Biden apologizes to Obama on gay rites

WASHINGTON -- Shortly before President Barack Obama voiced his support for gay marriage, Vice President Joe Biden apologized to him for comments that led Obama to speed up his announcement.

Biden and Obama spoke in the Oval Office on Wednesday, a person familiar with the exchange said. Obama accepted the apology, saying he knew Biden was speaking from his heart when he said on TV he was "absolutely comfortable" with gay couples marrying.

Biden's comments focused a fresh spotlight on Obama's vague position on the matter. The vice president spoke out without White House consent, leaving Obama aides frustrated.

In an ABC interview, Obama said he wasn't angry at Biden, though he thought he had gotten "a little bit over his skis" by speaking ahead of his boss.-- AP