Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach appeared on Rachel Maddow this evening to discuss what the past month has been like since coming out on the show. Fehrenbach will likely be discharged from the Air Force after 18 years of loyal and heroic service because of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, unless President Obama or Congress intervenes. Watch:

From the Associated Press:

President Barack Obama plans to extend health care and other benefits to the gay and lesbian partners of federal employees. White House officials say Obama plans to announce decision on Wednesday in the Oval Office. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the president had not yet made the announcement.

The move would give partners of federal employees access to health care and financial benefits such as relocation fees for moves. Officials say Obama would detail more details of the decision on Wednesday.

I suspect this is an effort to quieten or placate the growing anger over lack of progress on LGBT issues and the recent DOMA brief.

Update: On the Rachel Maddow show this evening, Chuck Todd said there was some question whether the benefits granted would be through Executive Order or by Memorandum, which is how the administration is framing it. If by Executive Order, only another Executive Order could overturn it. In the case of a Memorandum, Todd was under the impression that a Memorandum only lasts the duration of that presidency.

If by Memorandum…. NOT GOOD ENOUGH! Video to follow…

Update #2: Rachel Maddow video below…

Rachel Maddow brings on former DNC chair and Vermont governor Howard Dean to talk about the controversial defense of DOMA brief issued late last week. Dean also called DOMA unconstitutional.

Dean’s response is a strong one. I suspect Press Secretary Robert Gibbs has some ‘splaining to do tomorrow.

The Supreme Court’s decision not to hear a case on DADT gave Rachel Maddow another opportunity last night to take President Obama to task on his promise to repeal the controversial policy. Rep. Rush Holt of New Jersey lends a hand, one of the original cosponsors of bill (H.R. 1283) which would overturn Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Watch: