Hatch Backtracks on DADT Remarks

Sen. Orrin Hatch is backtracking on the support he expressed on Wednesday regarding his support for repealing "don't ask, don't tell."

Hatch said Wednesday on MSNBC, "I believe there are very outstanding, patriotic gay people who serve in the military and they ought to be given credit for it. And they shouldn't have to lie about being gay." Though he didn't say whether he would support a repeal, he did say he is open to considering it in the Senate.

Thursday, The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Hatch, a conservative Republican who represents Utah, says the liberal media has misinterpreted his remarks, and he issued a statement saying, "I certainly do not support repealing this policy." He also blasted activist groups for "misconstruing my position."

Watch his interview with Andrea Mitchell on MSNBC below: