Barack Obama's support for LGBT rights far outweighs Donnie McClurkin singing at one event

[zulchzulu]

It has been tragic watching people use an event, which in my view, will be a story about someone who sang at an event with three other gospel groups one night in South Carolina and didn't express anything more than song. The reasons to lash out at supporters of Barack Obama and accuse them of being "homophobic", "bigoted", "not understanding gay issues" and other rants make me feel it has more to do with grandstanding and is woefully subjective when it comes to other candidate's links to religious leaders that hold the same views or worse than Donnie McClurkin.

I also hope that the event and McClurkin singing is not all it takes for people in the LGBT community and elsewhere to think that all the efforts that Obama has done over the years is now moot. What's also not being under scrutiny is why no other presidential candidates have spoken out on the issue at the time of this post.

Although the Obama campaign did not vet McClurkin with complete, full scrutiny for his views outside his popularity as a gospel singer, they have decided to include an openly gay minister who will open the gospel concert.

McClurkin said in a phone interview that he doesn't believe homosexuality is God's intention. However, he said he does not believe in discriminating against homosexuals."
http://www.wandtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7249786

AmericaBlog's John Aravosis, who helped start the McClurkin furor on the net, seems to have done his marching orders for the Clinton campaign, which strides toward triangulation and distortion to change the political analysis about Hillary Clinton's pro-war stances and with possible impending attacks on Iran thanks to Hillary's nod to the Kyl-Lieberman amendment.

Let's start with the event, which happens this weekend. From the Obama web site:

Senator Barack Obama is committed to bringing people of all faiths together to put their faith into action to change this country for the better. With the help of many talented, spirit-filled supporters, Barack Obama's campaign is hosting Gospel concerts throughout Palmetto State on October 26, 27, and 28 to bring South Carolinians together for a few evenings of song and praise.

Sunday, October 28, 2007
Doors open at 5:00pm

The Township Auditorium
1703 Taylor Street
Columbia, SC 29202

Gospel performances by:
Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Deitrick Haddon, Mighty Clouds of Joy

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/scembrace

Based on information on his web site, Barack Obama will not be there for the event. It will be interesting to see the opening event with the gay minister's statement.

Barack Obama made a statement regarding Donnie McClurkin's past views on homosexuality:

Obama's Statement on Rev. McClurkin

"I have clearly stated my belief that gays and lesbians are our brothers and sisters and should be provided the respect, dignity, and rights of all other citizens. I have consistently spoken directly to African-American religious leaders about the need to overcome the homophobia that persists in some parts of our community so that we can confront issues like HIV/AIDS and broaden the reach of equal rights in this country.

I strongly believe that African Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin's views and will continue to fight for these rights as President of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division."
- Barack Obama
10/22/07
http://pride.barackobama.com/page/content/lgbthome

What is odd, in my view, is that the outrage aimed at Barack Obama seems to not be applied with the same level of anger at Hillary Clinton's campaign, which has Reverend Harold Mayberry, a preacher who speaks out homophobic statements to his congregation and the Network for Interfaith Action, making this statement on her web site:

I want a president who knows how to strike a balance between addressing international and domestic challenges facing this country," said Reverend Dr. Harold R. Mayberry, Senior Pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church and Chairperson of Network for Interfaith Action.

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=2857

Is it an endorsement of Clinton? Some say not, but if his view was so important that it's in the news release, surely the Clinton campaign is using his words to try to solidify the black voting base's religious community.

Here is a statement from Mayberry that shows what he feels about "morality" and homosexuality, where he refers to it as "thievery":

"I'm comfortable in what I believe in," Mayberry said. "I'm not rejecting people. As God loves, we love. I don't reject thieves, I reject thievery."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/03/14/MNGJB5KB9N1.DTL&type=printable

People can decided whether to believe Obama's statement on McClurkin's political views, but more importantly his record support LGBT rights over the past dozen years as a legislator:

Barack Obama in the Illinois Senate:
Barack Obama was known as a liberal who was not afraid to build bridges across party lines during his term in the Illinois State Senate. He gained a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood for his support of family planning and abortion rights legislation.

Barack Obama and Gay Rights in Illinois:
Barack Obama supported gay rights during his Illinois Senate tenure. He sponsored legislation in Illinois that would ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Barack Obama in the United States Senate:
Every two years the Human Rights Campaign, the largest national gay and lesbian organization, issues a scorecard for members of the Senate based on their sponsorship and voting on key issues of importance to gay and lesbian citizens. Barack Obama scored 89 out of 100% in the 2006 scorecard.

Barack Obama on Hate Crimes:
Barack Obama co-sponsored legislation to expand federal hate crimes laws to include crimes perpetrated because of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Employment Non-Discrimination:
Barack Obama supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and believes it should be expanded to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell - Gays in the Military:
Barack Obama believes we need to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military. His campaign literature says, "The key test for military service should be patriotism, a sense of duty, and a willingness to serve."

Co-Sponoring Legislation:
Barack Obama, in line with HRC, co-sponsored legislation to bring Medicaid coverage to low-income, HIV-positive Americans and the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act which would expand federal jurisdiction to reach serious, violent hate crimes perpetrated because of the and;actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability and; of the victim. He did not co-sponsor Uniting American Families Act that would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide same-sex partners of U.S. citizens the same immigration benefits legal spouses of U.S. residents enjoy.

Barack Obama and Gay Marriage:
Although Barack Obama has said that he supports civil unions, he is against gay marriage. In an interview with the Chicago Daily Tribune, Obama said, "I'm a Christian. And so, although I try not to have my religious beliefs dominate or determine my political views on this issue, I do believe that tradition, and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman."

He said he would support civil unions between gay and lesbian couples, as well as letting individual states determine if marriage between gay and lesbian couples should be legalized.

"Giving them a set of basic rights would allow them to experience their relationship and live their lives in a way that doesn't cause discrimination," Obama said. "I think it is the right balance to strike in this society."

http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/lesbianactivism/p/BarackObama.htm

As a person who has done grassroots work recently for Fair Wisconsin, fighting against the gay marriage ban here in the state, as well as having lived and worked with gay people over the years, pegging me or anyone who supports Obama as a homophobe or bigot will not stop further efforts to make sure that everyone has equal rights.

Barack Obama and everyone who supports him who also are working to help out the LGBT community will continue doing what we can despite McClurkin singing at one event one night in South Carolina with three other gospel groups.

[William769]

1. Not if he's making money off of him.

It's my understanding this is a fundraiser. Am I wrong?

[alteredstate]

23. The $10 admission fee probably won't cover the cost of renting the convention halls.

[MethuenProgressive]

33. Words do not Trump deeds. It's what you *do* Barack, not what you say.

He's saying one thing, and doing another, with a wink and nod...

[zulchzulu]

37. I guess you missed the part where Obama has DONE many good things for the LGBT community

It's in the bottom part of the post. It's not just words. It's deeds that he has proven to the HRC that he is indeed doing fantastic legislation supporting the LGBT community as well as for civil rights in general.

Don't respond to this with some retort. Just read what he's done.

[MethuenProgressive]

41. What has he done nothing about Donnie McClurkin?

Has he fired the star of his fund raising Gospel Tour?
Actions speak louder than words.

[DemFemme]

43. He has hired an openly gay minister to open every performance.

McClurkin is singing in one act out of three. Hardly a star, but don't let the facts get in your way.

Hillarian politics as usual at DU. :eyes:

[MethuenProgressive]

46. Is the "openly gay minister" a rabid anti-heterosexual bigot?

You know, for balance?

[DemFemme]

48. From the ridiculous to the sublime...

From the fair and balanced Hillarian DU crowd. :eyes:

[MethuenProgressive]

49. I don't understand the support for Obama/McClurkin here on DU

I had higher expectations for a supposedly progressive and liberal website.

[DemFemme]

50. More DU Hillarian bullcrap from you as usual. You're pimping this for all it's worth.

Not that I have high expectations from you and yours.

[MethuenProgressive]

64. Support Obama/McClurkin if you must, if it's a choice you're happy with.

Some people have higher standards than yours.

[eweaver155]

84. This post is another out and out lie. He has proven it with deeds by

helping to pass laws for the GBLT. Show me where Obama has worked against the GBLT. He has done none of what you are stating. Because he refuse to cave into what you want don't make your lies right.

[niyad]

2. one does wonder--this homophobic guy and his choosing colin powell (that complete

sell--out) as a foreign policy advisor makes me think he is not thinking completely clearly

[Tellurian]

20. How about approving Condi Rice's nomination?

Republican-Lite anybody?

[Dawgs]

3. It was still wrong to not dump this guy for this concert.

And I'm an Obama supporter.

I also think it's wrong for Obama haters to call him a bigot. I have full confidence that he will fight just as hard for GLBT rights as any other candidate. Your post proves that.

[bigwillq]

7. Agree that he should dump.

And agree Obama is not a bigot.

Associating with a known bigot appearing at a campaign event doesn't satisfy me and Obama needs to do the right thing and tell the man he cannot perform. Until he does that I will question Obama's motives.

[Tellurian]

22. Just another example of Obama's "Not Ready for Prime Time.." nm

[bigwillq]

34. Well he made a mistake

and he has a choice, and still a chance, to fix it. Then I will have no issues with him.

[Tellurian]

54. I read he's not going to fix it..

He hired a Gay minister as a token appeasement.

[zulchzulu]

9. I sent an email to the campaign agreeing with you

Who knows...he may still not perform.

Even if he does, the concert will start with someone who hopefully will address the issue and perhaps there will be some level of protest when he sings. This could say more about the issues regarding LGBT rights and perhaps open up the eyes of some who will be attending the concert.

[jaysunb]

4. Sorry, your post has too many facts & too much common sense

to be accepted by some here....especially the paid partisans. :evilfrown:

K&R

[incapsulated]

5. "done his marching orders for the Clinton campaign"

Stop peddling this bullshit, it is lame and stupid.

[trotsky]

11. It's sad, really.

I have yet to see one apologist for this sorry incident who can actually defend Obama without somehow attacking Hillary or her supporters.

For the record, I'm not a supporter of either.

[Karenina]

6. Dumping Donnie

and confronting the reasons WHY would be a real Declaration of Democracy. :evilgrin:

[Bullet1987]

8. Damn good post ZulchZulu...this got out of hand a long time ago...

[dbackjon]

16. The only thing that got out of hand

Was the lame excuse the Obama apologists threw out.

Any way a reasonable, non-homophobic person looks at this, there was NO FREAKING excuse for it. All Obama supporters should have condemned the move, instead of trying to justify it.

ANYONE that justified this move is a neo-fascist Homophobe in my, and the majority of the GLBT community here at DU's opinion.


Threads like this just further reinforce the fact that DU is full of homophobic bigots who wish that the GLBT community would just shut the fuck up and take whatever crumbs are thrown our way.

But that is not happening. SILENT NO MORE.

[Bluebear]

21. SILENT NO MORE.

:thumbsup:

[NMMNG]

28. Indeed.

We're sick and tired of crumbs.
We're sick and tired of waiting "until the time is right".
We're sick and tired of appeasing the bigots, and of dealing with the bigots among us.
We're sick and tired of having our very real and reasonable outrage dismissed as "faux" or "manufactured".
We're sick and tired of being sick and tired.

[Bullet1987]

29. Point out something that I said that was bigoted...

this is exactly why the anti-Obama crowd are overplaying their hand...because it's not that serious.

[dbackjon]

36. First off, we are not ANTI-Obama, but PRO Equal Rights

The part of your remark that was bigoted? Agreeing with the premise of the OP.

Do you support full marriage equality and ENDA for all GLBT today??

[CTLawGuy]

73. DU full of homophobic bigots?

then why are you on here associating with a bunch of alleged bigots?

[dbackjon]

77. To make a difference

Many of the bigots on here do not consider themselves to be, and we need to make them realize how hurtful they are being.

[zulchzulu]

78. Just who are the "bigots"?

Do me a favor. Copy what anyone here said that would make them a "bigot".

You can start with someone whose nick starts with "Tell..." that said that he/she doesn't care about LGBT rights.

Any others?

[zulchzulu]

91. Thanks n/t

[BR_Parkway]

10. It's not just this event - plenty of happy talk during debates to support

LBGT rights "I'll do this when I am elected President" type statements - but not one bit of legislation introduced as a sitting Senator (nor Biden, Hillary or Edwards when he was either - I'm not picking on anyone's personal candidate) Simply saying, I'm really tired of being pandered to on one hand when they need a vote or donation - and then the actions never seem to get backed up by anything real.

It's not just him, it's all of them. They all say what they think we need to hear to open the checkbook at times, then they turn around and do stuff like this that shows that they really don't get it, or that our rights as LGBT Americans are somehow supposed to wait while some other group is courted or some larger donating group or lobby needs something.

Will it cause me to sit home in Nov? No. Absolutely not Might it cause me to pull one lever vs another for the primaries? Possibly, that's the purpose of the primary system, but I try not to be a single issue voter.

Did it cause me to take a step back from one of the candidates that I was favoring? Yes, it showed lack of thought beyond the moment by someone he's surrounding himself with, all they focused on was that this popular Gospel singer could possibly pick up some religious and/or African American votes (which is cool) without looking at the consequences. And whoever wins the election is going to have one hell of a mess on their hands to clean up - beyond wanting it to be a Democrat, I really see the need for it to be the best one we can find this time around, the next President of the US is going to have a job unlike any before in trying to just fix all the problems BushCo has created, much less advance a progressive agenda in their own right.

I want a leader, not simply another politician. Maybe I'm being naive, but I refuse to give up that hope.

[jefferson_dem]

12. Excellent post! Thanks!

:kick: and rec.

[William769]

17. Lets rec for bigots everywhere!

:eyes:

[jefferson_dem]

31. You reccomended the threads about your "girl's" bigot-buddy Mayberry, eh.

:shrug:

[rinsd]

13. So John Avarois works for the Hillary campaign?

Obama supporters are playing with fire when they are calling people's feeling on this selective or fake or casting this as Hillary vs Obama.

There are indeed some Clinton supporters who are gay who were not pleased with this but most of the people I see who are angry are not Clinton supporters.

You are also comparing a major concert that is supposed to be a major campaign push for Obama in SC vs. a quicky press release about Hillary meeting with black clergyman in the bay area which included Mayberry's comments.

The outrage can hardly be selective if events went unknown.

[terrya]

14. GLBT people are pissed off about this, period.

I wish some people around here would get the fact that this is wrong, period. It has nothing to do with which candidate you support or whatever. And, yes, Senator Obama has said some nice stuff about GLBT equality. But that message suddenly gets blurred when the campaign hires a man who has publicly stated, several times, that homosexuality is a "curse" and endorses the psychologically abusive fraud known as the "ex-gay" movement. Unless you are the most self-hating of gays or lesbians, NO ONE in the GLBT community endorses this particularly vicious form of homophobia.

[Bluebear]

19. We're just "grandstanding" according to the OP. Which is "tragic".

Just tragic! :cry:

[beaconess]

58. You think YOU'RE frustrated

You should come over and watch people twisting themselves into knots defending Howard Dean's attempts to reach out to bigots in 2003-04 and trying to somehow show that this situation in no way parallels that one . . .

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3647148

[FredScuttle]

68. That's it....keep dragging Dean and Hillary into this

the level of thick-headedness by Obama supporters here trying to justify his egregious error and continual compounding of that error is astounding.

NEWSFLASH - Dean and Hillary have nothing to do with this. Obama pissed off A LOT of people who aren't supporters of either of them. Obama better get his own house in order before his supporters start mouthing off about other Democrats.

[beaconess]

88. NEWSFLASH TO YOU: I am not an Obama supporter. And I didn't even MENTION Hillary

But your kneejerk, scattershot, off-topic response to even the slightest hint that someone doesn't think that Howard Dean is the Second Coming is pretty amusing.

[youthere]

74. There are plenty of us in the hetero community that don't endorse it either.

Obama is way off on this...and those who don't see what a huge deal this is...well that's just sad.

[DemFemme]

45. Aravosis hasn't said a cross word about Hillary since he met Bill at a blogger's meet last year

You won't see him commenting on the many homophobes she has on her payroll and endorser list.
I said as much to John in an email. No response yet. I don't expect one.

I'm sure Billary is very pleased with John.

[rinsd]

56. Dishonesty combined with hubris....sometimes its way too easy

"Aravosis hasn't said a cross word about Hillary since he met Bill at a blogger's meet last year"

Just from Feb here is John taking Hillary to the woodshed on a number of issues most prominent being the IWR.

http://www.americablog.com/2007/02/dear-senator-clinton-we-all-lived.html

http://www.americablog.com/2007/02/hillary-is-sistah-souljahing-entire.html

http://www.americablog.com/2007/02/hillary-now-using-bush-talking-points.html

Here's John upset that both Obama and Hillary were not more forceful in their response to Homosexuality is immoral

http://www.americablog.com/2007/03/hillary-and-obama-flub-is-homosexuality.html

Here's John asking for a more definitive position from Hillary on FISA

http://www.americablog.com/2007/10/draft-obama-to-support-filibuster-of.html

"I said as much to John in an email. No response yet. I don't expect one."

Really? I would think your manners and thrist for honesty would shine right thru?

[Cameron27]

57. Nice work

:thumbsup:

[rinsd]

59. Thanks

:hi:

[Mass]

15. Listen, the hypocrisy of Hillary's supporters is amazing, but you and a few other Obama supporters

do not help by refusing to recognize this was an error. This guy has nothing to do on a Democratic tour. Do not confuse people who are just hypocrite and people who are really offended.

[zulchzulu]

18. See post 9

I think it was an error in the vetting process from the SC office to not fully look at how "radioactive" this guy would be... after all, he's singing...not speaking from the pulpit.

[Tellurian]

24. Excuses, excuses, excuses...

So what if it was an error!

Obama hasn't apologized or found a satisfactory remedy yet. Has he?

[Name removed]

38. Deleted sub-thread

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

[alteredstate]

27. You're right. This was an error.

I've fought to make gay unions legal and I've pounded the pavement to help a gay candidate running for the state legislature in our red, red state. I hate this. But I don't think Barack Obama is a bigot.

[flvegan]

25. What it does is undermine Obama's past record.

Sorry, I don't throw support behind people using hate to get donations.

[Karenina]

26. DUMP DONNIE!!!!

McCloset is the poster boy for bigoted Black Baptist Bullshit.

[toughboy]

30. Really Pathetic, Lame Excuses. It's not a one night thing and you know it.

What about the entire posse of homophobes he's hanging with? Who is the next group of people he will taget with an icon of their hatred? McClurkin is like their golden ox presenter. Will Obama have a reformed adulterer's group on his next Families and Faith tour? This is nothing but vote pandering.

[CyberPieHole]

32. Trying to throw Hillary into the mix smacks of: "Well they do it too. WaaaWaaaWaaa!!!".

Obama is wrong on this. He needs to drop the bigot. If he doesn't he no longer has my support. Plain. Simple.

[zulchzulu]

39. Welcome to DU!

I'm just pointing out the double-standard that some are showing here. If Hillary has a homophobe basking about how great she is on her web site, where is the outrage?

[Clintonista2]

44. Hillary isn't making money off homophobic supporters

No double standard.

[alteredstate]

93. Obama didn't make any money from the concerts.

[jonnyblitz]

35. it's nothing but a Hillary vs Obama thing with some of you clowns.

it's useless to even discuss this with many of you.

[terrya]

65. Bingo

Some of the people around here think of it solely in terms of candidates...that supporter is pushing this to gain for his/her candidate, etc. I mean, how fucking clueless can these people be? Unless they don't give a damn about GLBT people and their outrage. And it is useless to discuss it with them.

[calteacherguy]

40. As a Clinton supporter with great respect for Obama, I am proud to kick and recommmend this. nt

[LadyAziz]

42. Why is this such a big deal?

Homosexuality in the African American is not as accepted as it in the White community. And there are many who think like McClurkin and many that don't.

I don't know why he would pick McClurkin to perform cause I think his music and personality suck. Seriously!

Obama has done a lot for the LGBT community and now they and others are throwing him under the bus. It's not like he gave McClurkin a platform to spew homophobic rhetoric.

HE IS JUST PERFORMING A FREAKING SONG, ONE TIME!

This should be a none issue.

[Karenina]

47. It's ALL about symbols, Lady!

We have so long since fallen through the looking glass where the rabbit holes lead who-knows-where. I'm left wondering if a mole on Obama's staff plunged him into this confrontation for which he is woefully under-prepared.

McCloset is a symbol for ALL that is SUPER FUCKED-UP in the reactionary Black Baptist Bigot community. A "GOSPEL TOUR" to promote politics??? :eyes: If you want to GO THERE, at least have the good sense to book TAKE 6 or Fred Hammond. THEY are BRILLIANT musicians. Or even better yet, respect the principle of the SEPARATION of Church and State and leave things like "Gospel Tours" OUT OF IT ENTIRELY.

Way too late for the considerations I suggest. Not too late to DUMP DONNIE. Pay him his contract, DUMP HIM, and call Reverend Irene Monroe.
The homophobia in the Black community is a pus-filled anal cyst.

[zulchzulu]

70. Outside some of the netroots, this is a complete non-story

I do weekly tabling for Obama here in Madison and I am waiting to see if anyone even mentions this story...basically about some guy singing one song at a gospel event in a small town in South Carolina on one Sunday night with three other gospel groups, all started off by a gay minister who will be probably the only speaker at the event who will say that people need to get along...Barack Obama won't even be there...

It is interesting how such a story is taken by some in the LGBT community (which I do a lot of work to help out) that he needs to not only be thrown under the bus, but considered a homophobe as well as all of his fans.

Still, I and everyone I know who does grassroots stuff for the LGBT community will still carry on.

[alteredstate]

96. The concert didn't even make the 11 o'clock news here in S.C.

[cadmium]

51. It was so clear at the Gay and Lesbian issues debate

that of all the Dem candidates Obama is most comfortable with gay and lesbian issues. I think they should not have invited this guy, but the pseudo - outrage really rings hollow. I'm glad Obama has finally recognized the controversy and responded the way he did. He is going to have to be president of the homophobes, the gay folk and everyone else.

[bicentennial_baby]

52. Actually, that would be Kucinich, and...

I'm glad that you find our outrage to be false.

:puke:

[cadmium]

53. I said the fake outrage. Maybe yours isnt fake.

I saw that debate. OK sorry about forgetting Kucinich. Kucinich advanced the most progressive issues stances but Obama seemed the most comfortable in the discussion.

[PurityOfEssence]

55. Last I checked, the "Snake Oil Cavalcade" was THREE shows

Hey, but who's counting?

One for the money...

Two for the show...

Three get petty, now go cat go!

[zulchzulu]

61. Yep, and Donnie McDevilFace is singing in one of them with three other gospel acts...

...as the post accurately shows...dang, there's even a linkety link, dink!

:think:

[PurityOfEssence]

63. My mistake; point taken

It's better that it's only one show, and I should have paid more attention before firing off snide little shots like that, but I have researched dear Donnie, and he's a BIG problem.

I'm trying to keep this all in perspective, and no, it's not the most god-awful thing that's ever happened, but it's pretty damned bad. Obama's playing with fire here, and I don't think he's handled it very well.

The emotional heart of a move like this (bringing religion into the campaign to whip up some solidarity) sort of cuts across the grain of the concept of faith: something deeply held that sweeps one along as a moral through-line and current of the soul is being shown to have a very calculated and mechanistic production element to it. What is touted as natural and free is revealed as a carefully orchestrated bit of affiliation handling.

The nasty questions about anti-gay bias in the black community lurk just under the surface, and this tears off the comforter for all to see. Perhaps it's no worse than in the rest of society, but the damage control of pulling in a gay preacher to balance things just reeks of political calculation, and hardly seems likely to please anyone. It's going to piss off the homophobes, it's not going to appease all that many rankled gays and it's just going to make the event more about that than being about a big warm oneness kind of thing.

Obama really bungled this one, and he should know better: he's a smart guy. It really does hit him in the judgment and finesse gut. A president, after all, must be a deft statesman, not a sloppy impressario running some old-time revival roadshow.

Do not make the mistake that this is all (or even mostly) fake outrage borne out of maneuvering for an opposing candidate. This really pisses a lot of people off. It pisses me off and I'm straight; it doesn't just annoy me, it really makes me full-on disgusted. The tactical damage control just makes me shake my head, and it makes me question just how deep his commitment to those of other groups really is.

Putting aside all my dislike of religion (as if I really can...) it just shows how dangerous the stuff is: had this been a secular "oneness" festival, this McClurkin putz would have probably been dropped, but when dealing with faith, the passions are so very, very high. One simply can't miss the obvious link between the type of faith he's trying to curry favor with and the modification of his purported values to appease their, shall we say, "tastes". What is supposed to be a free and pure oneness is shown to be a cold calculus wherein a few inconvenient degenerates can be nudged aside in order to dock a whole ark full of voters.

Not good.

[zulchzulu]

66. Let's see what happens at the event

I have a feeling it won't be a good gig for Donnie. I agree that it's not exactly the best thing Obama could do right now either (as I have suggested), but dipping your feet into the "religious crowd" pool is always bound to attract some people who Jesus would like to hold their head under water for a few minutes.

[PurityOfEssence]

92. Okay, so we saw: it's a huge blunder having McClurkin center stage

What kind of idiocy was that? What kind of cynical, sloppy, two-bit hucksterism was that? Looks like the "shut up, I'm gonna get away with it anyway" kind to me.

Of all the outcomes I could have conjured up, this was NOT one of them. It's just further proof: all it takes for a really smart person to do totally stupid things is a little bit of that old time religion.

[alteredstate]

94. You "saw" it?

Were you at the concert?

[PurityOfEssence]

97. Nope, or I would have pointed out in that post that the gay preacher was white.

The original poster used the term "see what happens"; it's what they call a figure of speech.

From the media accounts I've read, he had a major role throughout the show and made a point at the end of testifying how god had saved him from the evil of that nasty stuff.

[western mass]

60. If Obama got onstage with a Klansman, a nazi, or...

a holocaust denier, would that be OK too?

If he did it just the one time?

[zulchzulu]

62. Well since...

...Obama won't be there in the first place and since you brought up Nazis, you lose. But gee, what a great question.... :crazy:

Whenever someone brings up Nazis, they git da buzzuh!

:thumbsdown:

[alteredstate]

95. Obama wasn't at the concerts.

[robcon]

67. Obama took a hit because of McClurkin. But he wasn't doing too well anyway.

He wasn't going to beat Clinton, IMO.

[Ethelk2044]

69. Obama will do Well. Hell if the polls were accurate we would not have a Repug in office now

[William769]

71. Can anyone say hypocrite?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2138551&mesg_id=2138551

[eweaver155]

85. He is not on Obama's Stuff. A Hillary Supporter with another Lie. Donnie is not on his staff

Make sure you get your facts straight. You need to worry about why Hillary has two people not liking the GBLT community connected to her campaign. However, I know you are not sincere because if you were you would be pushing her to do otherwise.

[phen43]

72. COMPLETELY AGREE

Just because someone offers to help you out, doesn't mean you share every, single viewpoint that person holds, just means you are grateful for the help!!!

[zulchzulu]

76. Welcome to DU!

We all actually love each other...

:dilemma: :rant: :hide: :woohoo: :yoiks: :popcorn: :rofl: :pals: :dilemma: :rant: :hide: :woohoo: :yoiks: :popcorn: :rofl: :pals:

[Bluebear]

79. I would never accept the "help" of a bigot, sorry,

[Renew Deal]

75. Most of the people here don't care about rights. They care about campaign fodder

Not all, but most. If this was reversed, the Hillniacs would be defending Hillary and everyone else would be attacking. It's all BS DU politcs.

[TankLV]

80. His bashing of gay persons and and their cause would dictate otherwise...

This is just the latest in this BIGOT's long list of outrages...

WE have been paying attention, not making excuses...

Not only is he not ready for prime time, he's not ready. Period.

[eweaver155]

83. Please provid a link where he is bashing Gays. You can not provide a link

because you just lied. Obama has been passing laws to aid in the GBLT. Now if you want to continue to lie about the issue fine. Yes, I am calling you out for lieing. I want facts. I am sick of the lies that have been spewed here. If you can provide facts provide them. But don't lie because you are upset. That is like acting like a child to make up stuff that can not be proven damn. Grow the Fuck up

[Pushed To The Left]

81. Exactly! Obama has a pretty damn good voting record

From http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm (a non-partisan website)

* Better enforce women's pay equity via Equal Pay Act. (Aug 2007)
* Strengthen the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Aug 2007)
* Has any marriage broken up because two gays hold hands? (Aug 2007)
* We need strong civil unions, not just weak civil unions. (Aug 2007)
* Legal rights for gays are conferred by state, not by church. (Aug 2007)
* Disentangle gay rights from the word "marriage". (Aug 2007)
* Gay marriage is less important that equal gay rights. (Aug 2007)
* Gay rights movement is somewhat like civil rights movement. (Aug 2007)
* Let each denominations decide on recognizing gay marriage. (Jul 2007)
* Racial equality good for America as a whole. (Jun 2007)
* Put the Confederate flag in a museum, not the state house. (Apr 2007)
* Supports health benefits for gay civil partners. (Oct 2006)
* Muslim heritage gives Obama unique influence in Muslim world. (Oct 2006)
* Opposes gay marriage; supports civil union & gay equality. (Oct 2006)
* No black or white America--just United States of America. (Oct 2006)
* Marriage not a human right; non-discrimination is. (Oct 2004)
* African-Americans vote Democratic because of issue stances. (Jul 2004)
* Forthright on racial issues and on his civil rights history. (Jul 2004)
* Defend freedom and equality under law. (May 2004)
* Politicians: don't use religion to insulate from criticism. (Apr 2004)
* Supports affirmative action in colleges and government. (Jul 1998)
* Include sexual orientation in anti-discrimination laws. (Jul 1998)
* Miscegenation a felony in 1960 when Obamas practiced it. (Aug 1996)
* The civil rights movement was a success. (Aug 1996)
* Voted NO on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
* Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
(He also voted No on both Alito and Roberts)

[zulchzulu]

90. Thanks for posting that! n/t

[bliss_eternal]

82. Perhaps. But glbt members are entitled to their feelings....

...and concerns on this issue. :)

[LeftCoast]

86. So what you seem to be saying is that he talks a good talk, but

when it comes to action...not so much.

:shrug:

[zulchzulu]

87. Nonsense...look at his voting record

Read it again.

It's one thing to talk about supporting LGBT rights and it's great that Obama can also back up what he says with legislation he has passed and voted on supporting what he says.

[eweaver155]

89. No, His voting record speaks for itself. Anyone can see where Obama stands

he has a good voting record in the GBLT community.

[Karenina]

98. Singing?

Are emceeing and testifying considered singing? Did Donnie go off script? :eyes: Look for the "ripple effect."

[William769]

99. Looks like this thread is a moot point now.

Just like Obama.

[phen43]

100. GO OBAMA GO

:yourock:

[NMMNG]

101. He rocks all right.

I'll bet he pays good too.