A subtle but substantive change in the president's position on "don't ask don't tell" was noticed today by our watchful eye-on-the-administration tool, ChangeTracker <1>. An edit to the civil rights issues page <2> tells the tale.

http://versionista.com/pub/15881/1/12/7:6/

Previously, the message was clear. As of two days ago, whitehouse.gov said, "We need to repeal the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy." The new version of the page says that the president "supports changing Don't Ask Don't Tell in a sensible way that strengthens our armed forces and our national security."

In January, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs was asked, "Is the new administration going to get rid of the 'don't ask don't tell' policy?" Gibbs proudly gave a one-word answer <3>, "Yes.”

In March, Defense Secretary Robert Gates seemed to back away from that stance <4>. When asked by Fox News about "don't ask don't tell," he said, "I feel like we've got a lot on our plates right now."

The latest changes on whitehouse.gov seem to further that hedge -- and make it the White House position.

We've called the White House for their comment and will update you on their response.

http://www.propublica.org/article/whitehouse.gov-backs-down-on-repeal-of-dont-ask-dont-tell-501#10387