Is Barack Obama Homophobic?

chicagoangel
July 2 2007, 12:30PM

omg.

Im not voting for the man. But people reading too much into that comment. Keep on throwing issues on him. He does not have one agenda and will certainly not please everyone if he gets in office.

Go Hilary Clinton!

psun
July 2 2007, 12:38PM

When I read that, I dont see homophobia at all.

I see a married man saying that he had been tested for a sexually transmitted disease, which might cause suspicion about his character and sexual activities. So to dismiss that suspicion, he made it clear that both he and his wife got tested together.

True, he should have been able to make that statement fearlessly without a care for the potential stigma attached. But it would have inevitably ruffled feathers, then it would take months to clean that up. Adding the statement that they tested together was simple, easy and efficient.

It's too late in the game to cause a ruckus unnecessarily. And there wasn't anything inherently wrong with his statment.

I dont think he is homophobic at all.

ramsueno
July 2 2007, 12:41PM

The clarification is probably because he's in a committed relationship with one sexual partner, monogamously, then the need to take the test more than once during that time isn't a priority unless something changes in one partner's possible exposure (i.e. sleeping around) that would give them the need to take another test. I think his comments were just a clarification on this point and not homophobic. Had he not added that, I'm sure they would have jumped on WHY he had the test and started looking around the country for people with an "I fucked Obama" t-shirts...

ALLEGRO
July 2 2007, 12:43PM

First of all...I think it would have been more responsible of you to have found a clip of the scene you described before writing about it. I think it would have better informed you.

I don't know why people are making such a big deal about OBAMA making that statement and taggig it as homophobic.

OBAMA was merely giving an explanation as to what were the circumstances behind why he got tested. I mean as a married man with children what would he need to get tested for. Yes in this day and age we know that doesn't mean a whole lot. But to have that out there without any real explanation would only beckon the question....WHY WOULD HE BE TESTED? Seemed more like a proactive statement on his part than knee jerk reaction.

It's not even about his sexuality being in question but heading off any idea he's done anything to put his status into question...whether it be with a man or woman.

cmoney
July 2 2007, 12:48PM

I find Obama's extemporaneous remarks awkward in general. He should stay on script, he's not good at off the cuff remarks. In this case, I think he was responding to Joe Biden, who has a way of making stupid comments and insinuating things. Remember Biden had already referred to Obama as "clean" and "articulate" in the past. Biden mentioned that he had been tested and then put it out there that Obama had been tested. I think the suggestion or joke that Obama was trying to clear up was that he and Biden did not get tested together. Biden made it seem like he and Obama had a reason to get tested together. The joke fell flat. As for being homophobic, I don't think denying you are gay (if you really are not) is necessarily homophobic. It's just the truth. But it is close to the line. There are ways saying I'm not gay and then there's "Oh hell no, I aint gay!" Obama just needs to avoid Joe Biden (as we all should).

cward
July 2 2007, 12:50PM

Obama homophobic maybe…maybe not; the sad reality is that everything that he says in public has to weighed. He is running for the President of the US not class treasurer, he knows that most gays are democratic and will not vote Republican no matter what; therefore he does not have to make any “grand” gestures of support. In addition he does not have to do this these same positive actions with Black America. Obama and his people know that the average Black American is going to vote for him because of the color of skin and his democratic standing. These votes are taken for granted and cashed in. Hilary is relying on this as well due to her husband’s popularity with Blacks and gays.

The amount of money that they have raised is clearly disturbing to me, candidates should be required to stop at a determined step, say $25 million and even that is staggering! By the way who do you think gave them this money special interest groups to do their bidding; plain and simple.

VOTE EDWARDS 2008!!

Rev. Kevin E. Taylor
July 2 2007, 1:23PM

Is OBAMA homophobic?!

YES!

Not because of this statement alone, which clearly was tinged with level of "issue" because the moderator felt the immediate need to response.

I have issue with Sen. Obama because he is against full marriage equality! The abomination of his stance is that THAT STANCE from someone else IN HIS OWN LIFETIME would have insured that his parents would never have been able to marry or procreate and THUS we wouldn't even be debating the good Senator BECAUSE HE WOULDN'T EXIST!

Interracial marriage had ALL of the same vile and volatile thrown at the subject in this country and yet we stood up, as Americans, and did the right thing! The fact the Sen. Barack Obama could take this stance, having written about how it affected his own parents, is appalling!!!

I know that so many are on his bandwagon right now, but I have been leaning towards Sen. Clinton, and he keeps tilting me further!

Regan DuCasse
July 2 2007, 1:28PM

I think that educated, successful, highly intelligent and ambitious people like the Presidential candidates, shouldn't be fumbling and mumbling and losing their articulation over the issue of gay, voting, taxpaying citizens in America.

Look around, there is more articulation, support and undying loyality to illegal aliens more than gay citizens!

I'm not going to buy token gay employees who run their campaigns. I'm not buying ultra liberal support for illegal aliens along WITH gay citizens as if all the issues are lumped together.
And I"m NOT voting for any candidate...most of whom have LAW DEGREES, that can't defend a gay citizen in the court of public opinion!

Reginald Naji-Allah
July 2 2007, 1:36PM

Barak Obama is NOT Homophobic!!! He is a Black Male in America who knows all too painfully that We ARE GUILTY of CRIMES WE HAVEN'T COMMITTED. When we walk down the street and a white woman clutches her bag, WE ARE GUILTY OF BEING A THIEF or PHYSICAL THREAT. When we hail a cab in New York, and the Cab driver passes us up to pick up a white person, WE ARE GUILTY OF EITHER BEING A POOR TIPPER, OR BEING A ARMED ROBBER PLANNING TO LURE THE CAB DRIVER INTO HARLEM TO RIP HIM OFF. And if we take a HIV Test, WE ARE GUILTY OF HAVING A SECRET AND LUCIVIOUS SEX LIFE ON THE "DOWN LOW". Barak's reaction showed us all that he has not forgotten that he is a Black Man in America first. The Black Male Presidential Candidate. He knows that all the hype around him is supperficial and can be easily put aside when things get down to real issues and he gets closer and closer to getting the democratic nomination for President or More likel Vice-President. I see an Edwartds

Derrick from Philly
July 2 2007, 1:42PM

Barack aint no more homophobic than Al Gore, John Kerry, Bill Clinton, or Michael Dukakis.

Hilary was cute at the debate...I liked her...I was suprised. If anybody should be getting regular HIV testing it's Bubba. No! No! Not our Bubba here on Keith's blog. I'm talking about Hilary's Bubba.

t-bag
July 2 2007, 1:51PM

I actually saw the debate on t.v. and I'm not gonna lie it was HEAVILY implied that when he said that he was trying to insinuate that he was not gay and that he was trying to come off as overly heterosexual. Honestly it was a very awkard response and I think Joe Biden picked up on it as well because he was really trying to stir it back on the importance of HIV testing but Obama seemed more interested in clarifying his heterosexuality. Obama may be sympathetic towards the LGBT community but he certainty is 100% comfortable with them as evidenced by those off the cuff remarks.

LJ
July 2 2007, 2:04PM

Obama isn't homophobic, at least this situation doesn't show that he is. All he was trying to do was clarify himself before someone took everything out of context and turned it into some kind of gay adulterous scandal. And you know someone would have.
But it backfired anyway because now people are taking it out of context and speculating that he's homophobic rather than that he has gay sexual tendencies. I guess it was bound to go one way or the other as ridiculous as it is.

LJ
July 2 2007, 2:05PM

Obama isn't homophobic, at least this situation doesn't show that he is. All he was trying to do was clarify himself before someone took everything out of context and turned it into some kind of gay adulterous scandal. And you know someone would have.
But it backfired anyway because now people are taking it out of context and speculating that he's homophobic rather than that he has gay sexual tendencies. I guess it was bound to go one way or the other as ridiculous as it is.

saint james
July 2 2007, 2:05PM

Perhaps Barak is just gossip phobic. I agree with Ramsueno's observation about the fallout of an unclear reason as to why Obama was tested.
As far as Barak Obama being homophobic because he opposes gay marriage; is it possible that he doesn't want the cultural definition of marraige to become re-defined because of his personal view of what marriage is. Yes, there have been laws to prevent his parents from being married in the past but the gender of the persons requesting such a union or being denied the same was always a male and female. I am not a homophobe or a hater or anyother epithet that could be thrown at me for my comments on this subject. There are people who do not believe the definition of marriage should be expanded beyond what this country had defined as such for hundreds of years. The Mormons also attempted to expand upon the marriage issue using biblical patriarchs as examples. They too were rejected.

bubba
July 2 2007, 2:09PM

No comment, Derrick. LOL.
Homophobia because the world assumes married black men are on secret sexual suicide missions? I think not. Even if so, why does "down low" only apply to gay affairs? The joke was a well placed aside to acknowledge that Obama is responsible, and includes his wife in matters pertaining to THEIR sex life. If you want to assign homophobia to this man, look no further than his response when Oprah asked him about gay marriage. He said it's not something the country is ready for. I wish he could tell me when I stopped being a citizen of this country.

Ronnie
July 2 2007, 2:14PM

First, why did Joe Biden find it necessary to say he got an HIV test with Obama? Obama was smart to counter, whether homophobic or not, to say he got a test with his wife. When a couple, a BLACK COUPLE goes into have a HIV test that definitely shows the beauty of a healthy and happy black relationship. I loved Obama at the debate because he was the only one who didn't change his message to respond solely to the African American community. He continued all night to say that what America needs is a President/ Leader that cares about everyone. I like that this debate was held at Howard, but I dislike the fact that our community tries to make Obama put black issues first like Rev. Al. I understand why, but we need to stop saying is this man black enough. He's black. You can see that, and he has worked on behalf of black people in the past. This is like 50 Cent saying Oprah isn't Black because she questions rappers motives. Obama is brilliant. Everyone watch out how investigations start because Obama has more $$$

Deacon
July 2 2007, 2:23PM

As one who did see the debate Obama's remark was in responce to a comment made by Sem. Joe Biden, Biden had made the comment that that he and Obama had been test for HIV, Obama then made the comment about being tested with his wife, there was nothing homophobic about it.

Cocoa Rican
July 2 2007, 2:26PM

Keith, I think you’re respect for the man is stifling your ability to take a true stand in what is clearly homophobia and ignorance. His response should simply have been, “Yes, I’ve been tested and everyone should be.” To add details that would allegedly clarify his reasons for testing simply proves that he cannot convincingly lead America to a place where AIDS awareness and treatment are for EVERYONE – regardless of race, sexual orientation, etc. Also, someone made a comment that AIDS was an STD and it is not. It can be transmitted sexually, but it is not exclusively a sexually transmitted disease. That would be like classifying cervical cancer as an STD because it derives from polyps brought about my genital warts transmitted during sexual intercourse. Let’s keep it real y’all. There are children born with AIDS and I don’t believe they are sexually active as yet.

T. Zac
July 2 2007, 2:59PM

I think this comment is not homophobic, I think it was good that he mentioned he got tested with his wife because African-American women are contracting HIV/AIDS in the highest numbers. It shows that they are both responsible. People shouldn't read too much into it.

Reginald Naji-Allah
July 2 2007, 3:03PM

Barak Obama is NOT Homophobic!!! He is a Black man in America. His comment shows he still realizes that as a black male in America he is guilty of crimes that haven't even been committed yet. WHEN A WHITE WOMAN CLUTCHES HER PURSES AS WE COME NEAR, SAYS WE ARE GUILTY OF BEING A THIEF OR PHYSICAL THREAT. WHEN A CAB DRIVER IN NEW YORK PASSES A BLACK MAN FOR A WHITE MAN, WE ARE GUILTY FOR BEING A BAD TIPPER, NOT BEING ABLE TO PAY THE FARE, OR WORSE, A ARMED ROBBER TRYING TO LURE THE CASB DRIVER TO HARLEM TO RIP HIM OFF. Barak Is simply letting everyone know that he has not bought into the hype about him, and remembers that he is and will always will be the Black Male President Candidate and that as he gets closer and closer to the Convention his whole life and identity can be taken from him. Admitting to a HIv test can make him GUILTY OF HAVING A SECRET, "DOWN LOW" SEXUALY LIFESTYLE. I think it is great that he still acknoweledges that he is vulnerable to the same racism as every other black male.

blackscholar0306
July 2 2007, 3:15PM

Is it possible that he didn't want anyone to assume that perhaps he's cheated on his wife. Why must there be a jump to such a question? Sometimes we can really go overboard.

Joseph
July 2 2007, 3:32PM

I'm for Obama all the way and I dont think his comments were homophobic especially looking at the fact that he mentioned how homophobia is leading to the rise of HIV/AIDS

chicagoangel
July 2 2007, 3:36PM

im a gay black male...and i do not care for gay marriage.

gay people are so quick to lable someone a homophobe for not agreeing with gay marriage just like black folks quick to yell racism

madprofessah
July 2 2007, 3:56PM

I don't think Obama is homophobic, but he definitely missed an opportunity to educate the public about homophobia and AIDS in the Black community and beyond.

It's exactly those kind of moments that one looks for in a debate becasuse 90% of the time there's absolutely nothing of interest going on. Frankly, I'm surprised he wasn't quicker on his feet. Experience shows, I guess. Contrast his debate performance with Hillary Clinton's and you'll see what I mean.

Gary Paul
July 2 2007, 4:06PM

Quite honestly, I'm not impressed with any of the candidates. Since the dems came into power, they've done nothing to end the war in Iraq nor curb W's arrogance, even at a time when his poll numbers are at an all-time low. The democratic congress has done nothing to end the federal ban on needle exchange programs to stem the spread of HIV, and abstinence only programs still get most of the education funding.

Mr. Obama is probably just as guilty as the other candidates as to their pandering for "gay" votes. As for Mrs. Clinton, until she addresses her husband's anti-gay policies--the Defense of Marriage Act and Don't Ask, Don't Tell--she'll never get my vote.

Aaron
July 2 2007, 4:14PM

I can not say if the comment was homophobic or not but as someone who was there, very sensitive to homophobic remarks, and who works with some of the more prolific strategists in this country, his comment did not send any red flags up for me on being gay.
We need to look at a deep rooted issue that this country is not over that could derail his big money earning, diversly supported campaign; A white woman has gotten waaaaayyyy too much press because she did a video with Barack's name on her ass on youtube. Think Harld Ford, Jr./ Think Birth of a Nation/ Think image of strong Family becoming an image of a "stereotypical" BLACK family where daddy has so much sex he gets tested with his buddies. Yes he should have clarified LOUDLY, as he did, because Biden knew what the Hell he was doing. These are not stupid people, they are very calculating, cunning and manipulative with the thought that you are stupid.

Andy
July 2 2007, 4:34PM

Why is it homophobic? This is yet another case of people reading in between the lines. Just who was he to be tested with, his housekeeper? I think that it was the right remark for the procedure, as to me, it showed that even monogamous couples need to be tested at least once. And, it also shows that even with a supposedly monogamous couple, people can creep. And, why ios it homopbic for any staright man to say hios "wife?" Child please, too much drama over nothing.

Mind you I don't see him winning, nor me voting for him or his rival Hillary since i still say neither has a chance of winning, but, hats off to him for even speaking about HIV, still of which seems to be a taboo subject in some circles, and testing is needed by the "famous" to get the fear out of it among those who think they are immune to it, especially those with a mulitude of partners and not praticing safe sex.

Mikey
July 2 2007, 4:35PM

I saw the debate last Thursday and when Barack Obama made that statement I too was on alert wondering if he was perhaps homophobic, but yeah I have to agree with Keith that I think he's no more homophobic than any straight person. But I must say the more I read into these candidates and in their platform I'm starting to lean toward a support toward Dennis Kucinich. Not only is he very gay friendly, but his platform seems to me to be the best out of the other candidates. Also do you people realize that if Hillary gains the nomination and perhaps even wins that for the past 24 years up to 2012 there would have been nothing but Clinton's and Bush's in the White House? I for one want a new change, and I don't think Barack is there yet, and I do think everybody is riding his coat tails is because he's black, cause I mean what do we REALLY know about him? Nothing.

lala
July 2 2007, 4:37PM

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7033732426595792502&q=PBS+Democratic+Debates+Barack+Obama&total=3&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

Bibbylicious
July 2 2007, 4:38PM

Barack's joke-- and that's what it was-- did undermine his comment about homophobia being a stigma in the black community that contributed dialogue about HIV/AIDS.

What his remark did was underscore the shame of being gay and the fundamental need to be tested.

So what if he and Joe Biden had been tested together? Friends can't go be tested together without people inferring they're a couple.

Funny joke on the surface. Stigmatizing joke on a deeper level.

Moran
July 2 2007, 4:54PM

THIS IS REALLY STUPID. He was saying he got tested with his wife because the only time someone who is married would think to get tested is if they step outside the relationship.

The comment had NOTHING to do with gay people. Get over yourselves.

Hashim
July 2 2007, 4:56PM

You should watch the actual video first before you comment further on it.

LB
July 2 2007, 5:11PM

T-Bag's comment Hit it on the mark. He did NOT want anyone to think he was Gay...that was clear when you saw the debate!

Zeke
July 2 2007, 7:45PM

Obama may or may not be homophobic. I was at the General Synod of the United Church of Christ where everyone was ecstatic about Obama's, a UCC member's speech. He listed off "all" of the UCC's courageous stands throughout the years from being the most active Christian denomination in the abolition and underground railroad movement, to ordaining the first African-American and woman pastor of a mainline denomination, and many other courageous stands for social justice. He avoided, like the plague, ANY mention of the UCC's courageous stands on gay issues, including being the first mainline denomination to ordain a gay man and the first, and only, mainline denomination to officially endorse legal AND spiritual marriage equality. BELIEVE ME, the audience noticed his ommissions. To add insult to injury he said, "We are still struggling with how to be 'welcoming'" to which the audience audibly moaned because "welcoming" is the conservative response to our "open and affirming" language.

Zeke
July 2 2007, 8:17PM

The buzz around the Synod after his speech was utter disappointment. We had such high hopes but were left feeling like he was happy to brag about our courageous stands for racial equality but not so proud of our stands for GLBT equality.

Bill Moyer's, another speaker at the Synod, blew Obama away by making a speech where he told us to be proud of our progressive and courageous Christianity INCLUDING our positions on social justice and FULL inclusion for our GLBT brothers and sisters.

Chicagoangel, I'm curious, is your aversion to "gay marriage" (a misnomer) is a personal or religious conviction that would simply preclude YOU from getting married to a person of the same sex or would you wish to deny civil marriage to ALL gay couples based on your personal opinion. I could understand the former but I wouldn't understand the latter. The former would be a personal conviction the latter would be a moralistic intrusion into other people's, and other people's family's, lives.

Tyler
July 2 2007, 9:54PM

Belenky is right. It's immature, not necessarily homophobic in the political sense. It's the kind of "guy" joke that speaks more to your first point Keith that to the extent this society is homophobic, so is Obama. That said...it is about time he stopped hedging his bets and be the candidate we all know he can be.

RhanW
July 2 2007, 9:59PM

I do not think that his response had any hint of homophobia in it. Have we gotten so sensative these days that we put everything that is said under a microscope? I continue to ask this why is it with all the candidates that are out there why is it that we continue to only ask these hard questions of Barack. The scrutiny that we have put under the only African-American candidate is only fair if it is asked of his caucasian counterparts. We as the voting LGBT public must ask these questions of ALL the candidates (Democratic, Republican and Independent). What are any of them doing to address the LGBT voters.

anon-no-more
July 2 2007, 9:59PM

I watched the debate. But, in these comments many of you are getting the details wrong. Joe Biden never said that he and Obama got tested TOGETHER. JOe mention that he had gotten tested and then said that Obama has also gotten tested. Joe Biden never said they were tested together or even at the same time. Then when Obama mentioned that he was tested with his wife, he also mentioned that they were tested while on a trip in Africa.

When I heard all of this in the debate, the first thing that came to mind was Obama wanted to clarify this because he didn't want anyone thinking he was gay and "needed" to be tested.

After thinking about this I remember that the reason Obama and his wife were tested in Africa was to make the point to the local population in Africa that they should all get tested too. That there should not be any stigma attached to getting tested. And also that it isn't dangerous to get tested. But, none of this was made clear in his comments at the debate.

Andre L.
July 3 2007, 12:20AM

Are you kidding me?

I think the headline of this blog entry is irresponsible, misleading, and tabloid-esque.

Upset and disappointed,

Andre L.

Terrence
July 3 2007, 1:10AM

Prior to this comment, which I can't determine is or isn't homophobic, I've always thought Barack was homophobic - even if just a little.

Anytime a person is for allowing homosexuals "civil unions", no matter how you dress it up, but not real marriage like heterosexuals, he or she is homophobic. You think of gays and lesbians as less when you can't have a backbone to say that gays and lesbians deserve marriage equality.

Sorry, but if I wanted to marry, I don't want crumbs. I want the whole enchilada.

right thinker
July 3 2007, 1:14AM

I don't blame Obama. For sure, he wanted to make it clear that he wasn't a gay man. That would mean the death of his candidacy. Plus, any straight man would want to make clear to the public that he was not a homosexual. The same way lots of homosexuals want everyone to know they are gay.

Furthermore, Obama realizes that gay marriage is a non-issue that is used to just polarize the country. Instead of talking about health care, education, and the war in Iraq. . .republicans would just want to talk about gay marriage.

Give Obama a break and stop being offended!!! You all better get used to him, he's gonna be our next president ;)

PDQ
July 3 2007, 1:38AM

We need to encourage more people to get tested - both gay and straight. My understanding of Obama's getting tested with his wife was that they were trying to overcome the stigma that comes with taking an HIV test. The suggestion is that if you're being tested you're either gay, sleeping around or an IV drug user. But we all know that isn't the case necessarily. Especially with women who contract it from their lowlife, DL husbands and boyfriends.

Obama's running for President of the United States. We expect our Presidents to be men (so far) of character (with the notable exception of the current retard-in-office). Obama did something that until this campaign was unthinkable. He clarified that he took an HIV test WITH his wife, which should in theory make women more comfortable with the idea of getting tested. And yet he still gets bashed.

If a gay man were running for President and he said he got tested with his partner would you bash him too?

Give me a fucking break people.

Michael P.
July 3 2007, 2:14AM

Senator Obama belongs to the United Church of Christ. Is anyone familiar with that denomination's stances on gay-related issues? I am. Maybe you should be, too.

Les B.
July 3 2007, 2:18AM

cmoney explained the context of Obama's comment as close to what actually occured. It was in response to Joe Biden's own - "Oh so passionate" statement about having being tested for HIV, while at the same time dragging Obama into the scene to buffer the possible scrutiny he might received. Barack knew it right away, hence his facial expression - and then took the chance to humourously let it be known that he was with his wife. If Hillary had prompted that response, would it still have been considered homophobic? I could see the headlines "Obama denies having an affair with Hillary"
Note too that Joe Biden also added his disclaimer about testing because he had blood transfusion.

Zeke
July 3 2007, 10:20AM

Michael P, you might want to read my two comments above.

He may be UCC but he doesn't personally reflect the UCC's positions on GLBT issues. Nor does Trinity UCC in Chicago, his home church.

The UCC as a denomination is VERY gay positive but there are individual congregations, including Trinity, that aren't.

brian
July 3 2007, 4:20PM

it appears to me that black people and gay black people are trying to find reasons to not vote for this bi-racially black man-chicagoangel; i guess it was not enough that your government has reversed a critical decision for all black people which Obama stated in a debate. but i guess we have overcome and are no longer in need of protection under the law especially under this administration. good luck to all those people who are having children in this day and age. brian

Alex
July 3 2007, 11:28PM

Why is everything taken so seriously and over the top. He got tested for HIV in Africa to show people around the world that there is no stigma in doing so. Has Hillary? Has Edwards? He clarified that it was with his wife because 1, Biden is an idiot, 2, it was a light and funny thing to say and showed good comic timing while humanizing. And 3, we know the media would have spun this to make some insinuations if he hadn't.

And if you hadn't seen the debate keep the judgment to yourself.

Desktop pundits need to get over themselves.

a
July 4 2007, 12:09AM

yeah, i have to agree. i see no homophobia in that statement at all. sorry keith.

a
July 4 2007, 12:10AM

yeah, i have to agree. i see no homophobia in that statement at all. sorry keith.

Dave
July 4 2007, 2:53AM

Keith, you should be ashamed of yourself for this. This is a classic Fox News tactic. Asking an outrageous question like this in order to discredit Obama. I didn't think you were that desperate for readers. I feel like I am reading Inside Edition or something.

What if I ask this question:

Is Keith Boykin Jealous of Barack Obama's Success?

Please don't resort to this type of thing again. I am disappointed.

Your friend,

Dave

latisha
July 6 2007, 9:21AM

Oh goodness how is that being homophobic? Because he mentioned his wife? He is married after all? What happened to being able to promote marriage in the so called "traditional" sense?

This does not give evidence that Obama is homophobic. It only serves to prove that he is not ashamed of his marriage and the fact that he and his wife can and will be tested together. To think otherwise is just crazy.

Here is a married Black man who is not only able to suggest to an audience that HIV/AIDS testing is something that we ALL need to do (not just Blacks) but something that we should be able to do with out spouses as well. It shows a positive response of support for marriage and communication between a couple.

Blue
July 6 2007, 11:17AM

I don't think he is homophobic, per se, but I do think he's a hell of a lot more conservative than folks think he is. I think as time moves forward and he wants to court more white folks, we will start seeing his true colors. I do think the comment was suspect, but I think there are a lot of men who would have probably said the same thing. The difference, I guess, its that he's running for president, ha ha. I do think the reason that black men don't get tested is because they automatically assume folks will think they fuck around, which is dumb. But, that's black folk for you, so it is what it is.

Tavia
July 6 2007, 6:36PM

No one has really mentioned the fact that Obama also clarified that he took the test in Africa. He did so at the request of the CDC during a visit, in order to reduce the stigma of HIV testing there. There are posters up in health clinics in Kenya with his and Michele's picture and the caption: Obama and his wife know their status. Do you? Oprah did the same thing. This was before he announced for president, and frankly, I think he was just a little surprised when it was brought up in a US context, and momentarily embarassed. I think he overreacted to his embarassment and inadvertently underscored the very point he was making a moment earlier, about the stigma of getting tested.

Asking whether he is homophobic is beside the point. But excusing the remark as the natural response of a married man is problematic. Marriage, heterosexuality, and faithfulness to one's partner are no protection against HIV infection, and no reason not to get tested.

Oscar
July 7 2007, 1:39PM

I don't believe that his remark was homophobic... I believe that he was immediately replying to an imminent stereotype that black males still face in todays society. of Promiscuity, be it on the down low or simply a philanderer. He was making it clear that he had not put his lower extremities ahead of his love and the commitment he had for his wife/partner.