President Bush tells a press conference that marriage can only take place between a man and a woman. Bride’s magazine, for the first time in its 70-year history, has published an article in its September/October issue detailing the proper etiquette for a same-sex wedding. What’s going on?

The president’s comments reflect a political as well as moral calculation. The GOP’s conservative base strongly resists the idea of gay marriage, and party strategists think the issue will energize their supporters and bedevil their opponents in the next election. But the president tempered his comments with a tone of tolerance, because he also understands that the religious right doesn’t speak for all Americans on this issue.