Democrats have a gay marriage problem.
That problem?
That the problem is no longer a problem.
Sure you are seeing some knee-jerk reaction from Republicans pandering to their social conservative base, but long-term this is a blessing for Republicans.
Now that gay couples can marry, what's next? Oh you know all that boring stuff that couples do like trying to manage household finances, filing taxes together, purchasing a home, all that stuff that was on the back burner is now on the front burner.
Social issues matter less, economic issues matter more.
Sure, Democrats will try to milk this opportunity for what it is worth and try to take credit for this ruling. But I am sure Republicans in the near future will remind folks that the Kennedy on this decision was not appointed by a Democrat.