this seed is about Santorum, there is another one on the WI senate recalls, just an FYI.
BTW, hows your end of summer going ? Planning any last minute vacations ?
Now that the state is reopened, I might be heading to MN.
A little attention deficit problem, Spanky? Can't manage to respond to the correct posting? Or does the thought of Santorum embarrass you?
JoAnne, you just cracked me up!
Naw, JoAnne, there are only three viable topics today, and I suspect for the rest of this long hot summer:
1. the continued downward spiral of progressive policy, as evidenced by last night's election results;
2. the continued downward spiral of the economy, and more immediately the stock market; and
3. the contiuned absence, both physically and mentally, of Obama.
Besides, you all start the First Thought thread way too early for me.
Noid - Michelle Obama does not approve of sugary, high calorie drinks. tut, tut.
dirp101- summer's going good. Got to head to Maryland for business next week, but looking to get in a couple of more Havasu trips in August and Labor Day, and have a big trip to Cancun, adult only, all inclusive in early September.
Spanky,
Isn't it the Truth. If the Liberal/Progressive/Union thugs had succeeded in taking back the Senate in Wisconsin do you have any Doubt that the Hosts here at First Read. Mark. Chuck, Ali and Domineco would all have their own articles for the liberals here to post about. Of course they would. It would not have been just one Article pre First Read and then Nothing else. Then change the Subject to attacking Republicans. It would have been Non Stop postings about how The america people have Rejected the Teaparty/Republicans.
My Guess is they all had Articles pre Written if they had succeeded . But now they will just go back to the Attack the republicans playbook
Spanky-
Wow- you libbies sure are good at blowing through money. What'd you all chunk in Wisconsin, $30 million? Well played, as usual.
Sure Spanky, glad to see up so early. Next time yous ask an asinine question try not to display just how obtuse your ignorance is.
The money was a total of both sides.
About $30 million is being spent to influence voters, according to Mike McCabe of the non-partisan Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. McCabe told ABC News that $25 million of that is from outside groups on both sides of the recall election and the rest is from the Senate candidates.
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2011/08/wisconsin-recall-elections-30-million-/1
Does that answer you question?
The good times. They just keep rolling.
Say anyone heard what Obama is up to these days? Seems like he ought ot think about doing something about the little financial meltdown.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/schedule/complete/2011-08-10
This will give you the info you need to know about what the Prez is doing. Don't you think the Congress should come back; instead of lying about the President's Birthday?
That’s when everyone’s shoes came off, and things kicked into high gear with the barefoot jammin’–the President himself reportedly danced for three full hour. Among other dances, guests did the Electric Slide
http://waznmentobe.com/politics/obama-dancing-the-night-away-as-rome-burns.html
This is a tribute from the pied piper of R&B to our President from me for spending his money and enjoying himself on his 50th. Let him keep on doing what he does to relax and get away from the whacked out T-republicans.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgHkCB8AOHA&feature=related
Btw: I got this idea from my daughter and grandson's B-day party. It was so beautiful. So many family members and friends came; even my niece drove here from MN. My daughter hired a DJ for her back yard and this is how the party ended with us doing the love slide celebrating the President, my daughter, and grandson's B-day. If you noticed I wasn't online Saturday.
Laissez les bons temps rouler
It sure does Bev. - the money made no difference at all. The big bad bogey amn that is Citizens United is a non factor, or in the libbie world, just an excuse for their failed programs.
SO how about it, any of you anti Citizens United guys care to weigh in and explain how the money caused the libbied to fail?
Also it looked like in spite of Citizens, or perhaps because of it the money was fairly equal. I.e. the unions couldn't "buy" the elections.
Man, taken in context last night bodes very badly for the progressives. Yikes!
Hey Bev. did R. Kelly ever go to jail?
Spanky
Also it looked like in spite of Citizens, or perhaps because of it the money was fairly equal. I.e. the unions couldn't "buy" the elections.
Man, taken in context last night bodes very badly for the progressives. Yikes!
You and your right wing crowd have no idea of the implications. The 2 progressives won in Republican districts. That should have never happened; right? What this implies given Gov. Snot Walker's recall is imminent; given his low poll numbers. Ditto republicans and T-baggers
I do think money can't buy everything as you said. However, given the passion of the Wisconsin people I think it bodes well for the nation. .
No, Spanky R. Kelly didn't.
As indicated early, I think I'll wait until the elections are over, including the two next week before drawing an overall conclusion.
Having said that, no the implication here is that all the talk about a progressive wave, or anger was just that, all talk.
I feel sad for Anna Molly. Losing sucks. She is a true believer and is passionate about her beliefs.
Too bad Obama is the opposite.
So Kelly did not bang under aged girls, or just had a good lawyer?
Did that good lawyer also give him a 'golden shower'?
Or, maybe, the other way around.
Probably, knowing Kelly...and some lawyers.
LMAO! Best post of the day! At least it made my day. Of course Spanky missed
Spanky adults only and they are letting you in? It was the telephone book you were sitting on wasn't it? Man, I've got to get me one...
Spanky-
no the implication here is that all the talk about a progressive wave, or anger was just that, all talk.
I feel sad for Anna Molly. Losing sucks. She is a true believer and is passionate about her beliefs.
I agree she is.
Too bad Obama is the opposite.
You are following a right wing meme and the professional left wanting him to be another FDR. Given the hand he has been dealt, specially with intransigent, hostage taker T-baggers, I would say he is just a passionate and a good President. In fact, President Obama is the most progressive since LBJ.
How FDR Made the U.S. Depression Worse
Roosevelt the "alphabet soup" introduced a new notion of the presidency whereby THE PRESIDENT, NOT CONGRESS, was the legislative leader.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Recovery_Administration
WITHIN TWO YEARS, THE SUPREME COURT DECLARED THE NIRA UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
Some historians characterize the Second New Deal as FDR's radical shift to the left. In reality, however, this second stage of the New Deal was more of a tentative step towards the left. The laws that came out of the Second New Deal included:
•WPA
•Wagner Act
•Social Security Act
•Wealth Tax Act
http://us.history.wisc.edu/hist102/lectures/lecture20.html
So you see at that time the president had lots of autonomy. Today, Obama DOESN”T. He has lots of resistance coming from everywhere. Thanks to the anti-government, John Birch scions, the Koch Brothers, and the flood of money being spent against him in this confusing chatter of mine; as I see.
So Kelly did not bang under aged girls, or just had a good lawyer?
Since I was not an observer I can't say. He had the same lawyer Blago did
Hey, thanks, devie! Good luck trying to find that phone book, though.....I think they're turning into collector's items......
Another republican "WEIRDO " this guy is just outright creepy ! I had no idea the republican party was such a horror show !
That explains why his kid's names are "carpet", "tree" and "stainless steel basin".
Truly.... LOL... funny.
these guys are kind of making me sad for our future. This is the best the GOP/TP can offer up? The thing that bothers me most about gay rights and gay marriage in this context is that America will collect Taxes from the Gay community and America will let Gay men and women serve in the military and even allow them to die for their country but we just cannot let Gay people have happiness as they see it, I know gay couples that have adapted kids that were sitting on the states support and considered un adaptable kids? We not only discriminate we pass laws in an attempt to govern their happiness in the name of God and country? Who wrote the definition of marriage? A MAN DID. A simple human being wrote the definition that politicians throw around as a joining of a man and a woman, so what? It is a legal union either way!
If the Tealiban Republicans had their way, being gay would still be a criminal offense. That's why they want to "take America back" ........ to 1687.
Robert. Well said.
Seriously dirp/Amy - what is Obama's position on gay marriage?
How is Santoruim any different than Obama? I presume you support Obama? I know Amy does, he's the one holing the mighty sword slaying the evil dragon on her Trapper-Keeper.
Amy, you think he's lost his sword? Is that why he's MIA on the economy, or is he just out of ideas?
Obama's economic ideas presumed he was dealing with a pro-economy congress. Currently he has trade deals, an infrastructure bank, and not defaulting. It seems Congress is against all three ideas.
Oh well, I thought the last one was especially helpful.
Please explain Santorum's view on gay marriage. I don't understand the logic behind it.
Spanky: I think if you do some research you find that President Obama's position on gay marriage is that the federal government should not be involved. I think he is not very strong on the issue, one way or another. IMO, he probably just would prefer live and let live.
The major difference between Santorum and President Obama would be that Santorum has sold his soul to Grover Norquist and is fully in favor the United States defaulting on its obligations.
Yeah, yeah, I get it you hate Norquist. But this is not about default, or debt. Obama has lost those arguments already. The questin was about marraige equality. I like calling the pots AND kettles black.
Obama was against gay marriage until when? Can you say he unequivocally supports the right of gays to marry? Cause see my secretary, who is gay and black,says Obama does not support gay marriage.
Sorry dirp, but as between you and her, as she has a very vested interest, I 'm going with her.
Spanky: you are probably correct (*OMG* I actually said that LOL) President Obama does not "unequivocally support the right of gays to marry." IMO, as I said before, he probably does not really care about the issue. Like most Americans, the issue is not very high on the priority list right now. The economy is where we should be focussing.
Do you have any idea what any of the presidential candidate's plans are to get the eoconomy moving ?
diirp - The government shouldn't be in our bedrooms, dictating what we should do with our bodies. Next think they'll authorize only the "missionary position." As for the Republicans signing Grover Norquist's pledge, they should all resign for serving special interests instead of the people.
Summertime: I fully agree. What I find amazing is that the same people who complain about "big government" or "states rights" are the same ones who insist that DOMA must be enforced and that there must be a federal ban on abortions. The hypocrisy is absolutely amazing.
[I like calling the pots AND kettles black.]
Ohhhhh, you little rebel you...going all rogue...
...and you probably put ice in your ice water...yeah, now THAT'S livin' on the edge, Bruh!
dear rick
a napkin ??? WHY DON'T YOU JUST SAY WHAT YOU MEAN AND STOP ALL OF THE BULLSH*T !!!
This is my rifle, this is my gun.....
Tomato....tomay-to....
Potato....potay-to....
Santorum....bean-bag....
"It's like saying this man talking nonsense is a viable candidate for President. Well, you can call him a viable candidate, but he's still not qualified. He's an idiot. And an idiot is what an idiot is," said people to each other after listening to Santorum.
awwww - next thing is that you'll try to convince us that "santorum" is a synonym for "anus". WHAT? IT IS?!!? This guy was a senator??
canary-in-the-coal-mine
awwww - next thing is that you'll try to convince us that "santorum" is a synonym for "anus".
That is a valid point. I don't think many will need to be convinced though. It is very obvious.
What do I think of the Anus (Santorum) as a hole? I think he's a dirty crack, and ought to be wiped you.
I think it disgusting myself, but whatever floats your boat. If that's the way they want to live, so be it. Just because they choose to take a different path, who are we to say they cant.
Choose a different path. Get a grip this is 2011 and we now know that gay is not catching and is not a choice. Science has even found a gay gene.
God made gay people, why would he hate them?
Oh, I see you got your information from a book nearly 2000 years old written and edited by men. It would seem, some of the information might be just a little outdated.
This might be a good time for me to remind everyone that I have already apologized on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for turning Santorum loose on the rest of the country. JoAnne in Pa. is not obligated to join in the apology because she is from the eastern part of the state and I'm sure never voted for him.
Steeler Fan, you see all this? It's not your fault.
No, listen to me son...it's not your fault.
It's not your fault.
Steeler fan, it's not your fault.
Steeler Fan -
Nevertheless, I apologize as well. I could have campaigned harder for his opponents. My bad.
Da Noid - Steeler Fan is nobody's "son", if you catch my drift.....
Duly noted...I was actually trying for the whole "It's Not Your Fault" scene from Good Will Hunting...thought it might be funny...but having said that I'll probably get "No Joe" or Smiffy or Spankster trying to rip me.
Whatever.
Didn't catch the Good Will Hunting reference, Da Noid!
This is my little sub-thread here so I hope everyone on it plays nicely. On the other hand, if things would heat up here I could lose the stigma of being the only Libs R Us member to never be collapsed.
Who the hell is Sainitarium and where is the guy who created the 401k, that cats got an a$$ whoopin comin
Well, Mr. Santorum got a couple things right...a napkin is not a paper towel and a glass of water is not a glass of beer. Congratulations!
However, both the napkin and the paper towel can serve the same purpose. If I spill some water I might be looking for a paper towel but if the napkin is closer I'm going to use the napkin. Likewise, if I'm eating some fried chicken and my hands get all greasy I may need a napkin but if the paper towel is closer I'm going to use the paper towel.
As for the beer/water analogy, not everybody likes beer. Maybe some people would rather have the water. Are you going to judge someone as inferior because they prefer water to beer? That's pretty harsh, Mr. Santorum.
hey - the myth goes that somebody named jesus turned water into wine - so why can't santorum turn water into beer?
Nice try but I think Perry's trying to corner the market on the evangelical, miracle-performing crowd.
Said it before, say it again. God ownscovenant, the State owns 'marriage'. Let's go back to Adam and Eve Senator, their covenant was created once they "knew" (had intercourse) with each other. That had no ceremony. They did not have a marriage, they had a covenant.
Name me 1 Church who recognizes the "marriage" as valid in the eyes of God of a couple that the State does not. Marriage is a contract recognized by the States no more no less.
If God knows or sees no inequity, who is us to judge anyone for anything. I don't think God loves gays any less than he does heterosexuals. It certainly doesn't following the teachings of Christ to condemn. Wouldn't you think that with the economy in the toilet and no jobs Santorum could find plenty to talk about rather than pick on the gays. If that's where his focus is, he isn't a viable candidate.
To Rick Santorum I say: Politicians have no place in the bedrooms of America! There should be term limits on all Politicians! The only breaks politicians should have are meal and bathroom!
Did you know?: Congressional benefits after 1 term = free health care, outrageous retirement packages, 67 paid holidays, 3 weeks paid vacation, unlimited paid sick days -now THAT'S UNACCEPTABLE LIBERAL WELFARE! Vote out career politicians!
Why do you use the term 'liberal welfare' in your post when ALL members of Congress partake in the items listed by you?
Did I miss something or is there a donation bank in the Congress where all the GOP representatives who are anti-socialist, anti-big government, anti-taxes etc have donated the vast majority of their paid holiday's, vacation, paid sick leave, pensions and health care for the 'liberal' Dems to use?
Can anyone shed some light about why we're getting all these fundamentalist, right wing, evangelists trying to become president? Are there any Republicans out there who don't have a religious agenda?
Keep bashing religion, it only hurts liberals. Obama himself is a Christian believer.
A July 2011 PRRI survey found that a majority (56 percent) of Americans say it is very or somewhat important for a presidential candidate to have strong religious beliefs, regardless of whether those beliefs are the same as their own. Majorities of both Democrats (51 percent) and Republicans (71 percent) agree with this statement.
· A 2010 survey by Pew Research Center found that approximately six-in-ten (61 percent) Americans agree that it is important that members of Congress have strong religious beliefs, including 55 percent of Democrats and 77 percent of Republicans.
From studying, conversing with those supposedly "in the know", I think it's because we are witnessing the beginning of the end of organized religion. With the Catholic problem of child sexual abuse, the realization that the New Testament was created solely to conform to the story and the rise of humanism, there is a change happening as it has always happened concerning religion. From the Etruscans to the Greeks, to the Romans, to the Jews, to the Christians, religion has always been an ever evolving concept. It always changes to fit the times and mores.
Those that still cling to the old story, cause after all, it's all the same story as told from the earliest rise of intelligent beings, cannot accept the falsehoods and contradictions they've been preaching for centuries.
Religion belongs in a church. The founding fathers thought a church/state separation was the best for our country.
Just take religion back where it belongs into churches and out of government
People here are complaining about the church trying to take over our government. The more the pretend religious try to take over our government, the more the rest of us are going to complain.
If you want a country run by religion, go find one, don't try to make our government into a church and legislate morality.
I care more about intelligence and your plans for our country than what religion you are wearing on your sleeve.
Bob - I'm a Christian. I'm not complaining about Christians or religion. I'm complaining about radical, fundamentalists who thinks all of us belong in Hell if we don't believe the same way they do. I fell out of grace with my childhood church at 14 because I couldn't give testimony that I believed it was the only true church and the only way to heaven. I always go to church, but to one that doesn't apply pressure to be exactly as they think I should be.
You can say you're a candidate for President, but that doesn't mean you ARE a candidate for President.
The republican presidential field is filled with idiots, whackos, lunatics, nut-cases and outright crazy people but Rick Santorum takes it to new heights. He redefines what it means to be crazy. He makes Bachmann look normal by comparison.
That a funny question, there are islamic groups that called themselves the party of God. Oh yea GOP or something like that.
The moonbats bleat about the large number of GOP candidates. Certainly Santorum and others are longshots, which subjects them to ridicule.
Of course, if only a few candidates came forward to try to get the GOP nod, the moonbats would bleat that no one wants to take on Obama..
The number of GOP candidates reflects the weakness of Obama.
"The number of GOP candidates reflects the weakness of Obama."
I think what it shows most is the weakness of the Republican Party in general. The Republican Party hasn't had a new idea in over 30 years. Republicans have 2 answers for everything -- tax cuts and deregulation. That's it. That's all they have. And we tried that for 8 years. What we got in return was the worst economic downturn since the depression. That's why we have crazies like Rick Santorum out there talking about gay marriage or Bachmann talking about Obama building interment camps in Alaska to lock up conservatives -- because they have no real answers to real problems.
As bad as this economy is Obama's numbers should be in the toilet -- in the low 20s at best (Like Bush's were) But the Republican field is so bad he's hanging near 50%. The only Republican candidate even close to him in the is Romney and the right wing crazies running the Republican party will never allow a Mormon to be nominated.
The big money boys in republican circles are on the sideline. My guess is they are holding off until 2016.
The Republican party is fragmented because of the infusion of the Tea Party. I wonder if they'll get their act together by election time. I saw in the polls today that the Tea Party isn't faring very well.
While we're doing analogies, here's one for ya! You can call Santorum wise, but he's still a pinhead!!
For all of the years that we had Santorum in the Congress and the Senate from Pennsylvania, every time that he opened his mouth, he proved that he is a hateful, spiteful person. It would be simple to call him a right wing whacko, but that would be too easy. He is a dangerous individual to have in government. 5 years ago, he lost a third term in the Senate to an unknown, vanilla Bob Casey by 19 points, the biggest wipeout in a statewide election in PA in 40 years.
As much as I despise and oppose far right conservatives, Santorum scares me to no end. I'd vote for Paul Ryan or Eric Cantor if they ever were in a race with Santorum.
It is okay. I call my toilet paper Santorum. I would never call it an asswipe.
lol .... best laugh line of the day !
A mind is a terrible thing to waste !
That's if you assume that Santorum had a mind to begin with.
After all these years of putting up with him, I doubt if he ever did
I'm not a supporter of Santorum but it seems to me he is just trying to say that marriage is a particular thing and you just can't call it something it is not. Maybe his illustration isn't the best but making fun of it simply because you don't understand it seems a little childish.
That's the point.
You can't say it isn't something that it is.
He refuses to accept his limitations on the topic, and, expects others to comply.
He's the childish one, in spite of his lame logic.