Americablog: Breaking, Obama staff secretly trying to "grassroots" pressure HRC not to criticize him

An openly gay minister will open Barack Obama's gospel concerts this weekend in South Carolina, two of his advisers told gay supporters on a conference call this afternoon.

Obama aide Steve Hildebrand, and a prominent gay adviser, Tobias Wolff, conceded that the campaign had failed to "vet" gospel singer Donnie McClurkin for his view that homosexuality is a "curse", one person on the call said. But they said he would still perform at Obama's concerts, which are aimed at tightening his bond to that state's African-American community.

"They recognized that there was a mistake here," the source said. They also stressed Obama's "unequivocal" commitment to gay rights, and defended McClurkin's presence at the performance, he said.

"The perspective is that he can bring in different elements of the Democratic Party and American society," the Obama supporter said.

Wolff and Hildebrand also asked supporters to contact the Human Rights Campaign, a leading gay group, and press them not to publicly criticize Obama. A Human Rights Campaign spokesman, Trevor Thomas, said this afternoon however that a statement on McClurkin will be out "shortly."

Obama's advisers didn't name the gay minister, my source said, and an Obama spokesman didn't immediately respond to a request for the name.

http://www.americablog.com/
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1007/Gay_minister_to_open_Obama_gospel_show.html

And still he just keeps on digging that hole even bigger for himself.

Lack of experience by Barack, once again.

not.

:eyes:

Today, ex-gay preachers and gays. Tomorrow, neo-nazi skinheads and the NAACP!

:rofl:

:hi:

After all, that's not bigoted, is it? :sarcasm:

That's what is wrong with the Obama campaign, they're too easily intimidated by everybody. There's nothing more wrong with this McClurkin than there is with Hillary having prayer meetings with homophobic senators, but the campaign doesn't have the balls to say so.

http://www.hrc.org/issues/2031.htm

There is no way to change minds if you don't talk to people. We've spent the last 8 years whining about all sorts of wacky ideas on the right, and nothing has changed. Because nobody will talk to them. Obama is. That's the only thing that will work in the long run. If the gay rights groups don't get it, oh well. Let them support Hillary and get nothing. Maybe some day Democrats will figure it out.

Since you're all about reaching out to hateful clods, see if you can change some of the minds on my ignore list. There are several to be found there.

Tell them how the queers are making trouble for your dream of progress through dialog with cynical Republican hate-mongering.

If you cannot figure out that embracing the dehumanization of gay Americans is not a path to progress, I don't give a shit.

*ignored*

Obviously, since none of them give one whit about Hillary and her group of right wing fundy Senators. But one no-name singer, well that's major hysteria.

I call bullshit. It's manufactured outrage being perpetuated by opposition campaigns.

and race. Why make bullshit excuses for Obama's gross negligence? The manufactured outrage is coming from the PFOX (Parents and Friends of ex-Gays). Not from the GLBT community. I think their problem with this issue is justified.

"We've spent the last 8 years whining about all sorts of wacky ideas on the right, and nothing has changed. Because nobody will talk to them. Obama is."


What's next from Senator Obama and his campaign? Going on the road with the Aryan Nation....because HEY, nobody from the Democratic Party has EVER talked to or hung out with the Aryan Nation....so Obama is going to BREAK TRADITION and you know, take to the road with them:

BARACK OBAMA/ARYAN NATION STATEWIDE TOUR 2007!

Yeah, it would be nice if somebody confronted them too.

Senator Obama appearing on stage with the Aryan Nation?

Are you aware that something like 75% of South Carolina's African American population disapproves of homosexuality?

Should Democrats stop appearing with all of them?

This is manufactured outrage, it's purely political bullshit, and I'm not going to pretend otherwise.

Yeah, it's ONE person, BUT Obama has hitched HIS caboose to this POS....so WHAT does that say about Barack Obama?

It says that he'd whore himself out to ANYONE to try and get votes....EVEN if those votes come from a bunch of idiots who are happy to discriminate against gay people and are happy to think of gay people as Second Class citizens and think that they're the "Spawn of the Devil"

Disgusting....and you Obama Cultists are getting scarier by the day.

Do you even know how many times Democrats have appeared at religious events with homophobes?? Undoubtedly more than this ONE person at ONE event.

This is pure bullshit.

.

Obama will not be in attendance at the concerts. McClurkin is scheduled to perform at one concert.

.

Could it be: OBAMA???

It may be "one" concert but his appearance speaks volumes to those who are on the side of civil rights for all (yes, even the GLBT community).

Among the other “talented, spirit-filled supporters” slated to appear are gospel duo Mary Mary, a.k.a. Erica and Tina Atkins. In a 2006 interview with Clay Cane, the pair makes their homophobia crystal clear, likening gay people to murderers and prostitutes:


<snip>

Erica: We are aware. Ummm… how do I feel about homosexuality? I feel how God feels about it, but I still love them. I don’t agree with the lifestyle, but I love them. They can come to the concert; I’m going to hug them just like I hug everybody else. They have issues and need someone to encourage them like everybody else — just like the murderer, just like the one full of pride, just like the prostitute — everybody needs God. What your struggle is may not be what my struggle is, but we all need Him. So, that’s what our music is about giving and God, not to condone the lifestyle or to say, Oh it’s okay, but not to bash — but just to give them God. I mean, I’m appreciative of all of our supporters and fans. Hopefully what their hearing in our music is my love for God.

Tina: You know, I think the fact that our music is very upbeat and works well in clubs — you know, I think that’s something that makes more people gravitate to it. Like Erica said, we don’t necessarily agree with the lifestyle, but we don’t pride ourselves on bashing. Everyone has things in their life that they need to correct, everybody has struggles, everybody has things that, maybe I should’ve done it this way, maybe I should’ve made this choice, you know, or whatever. Even though that’s the way we feel, we don’t bash, we don’t do that kind of thing and we embrace everybody who enjoys our music. Hopefully our music is impacting them in a way that if they see there’s some things in their life that’s not quite right and doesn’t align themselves with what the Bible says — hopefully our music impacts them in a way that makes them want to change it.

<snip>



Also onboard for Obama’s Homophobe Gospel Tour: Hezekiah Walker, gospel singer and virulently anti-gay pastor of Brooklyn megachurch Love Fellowship Tabernacle

<snip>

http://news.lavenderliberal.com/2007/10/23/whats-the-matter-with-obama-this-is-not-a-question-part-1/



It's not manufactured outrage when you're the target of the hate. But then you aren't the target so you don't give a shit, do you?

The power of Christ compells you--to turn straight!

You're so hot, my newly hetero loins want to start thrusting right now, yes indeed.

:evilgrin: :spank:

:evilgrin: :spank:

she said she would "hug them just like I hug everybody else". How Christian of her.:eyes:

Why haven't you criticized anybody for appearing with southern blacks before?? Most of them disapprove of homosexuals. I disapprove of hypocrites.

WHY is Barack Obama DIVIDING people? WHY is Barack Obama pitting one section of society against the other?

Hasn't George W. Bush done ENOUGH of that crap since 2001? WHY is Barack Obama going down the SAME divisive road?

What else?

The Obama Cultists failed to respond....or DID they respond by blaming EVERYTHING on Hillary Clinton for about the TWENTIETH time in this thread already, I can't remember!

Dunno what happened to the Cult of Obama in that thread of yours, they must have had the day off....because usually they're all over the place Preaching The Gospel of The New Messiah Obama!

You got lucky ;)

Accusing Obama of being a "vote whore" whilst you proudly trumpet the triangulating DLC doctrine is ... well ... :rofl:

That's all.

Viva Triangulation! I'm NOT ashamed....as people know I'm a proud DLCer....so there :P

I'm no DLC-hater. Personally, I don't give a fuck about that whole DLCers vs Non-DLCers tribal conflict. However, I do understand what the DLC represents and "strategic political positioning" is fundamental. *Some* may say that's akin to "vote-whoring."

Okay, I respect the right that you have your own opinion.

Considering though, that DLCer's cannot go a day without someone from the actual DLC-hating crowd bashing away....I think we take it astonishingly well and respond with politeness and humor....we'd don't throw hissy fits.

The DLC is a very misunderstood organization, I'd like it if people read more about the DLC and I'd like it if people checked the Progressive Policy Institute homepage and read some of the articles there, that way people would see that us DLCer's are actually quite normal and aren't the "Big Evil" that we're held up to be.

Pander pander pander and sweep the rest under the rug. What a bunch of crap. Like I've said all along, you don't give a shit about talking about homosexuality at all. You're just throwing mud to make political points. It's disgusting.

"Like I've said all along, you don't give a shit about talking about homosexuality at all."

Huh?

You want to talk about homosexuality, okay....I'm for civil unions, but I'd really like to see gay people being allowed to get married and for them to have ALL the benefits that go along with that....why shouldn't gay couples be afforded the SAME rights as hetereosexual couples, including being allowed to adopt children.

IF Hillary Clinton went on the road with an acknowledged Homophobe, I can categorically state, that I'd STOP supporting her, she would no longer be my candidate for 2008, and it's as simple as that.

"I claim GLBTs should have equal rights, but I'm going to have a mega-tour with people who think just the opposite to appeal to people who think they should all be repressed back into the dark ages. "

Yep, that's hypocrisy.

I disapprove of bigots. I don't give a flying rip what their reasons are.

Why didn't you care enough to vet every person he ever appeared with? Oooh, he had no chance of getting the black vote. But Hillary does.

:woohoo:

This has NOTHING to do with the "black vote"

Obama's going for the anti-gay rights votes....he's a hypocrite and the WORST sort of political opportunist....in a desparate attempt to get votes, he's happily making a pitch to the bigots, and not only that, he's happily going on the road with an acknowledged bigot.

.

:eyes:

I'd like to see a source please.

Bigots and homophobes are fine, as long as they are honest and up-front about it?:eyes:

<snip>

Erica: We are aware. Ummm… how do I feel about homosexuality? I feel how God feels about it, but I still love them. I don’t agree with the lifestyle, but I love them. They can come to the concert; I’m going to hug them just like I hug everybody else. They have issues and need someone to encourage them like everybody else — just like the murderer, just like the one full of pride, just like the prostitute — everybody needs God. What your struggle is may not be what my struggle is, but we all need Him. So, that’s what our music is about giving and God, not to condone the lifestyle or to say, Oh it’s okay, but not to bash — but just to give them God. I mean, I’m appreciative of all of our supporters and fans. Hopefully what their hearing in our music is my love for God.

Tina: You know, I think the fact that our music is very upbeat and works well in clubs — you know, I think that’s something that makes more people gravitate to it. Like Erica said, we don’t necessarily agree with the lifestyle, but we don’t pride ourselves on bashing. Everyone has things in their life that they need to correct, everybody has struggles, everybody has things that, maybe I should’ve done it this way, maybe I should’ve made this choice, you know, or whatever. Even though that’s the way we feel, we don’t bash, we don’t do that kind of thing and we embrace everybody who enjoys our music. Hopefully our music is impacting them in a way that if they see there’s some things in their life that’s not quite right and doesn’t align themselves with what the Bible says — hopefully our music impacts them in a way that makes them want to change it.

<snip>

I've been out of the closet for going on 27 years now and generally get along pretty well with everyone I know. But when I read quotes like these it gives me a huge pit in my stomach. I guess that I'm just fooling myself by telling myself that beliefs like these are going the way of the dodo. Looks like bigotry is alive and well. And to think that one of our front running candidates is actively aligning himself with these haters can make one lose hope. I keep an open mind because I know there is no candidate that is going to match my beliefs 100% of the time. But I'm sorry, this is a dealbreaker.

Congratulations on being out for 27 years, and Welcome to DU. :hi:

Many have claimed that this concert tour is an attempt to unite people with different views and "bridge the gap". How do you bridge the gap with people who think you are no better than murderers and thieves--people who think you are inherently vile, evil and perverted--and that the only good thing you can do is change what you are at your very core? There is no common ground to be reached with people like that. Unless they are willing to give up their bigotry there is nothing to do but stay away from them.

and claiming to know how God feels about it.

Those are the words of a bigot. How would Erica feel is someone repeated her statement but replaced the word "homosexuality" with "black people?"

"Ummmm.... how do I feel about black people? I feel how God feels about it, but I still love them....they have issues and need someone to encourage them like everybody else - just like the murderer, just like the one full of pride, just like the prostitute - everybody needs God."

I'm not going to excuse this. Currying favor among homophobes loses my support. Period.

Guilt by osmosis just doesnt fly

It's about Senator Obama and it's another example of how the man and his campaign, obviously don't have a clue as to what the heck they're even doing.

What's wrong with the Obama campaign? They and he are novices and they're totally naive.

Where do you think these attacks come from?

To drop said Homophobe....then yes, he needs slapping upside the head.

This is totally unacceptable taking to the road with some Homophobic nutter.

That Obama is now whining and telling people not to criticise him, is pretty pathetic as well, how old is Obama? Is he a 4 year-old, because he's acting like a 4 year-old....he needs to grow up and take criticism like an ADULT, stop the whining and dump the Homophobe from the road trip.

It's quite simple to do really.

and Obama never planned to attend any of the concerts.

the you can turn anything back on a Clinton, any Clinton. I give you an 11 score for mental gymnastics.

:rofl:

I give her an 11 as well for mental gymnastics.

Congrats - you clearly think we are stupid in addition to being gay.

Dammit, just join the Cult of Obama already....:sarcasm:

Remember NOT to criticise him or he'll throw his toys out of his playpen.

A Hillary backer accusing a Obama supporter of not thinking for themselves?

Oh the painfully delicious Irony of it all.

Seriously though, what kind of argument is it that Hillary IS the candidate, and that more people polled by the mainstream media (which oddly has a lot of trouble polling the vast majority of Americans) support her?

That is not a reason to back Hillary at all. In fact I have not heard one substantive policy or position based argument that makes Hillary better than any of the other candidates running (hell even Biden/Gravel is looking better).

In terms of mental gymnastics Hillary supporters are the masters. Somehow convincing themselves that the most conservative and corporate friendly democratic candidate running is the best person for the job.

Again, this ISN'T about Hillary Clinton....this is about Barack Obama and the Cult of Obama that's perfectly happy with him going on the road with an acknowledged Homophobe, to the point where some of the Cult of Obama have ACTUALLY blamed the gay community for the controversy regarding this....WOW! Talk about being in denial!

Just so you know, I'm a straight female.

Barack Obama is DONE, his campaign is effectively finito....he'll drop out late February-early March.

Hillary Clinton WILL get our party's nomination....and she'll win the Presidency as well.

.

on a regular basis, and none of you Clinton supporters ever said a damned word.

Bunch of lying fucking hypocrites, ALL OF YOU.

Doesn't MEAN that they ALL agree with each other 100% of the time though does it?

I repeat, Hillary Clinton isn't going on the road with an acknowledged Homophobe and having some big shindig with him, is she?

No she isn't.

Not just some random social gathering. But that's no big deal to you - because this isn't about religion or homophobia - it's about manufactured outrage to attack another candidate.

Sick fucking clintononian bullshit that you are foisting on the country - if she wins which she probably won't for this exact reason.

:eyes:

Does any supporter of any candidate agree with that candidate 100% of the time?
If so, I'd love to see that person, 'cause I've never seen a party-hack before. Neither on DU, nor in the real world.

As an aside: You keep repeating the implication that Obama is going on the road with this guy, yet there seems to be a consensus that he's not-- that he's not even going to be in attendance at the concert. If that is indeed the case, isn't it a bit disingenuous to keep repeating he actually is?

I've really got no dog in this hunt as I've neither chosen nor ruled out a candidate yet, but I can't really see any moral difference between praying with homophobic senators and failing to vet a homophobic singer...

The 'inevitability argument'

Probably the worst argument you could possibly make. A lot of front runners are 'inevitable' before the primaries. They don't have a good track record.

What I was taking issue with was the 'mental gymnastics' thing.

But again, Hillary is a corporate candidate and Obama is only slightly better in most regards. (except for the traveling around with a homophobe thing)

It's quite clear to me. Although it would be easier for me if I were politically correct and jumped every time the gay DUers ordered it.

Yes it is.

Either kick the guy out or explain your purpose in keeping communication open. Don't kick somebody behind their back.

How are people kicking Obama from behind his back?

He brought THIS on HIMSELF, by being such a dumbass that he openly allows a Homophobe to take the stage with him....the BLAME lays SQUARELY with Barack Obama, he's shot himself in both feet.

Actually I'm going to make a prediction RIGHT NOW:

Barack Obama is done, stick a fork in him....his campaign is as dead as the Dodo, he ain't going to recover from HIS mistake....he's making it even worse for himself, by whining and telling people to stop criticising him....NOBODY likes an adult that acts like a whiney little baby.

Again: You made the assertion that the Obama stories are caused by or coming from the Clinton campaign. That suggests we (gay folks) don't have the ability to sort through issues, the right to our own anger and the personal capacity to respond to bigotry.

Goodbye - :hi:

and I suggest that gays are not immune from being political opportunists and lying to support their candidate, as is so fucking clear by who is perpetuating all these Obama threads. It's obvious.

as if we were some monolithic robot.

You write as if you are a monstrous bigot.

guess I chose well!

Yes I am!

I think you're charming too Mr. Bluebear :toast:

Thanks :)

You're good too :)

Phew.

But PM me if you really want to know.

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

Hillary did it!




Try the balance beam next, Olga!

Obama needs to take his own responsibility..He's a grown up for crying out loud. Sure these intitials were probably ment to draw attentionn to Hillary Rodham Cinton. That was the only reason
I read the post myself.:eyes:

Human Rights Campaign Statement on Sen. Obama’s South Carolina Gospel Tour

WASHINGTON — Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay civil rights organization, released the following statement in response to Sen. Barack Obama’s South Carolina Gospel Tour featuring anti-gay gospel singer, Rev. Donnie McClurkin:

“I spoke with Sen. Barack Obama today and expressed to him our community’s disappointment for his decision to continue to remain associated with Rev. McClurkin, an anti-gay preacher who states the need to ‘break the curse of homosexuality.’ There is no gospel in Donnie McClurkin’s message for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their allies. That’s a message that certainly doesn’t belong on any Presidential candidate’s stage.”

“I did thank him for announcing he would be adding an openly gay minister as part of the tour and for his willingness to call on religious leaders to open a dialogue about homophobia. We hope that Sen. Obama will move forward and facilitate face to face meetings with religious leaders, like Rev. McClurkin, and the GLBT community to confront the issue of homophobia.”

“We also call on all of the Presidential campaigns to look within their ranks of supporters and make the same commitment to engage in a dialogue among differing views around issues of equality and fairness for our community.”

Rev. McClurkin, an “ex-gay” gospel singer and minister who has called homosexuality a “curse”, has repeatedly stated his opposition to homosexuality as being against “the intention of God.”

On August 9, Sen. Obama joined the leading Democratic presidential candidates in addressing issues important to the GLBT community at the Logo/HRC Foundation presidential forum in Los Angeles. During his interview with panelists Joe Solmonese, singer/activist Melissa Etheridge, and journalists Margaret Carlson and Jonathan Capehart, Sen. Obama addressed the issue of homophobia in the black church.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all


http://www.hrc.org/news/7949.htm

I thought the title meant Hillary until I read further, of course.

I'm never sure what to make of blog entries particularly when they attribute quotes (without actually posting documentation of these quotes). This isn't a particularly well-sourced piece.

That said, there is no question Obama now knows the score. It is his move.

Nobody has been in the forefront here more than you asking your candidate to do the right thing, AK. Bravo.

:spank:

Cheers! :beer:

This has gone from a campaign slip-up to intentional, knowing embrace of homophobia by the candidate on the theory that black folks hate the gay... it's like an avalanche of bad decisions.

The easiest way to prevent the Human Rights Campaign from criticizing Obama was to cancel the event, not try to pressure them.

How complicated is that?

He has ripped the scab off a gay/religious-black rift in the party for no reason. UNITY!!! Politics of hope my ass.

Democrats in general do NOT embrace any sort of Homophobia nor do they take the stage with an ACKNOWLEDGED Homophobe.

Homophobia and Homophobes are NOT WELCOME ANYWHERE near the Democratic Party....Obama needs to dump this asshat from the roadtrip.

The finest bit of triangulation I have ever seen and it involves a group that uses a triangle as a unity symbol.

but it's way past time to jettison this creep. No matter how many SC votes he picks up, he's damaging his credibility IMO.

(in reference "The perspective is that he can bring in different elements of the Democratic Party and American society," the Obama supporter said.)


And I don't want that in my party. But if that's how he wants to win. :eyes:

:silly:

It's easy to hate the unknown. There are a lot of bisexuals or closeted gays in the black community who are in a relationship with women and who cheat on those women. If your experience of gays is of people who are self-hating, in self denial and/or cheating on their significant other, you aren't going to have a good opinion of gays. Seeing a strong, proud person who is openly gay may be a wake-up call for a lot of people.

"Hey I *CAN* be myself!"

Don't hold your breath, it's part of his ex-gay schtick now :)

him sing and get exposed to the gay preacher. I don't expect any epiphanies, just one step at a time.

I would agree and embrace your scenario if Obama presented this yet-to-be-named openly gay preacher without the counterpoint of the ex-gay homophobe. If The gay preacher was opening the show and people could see the proud black gay minister as an ambassador, it would be wonderful. As it stands, he is only being recruited for damage control :(

out to hire a popular Gospel singer.

One thought that no one has raised; does anyone think that McClurkin would have been hired if he was known by everyone to be "ex-gay". The fact that he was hired suggests to me that for a lot of people he is only a good Gos[el singer.

This guy isn't just some gospel singer.

If Bush should have dissociated himself from McClurkin, how can Obama be held to a different standard?

http://www.hrc.org/issues/2031.htm

lets put them up on stage and have them perform!

flaws.

He would drop himself out of the event...

and Obama probably should approach him to do it, if he doesn't budge himself.

fail to recognize that obviously don't want to take their partisan blinders off!

Look, we didn't vet this guy and it was our fault. We honestly didn't have any idea of his views on GLBT issues, and we've asked him to not participate in the event. We apologize for not being aware and hope our record on GLBT issues will speak to our support. Or something along those lines.

The way this was handled is painful and embarrassing to watch - and the recruiting of a gay minister is transparent and pitiable. It hasn't been addressed honestly and openly.

I understand Obama hasn't been through the campaign wringer before, but his large war chest should have been able to pay for the top campaign advisors available.

I'm sorry this has happened to him.

But he could have ended this days ago.

His clinging to this guy demonstrates that this wasn't a campaign oversight. I assumed it was, but I was wrong.

The Obama campaign is FIGHTING to keep this guy on the bill. Why? It looks more and more like a strategy, not a vetting error.

It's not enough and nothing he says will be enough because this is politically motivated, period.

there was no other popular gospel singer that he could have gotten?

That's what you're suggesting he do. Most religious people, especially southern religious people, disapprove of homosexuals. Why aren't other Democrats being called on to reject all these voters? Why don't we have a questionnaire for every southerner before they get on stage with a Democrat?

This whole thing is the biggest load of bullshit the Clinton and Edwards people have concocted yet. We're going to lose next year, and after this primary, we deserve to.

their negative views of homosexuality confirmed by a gospel singer?

Because the mudslinging has continued, because no one wants Hillary but we can't hear it because nobody is listening to voters we lost in the 90's. Voters who don't care about what some gospel singer thinks about gays.

Since it WAS, and IS, the singer isn't relevant. Nobody is going to have a perfect set of beliefs on every issue.

The people making a hoopla over this are doing it for political purposes, this thread makes that crystal clear. In my book, they are as flawed as this singer who doesn't understand homosexuality. I can't fucking stand hypocritical liars who are actually exploiting the people they pretend to care about; all for a political agenda. It's putrid.

Jesus Christ, the guy isn't running for Illinois State Senate...he's running for President of the United States. This seriously is amateur hour.

This whole thing is turning into a colossal fuckup. Now, you've got this situation where they've got some delusional idea that the GLBT grassroots supporters are supposed to bombard the HRC into not criticizing this whole thing. As if that's going to happen. I'm a HRC member and I'm sure as hell not going to email Joe Solomose(sp) and tell him not to criticize Obama. That's naivete taken to a whole new level.

he wants to with no repercussions. It's not like he doesn't know about this fools statements and i don't care that he's only singing, he stills represents as a friend of the Senators.

"When you find yourself in a hole, quit digging."

Obama is not doing anything that Hillary, Edwards or any of the other Dem candidates has already or will do to support their campaigns. One religious american has a viewpoint on gay america, whether that person claims to be gay or not. What's the big deal? To keep discussing this "Donnie McClurkin" thing is total nonsense and total waste of computer time. Please, just move on.

Gay people make up a portion of the population of the U.S. and they are not going anywhere, along with illegals and other groups. Complain all you want and criticize Obama's decision but guess what, The next Prez has to govern the gay community's concerns also, along with yours and mine, and any other group's affiliation, despite his personal beliefs. Everyone looking at his personal stance. A Prez leadership is strictly professional and unlike Bush, he will do the right and proper thing when he obtains office. Everyone is in a continuous loop over McClurkin. Just deal with it.

When have Hillary, Edwards, or any of the other Dem candidates done that?

Seriously. I'm sorry I'm generalizing, but that's the only explanation I can think of. A serious Democratic (hey, we're not talking Mitt Romney here) candidate for President of the United States is featuring a disgusting bigot who talking of homosexuality as a "curse" and is a proponent of the "ex-gay" movement, which I can guarantee you GLBT people see as loathsome, sickening, shameful bigotry. And we're supposed to just "get over this"? It's just "politics as usual"?

FUCK THAT.

I'm sorry if I insulted our hetero friends who DO understand our anger. But I'm getting very, very tired of reading these "what is your problem?" posts about this.

though it's been so long, I may not qualify as a heterosexual anymore

I heard about it (this past Sunday, I think)...

I don't want the GLBT community to feel they're alone in the wilderness on this!

Like he's doing the right thing now?

Yeah yeah, I know. STFU and get under the bus you uppity gays. :eyes:

He's not dealing with them now... so I don't see how magically he will start dealing with them if he is elected.

There is a huge difference in reaching out and making a buck on someone who's a bigot. That is not leadership - that's selling out.

We all may not agree of all things. However, we are all democrats. The next Prez has to govern ALL citizens of America concerns. Not just Gay, Not just African Americans, Not just Whites, Not just Hispanics. All of the American people.

Why do you hate America?

So what's next reaching out to men who "circumcise" women by having them stand on stage with you to raise awareness to the democratic vision?

Give me break.

America is full of all those folks.

Political compromise can be a good thing.

Compromise of basic moral positions is not.

If this was about race it would be so obvious... you would never be saying this stuff about a singer who said "the blacks are trying to kill our children"

What gay people are saying is, our human rights are no different from the rights of black people, hispanics, women, or any other group whose humanity is being challenged and denied.

:eyes:

What led to that odd comparison?

and concerns and each group wants this voices heard and their issues resolved. We all belong to some group or way of thinking. The next Prez will have to address those issues along with all issues of the american government. The Prez's personal views are not relevant in matter affecting this country, it his job to do what's best and just. Unlike Bush,I hope that clarity will prevail. That's the comparison.

I just thought it was a rather curious comparison is all.

A pretty bizarre comparison there from you....care to elaborate on your thinking?

Re. Criticize Obama....haven't you heard, Obama The Thin Skinned has issued a statement that NOBODY is allowed to criticise him anymore.

.

n/t

:P

An openly gay minister and an openly anti-gay minister. Something for everyone? Obama should just start sending the checks back.

annihilate each other?

I have scrupulously avoided the bashathon because I don't want to see my candidate bashed...

1) Where did the figure that seventy five percent of African American folks in the south hate gays? I have seen that figure tossed around in this thread...

2) I don't see a nexus between praying with a senator who might or not be a homophobe and taking one one on tour... Can someone show me that nexus...

in a thread by a poster who apparently has inside ties with the Obama campaign:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=3635763&mesg_id=3635893

That seems like an odd view for a serious homophobe... why not go with very unacceptable?

I'm not sure that figure is wildly out of line with other constituencies. (I don't know)

It's such basic stuff. I've been very angry, now I am sad. The "you're either with us or against us" meme stirs dark, hurtful passions. It was all so unnecessary, but a salutary reminder why we need a totally professional campaign.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=poll+blacks+homosexuality

As if people don't know this. :eyes:

And if I had to choose between weekly religious meetings with the homophobic senators who actually write the laws - and a gospel singer - well it would be obvious to anybody who is being honest with themselves. But there's no such thing in this country anymore, it's all people who will say any damn thing to support their candidate or political agenda.

Ah, sweet irony.

Obama is being way too timid with Hillary, he isn't being bold enough about the kind of change this country needs. He is too timid on issues of foreign policy and poverty and racism and even this particular issue. Either get bold or go home. Stand up and tell everybody what you're doing and if you can't make it clear to everybody, then that's no kind of change I want.

But supporters of other candidates manipulated what he is trying to accomplish and I'm not going to be quiet about that either. I'm sick of this phony political bullshit.

Admittedly, it's a pretty tenuous analogy, but it could be argued that a gospel concert is nothing more than communal prayer put to music. Thus, it could be said that Obama is simply praying with McClurkin as Clinton was with Santorum. The main difference that could be argued is that the concert is public while the prayer group is private.

On the other hand, consider that a regular prayer group of powerful United States Senators is a a far different animal than the one at your local church. I submit that Clinton's participation in that prayer circle may have far deeper ramifications than the Obama campaign having a homophobic closet case sing for a few thousand people at a concert in SC. Especially since it's highly doubtful he was going to use that particular platform to advance his views on the subject. Then again, I'm pretty sure homosexuality didn't come up much in the prayer group either. So who knows? :shrug:

I'd swear I'm reading a Freeper thread.

i can't beLieve sandnsea is aLLowed to post this shit. :puke:

do you have her on ignore maybe? those posts are reaLLy quite awfuL.

i'm gLad she doesn't support DK as it wouLd make him, and possibLy his supporters Look reaLLy fucking bad.

I alerted and I'm glad to see some of them have been deleted.

Got those capital L's like that?

Membership has its privileges.

"It's included in the LGBT agenda initiation package. Membership has its privileges."


I'm a straight female....are you trying to entice me to turn gay or something?!

Do I have to turn gay to FIND out about the capital "L's", is that what you're saying?



:sarcasm: :P

ooh, ooh, don't teLL me.

Who/What AM I missing?

:popcorn:

Why would anyone want to be a McClurkin apologist for heck's sake?

Homophobia is not something that Obama should be courting. By allowing him to perform for his campaign he is giving McCloset a platform. McCloset is a known homophobe. I cannot believe that Obama will not tell McCloset to take a hike.

I thought they were trying to get Hillary Rodham Clinton to stop criticize him. Fat chance I thought.

Oh THAT HRC. That's very different.

Nevermind.

Hypocrisy makes me mad. If it was Clinton (or Edwards) having McClurkin singing for them, 3/4 of the posters posting in this thread would be posting the other way around. And some people do not seem to care about the hypocrisy.

Obama and his supporters have made the bad call by not making clear inviting McClurkin was an error, but some of the calls on the other side are just not credible at all.

There is NO PROOF of this rumor at all.