President Obama headed to the West Coast on Thursday for fundraisers in Seattle and Los Angeles, where he touted his announcement that he supports same-sex marriage.
"We're not going to turn back the clock. We're not turning back the clock. We're not returning to the days when you could be kicked out of the the United States military just because of who you are and who you love," said Obama at the Paramount Theater in downtown Seattle.
An audience of about 2,000 filled the theater and erupted in applause at Obama's remarks, according to pool reports.
Obama who signed the repeal of "Don't ask, don't tell," last summer, became the first U.S. president to publicly endorse same-sex marriage, announcing his support in an ABC News interview Wednesday.
"We're moving this country forward. We are moving forward to a country where every American is treated with dignity and respect," he added.
Obama's 2012 campaign slogan, "Forward," was unveiled in a Web video at the end of April that highlighted the president's first-term accomplishments.
"Here in Washington you'll have the chance to make your voice heard on the issue of making sure that everybody, regardless of sexual orientation, is treated fairly. You will have a chance to weigh in on that," he said.
Later in the evening the president flew to Los Angeles, where he attended a celebrity-filled fundraiser at the home of actor George Clooney, where he raised $15 million from ticket sales and and online auction.
