STONESTREET DISHES RICK SANTORUM ON GAY ISSUES

Eric Stonestreet

There's no question that Emmy-winning sitcom "Modern Family" is influencing American cultural opinions on same-sex relationships through its characters Mitch and Cam. And that influence goes all the way up to the most powerful people on the planet, as revealed in a HuffPost Live interview with actor Eric Stonestreet yesterday.

Stonestreet spoke to HuffPost Live's Caitlyn Becker about the show's impact, and also explained why he refused to take a picture with former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum.

Stonestreet: "President Obama mentioned in an interview like three weeks ago, just casually, that Michelle and the kids watch Mitch and Cam and they're in tears. To hear the leader of the free world, the president of the United States, say that and to know we have that sort of reach with people and that the people in power and leadership are watching the show [is incredible]."

Stonestreet: "Rick Santorum wanted a picture with me. It was at a time when he was publicly saying, 'Gay marriage, gay marriage [is wrong],' and I'm like, 'You know, I can't do it. It was with him and his kids or something like that, and I said, 'I'd be happy to take a picture with the kids, but I can't just be in a picture with [Santorum.]'"


Photo By: RD/Orchon/Retna