Santorum: Nothing Personal Against Gays

Antigay Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum, asked by Fox News host Greta Van Susteren how he'd get gay votes, claimed to have "nothing against gays" but trotted out his shopworn argument about the "definition of marriage."

Santorum, who Tuesday received the endorsement of two influential Iowa antigay activists as the state prepares for its presidential caucus January 3, told Van Susteren last night he'd welcome the votes of LGBT people who agree with him on economic matters, but objected to those who are trying to "change the laws of this country with respect to what the definition of marriage is."

Van Susteren pressed on, saying, "Can you understand the heartache that many of them have when they hear you speak on something that's so near and dear to them, and your policies against them, and then at the same time, you want their votes?"

Santorum replied that his stance against marriage equality is a matter of "public policy" and "not a personal attack." He added, "I believe what's best for the country is to give children their birthright, which is the best opportunity for them to have a mother and a father." He did not address how lack of equal marriage rights might hurt children of same-sex couples.

Watch the exchange below.