Not A Smart Move

Bernie
October 24 2007, 10:02PM

Uhm...is Donna Brazile affiliated with anyone's campaign these days? If not, Obama needs to give her a call REAL DAMN FAST. His campaign is lacking some serious management.

Huey
October 24 2007, 10:27PM

Actually, a bigger question is why would the HRC select a white gay man to speak to this particular audience? The act itself smells. The speaker before this type of audience should be a black friend or parent of a gay or lesbian of African descent. The speaker should be a black pastor challenging homophobia in many black churhes. The speaker should be an open gay or lesbian of African descent. Shouldn't simple common sense have dictated this line of thinking.

Of course, behind the scenes, Obama's campaign squad of advisors is mainly white, even the gay and lesbian members with his campaign. I guess this explains a great deal about Obama and worries me a bit.

Darnell
October 24 2007, 10:58PM

I don't know what I find more odd, Obama's showing up on this tour, or the HRC having the nerve to have an opinion and then dragging in some white gay man, who has no clue as to what this issue even means to black lesbians and gays.

Just more of the out of touch with black gays and our issues the so called gay leadership has.

But, in the end, Obama is dropping in polls, and, its not as if too many of the white gays were going to vote for him in the first place, Hill's got that voted locked up, so, this whole silly tour and now the giving into the HRC is really much ado about nothing. And, Obama is looking like a total chump who will give in to anyone for a vote.

A white gay man telling the black church goers to be tolerant, when the majority of his own aren't about blacks gay or straight, now that's as big a joke as you can find in this silly race for the WH.

Obama=Mitt=total flip floppers!

defense
October 24 2007, 11:43PM

i guess you didn't see that coming, keith, in your post political strategy list. a clear example of hatred and hypocrisy in america. or maybe he's trying to show for the non-voters of america league by proving the notion of the lesser of two evils: dumb and dumber.

sglfreedomfighter
October 25 2007, 12:06AM

Obama is in a no win situation either way he goes, I don't think dis-inviting Donnie McClurkin is the answer, finding balance and inclusiveness is where the true healing begins.. agree with Bernie, Obama's camp needs to look to people different than those who are advising him on now. Obama/NBJC could have reached out to Bishop Yvette Flunder, a renowned gospel singer, and openly gay/ same gender loving minister with a message of inclusion. NBJC should take the lead on this issue and suggest other appropriate individuals and not get cought up in who not to include. My other question is why is HRC taking the lead on this , what is their track record in the black gay / same gender loving community? and why didn't NBJC recommend a black gay / same gender loving gospel singer, probaly because the majority of them are in the closet in their own church, again a no win situation.

Sandy
October 25 2007, 12:58AM

Ok, I don't understand the reason behind adding the Rev. Sidden to this event. I am donor member of the Human Rights Campaign. Their involvement in this particular issue is also baffling to me. Of all the people who could have added substance to this event, why the Rev. Sidden?
Mr. Obama has a real chance to maximize his message(The Audacity of Hope) before this particular audience. I always hope that some of these church folk will realize that they can not improve on God's work. Nothing they do will ever change how God made some me.
Mr. Obama still has some time left to make a meaningful choice of guest speaker. My emphasis is on Mr. Obama making the choice.
I am really concerned that this event has caused what may become an irrevocable split between him and the black gay and lesbian community.

sglfreedomfighter
October 25 2007, 3:39AM

Forgive me for stating the obvious, the event has nothing to do with the black gay community, Obama is attempting to attract a black church base that for all intensive purposes the Clinton's via Bill has maintained and he has learned from the mistake that Kerry and Gore made by coming to the black church in the 11th hour. Most christians take the same postion that both Mcclurkin and Mary Mary take and that should be to no suprise to anyone. The other question that needs consideration is does the black gay community have a power base large enough to sway an election one way or another. Malcom X said just simply being at the table does not make you a diner, in the black gay community are we at the table to watch others eat or are we partaking in the feast of inclusivness, nooses don't care if the hang a black gay neck or a black neck its one and the same.

chris
October 25 2007, 4:36AM

HRC....HUH

Why their asses aren't trying to tackle RACISM in the gay community?
Where were they when Michael Sandy was killed and the trial occurred?
Why do they seem to show up for Blacks when it's a case making them look good to have US FIGHT AMONGST each other?

This is really much to do about nothing. However, I am concerned about the white pastor speaking and that Obama doesn't really have any Blk LGBT on his staff.

You will never have a popular Gospel, or Christian singer support HOMOSEXUALITY and you never will! So we need to know God for ourselves and MOVE FORWARD!!!! this is why the bible says "Trust in the Lord with all of thine heart and LEAD NOT To your own understanding and in all of thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path"

chris
October 25 2007, 5:41AM

I'm sorry I'm still with Obama because this will be the only chance for a long time that a black person can and will be considered for this position.
As far as I'm concerned before anything to I am a BLACK MAN who is Gay. But GAY does not equate most of my problems to my daily living. But being Black does in many ways as well as the rest of you. Maybe when we can be ONE LGBT community then the fighting and resistance to those that have issues with us can make the struggle seem like something worth the fight!

P.S Hilary doesn't support GAY MARRIAGE neither GO FIGURE children!!!!! The lesser of 2 evils.

With that said. I wish you all
PEACE, LOVE, AND THE TRUE BLESSINGS FROM ABOVE!
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES

Nathan James
October 25 2007, 6:13AM

The name Kevin E. Taylor springs readily to mind here. He's a black, gay pastor in New Jersey who has been speaking tolerance and love for years now. The Obama campaign could have been reaching out to him as a way to connect with the SGL community of color...

Ostend Street
October 25 2007, 7:43AM

Pick your battles children!!!! Chris I hear you!

Luther
October 25 2007, 9:41AM

Looks like Obama has put the nail in his campaign so to speak, this is not going to play over well at all with this coward. he got himself into this hot mess with those alleged Christians who are just following the bible, and, now, he is showing just how weak he is and how he can be told what to do by gays, and white gays at that, child, you are not going to win any of the black church folks vote wit this stuff going on.

He is also doing like all the others, pandering, and, that will blow up in his face big time, he thought he was going to get some of the gay vote, all he is going to get is vilified by the gay white bloggers and their rabidly racist readers.

He should have been fighting the appointment of the racist, homophobic Southwick to the appeals court, instead of gearing up for this silly song and dance show. But, that's a black issue, and, not something he can be too vocal on as not to turn off "other" voters.

And, Chris, I hear you on both accounts, know the Lord for yourself, HRC? Please.

MidwestGuy
October 25 2007, 9:51AM

Obama is now embroiled in a battle between opposing gay groups.

This issue has now moved to what color gay Obama has. Black gays are now offended that a non-black (but gay) pastor will be attending?

Keith, I am truly having a hard time understanding you here. You, Jasmyne, and other black gays have now turned a "gospel tour" into a referendum on gays when there is no evidence to suggest otherwise.

Donnie has voiced his personal opinion (of which many people share) that I do not agree with. But, he has also stated that he does not believe gays should be discriminated against as well. He's not a lawmaker so for me, that's enough.

You all continue to suffer from very poor, counterproductive, strategies.

From what I continue to see, there is a struggle for gay power and black gays continue to be on the losing end.

This isn't just a you issue though.

It is a reflection on blacks as a whole. We never seem able to strategize so that we aren't hurting ourselves in the long-term.

TR
October 25 2007, 10:06AM

Donnie McClurkin has basically said that he does not hate gays but they are not welcome in his church. Do you have any idea what kind of power that message has for people who follow McClurkin? His intent may not be hateful but his words empower people to hate and discriminate under the guise of religion -- and this is the real danger.

There is no way that a true humanitarian who values individual freedoms and separation of church and state would for a second associate himself with someone who foments this kind of bigotry. End of Story. For Obama to do so is an enormous red flag that bares immense scrutiny.

TheRevKev, UFCNB
October 25 2007, 10:41AM

THIS IS OFFICIALLY ENOUGH!

I am finished with Senator Barack Obama. He's an ill-advised idiot who isn't any more prepared to make change than he is to stand up for truth!

I am saddened today. To invite a WHITE GAY PREACHER to a Black Gospel event, when there are preachers AROUND THE COUNTRY who are Black, Gay, Open and Christian, is just stupid, inane, pitiful, deplorable and just plain ignorant.

I am working on an article entitled "OBAMANATION: BARACK'S UNACCEPTABLE STANCE OF LGBT ISSUES!" Look out for it because I was going to write it after he talked about how he couldn't support marriage, but would "be okay" with civil unions.

NOW, I'M PISSED!

Let's get it on!
Love, Elder Kevin E. Taylor, Pastor
Unity Fellowship Church New Brunswick, NJ

bellah
October 25 2007, 10:50AM

STUPID, STUPID AND STUPID.

MidwestGuy
October 25 2007, 11:13AM

Elder Reverend Kevin E. Taylor, I am surprised that a man of the cloth would use such language.

Is that the message you spread to your congregants?

Do you think that white people shouldn't be allowed to participate in black events?

That's very "God is Love" like of you.

Maybe your church is more fundamentalist so that sort of rhetoric works well in the pulpit.

Jaye
October 25 2007, 11:17AM

Elder Kevin E. Taylor, I TOTALLY agree with your thoughts and comments concerning this issue. You're so right, enough IS enough! Can't wait to read your article. Keep up the great work that you do!

Myra
October 25 2007, 11:25AM

I'm with Luther, instead of being so worried about who he is on stage with, we need to be focused on real issues, like this Southwick bigot, who will be on the Supreme Court is the GOP is reinstalled in that big plantation house on Pennsylvania Ave. That's the main battle, activist judges like Roberts, or impartial?

I have to admit, I would actually pay to see how that crowd is going to react to that white gay man, talk about one hot mess!

I would have respected Obama more had he stood his ground, giving into the HRC shows, he is just another politician, and, he has the "audacity" to say he is different?

Anything for a vote, and, people need to let this black church stuff go, and, find your path to the Lord, and, or find a church that is welcoming to you. Those narrow minded church folks aren't going to change over night, if ever, no matter how much love and respect we show them in this disagreement.

And, Rev Kev, good to let it out, none of the front runners are pro-gay other than lip service.

BlkChi
October 25 2007, 12:23PM

My goodness!!! This gets worse by the second!!!

I'm saddened (but not surprised) that the black and Christian media have gone the silent route on this issue (as usual). I would have loved to see some balanced discussion of this issue.

I am Glad to see this being covered here from a campaign perspective. This latest development is ludicrous... I have a friend in SC who plans on attending the concert... I really want to hear how this whole thing pans out!

bubba
October 25 2007, 1:12PM

For all you folks who were ready to turn a blind eye while Obama embraced the anti-gay contingent, you're getting what you deserve: a candidate who's making a fool out of you.

Blue
October 25 2007, 2:17PM

Oh my ... I think I gotta marinate on this one before I even offer a real comment. But my first reaction? What the fuck?

Joseph
October 25 2007, 2:27PM

I write this as a proud African American, Same Gender Loving, Christ Influenced Man. Was I dissapointed to hear that Barack had chosen Donnie, Mary Mary, and Hezekiah Walker for this tour - YES but does this mean Barack is a homophobe - NO. Barack has passionately and sincerely spoken out about homophobia in gay and mainstream press and I believe that I as a black gay men fit into his dream for America. Like it or not Barack needs to reach the black church and Donnie, Mary Mary, and Hezekiah are three of the biggest gospel artists out right now. Also not all of the acts on this tour are homophobic Byron Cage is affirming of gay people and our struggles and The Mighty Clouds of Joy as far as I know are neutral on the subject so we shouldnt be so quick to pull away from Barack Obama and label him anit-gay or a homophobe because he still is the best candidate for the job and is the change America needs. Let's not do to Barack Obama what we did to Patti LaBelle.

Mark
October 25 2007, 2:30PM

This issue of anti-gay rhetoric needs to be settled within the black community, and, while I don't have as big a problem with a grown man who calls himself Donnie as I do with the ilk of Eddie Long's, I don't think that its as egregious an issue as some may think it. getting the HRC involved is just weird, since, they can't combat or even own up to the virulent racism in the gay community, just how and who are they to send in this guy to teach anyone about tolerance?

Mr. Obama, needs some real black people working with him,and, some black gays in the mix as well, and, I would have thought that his wife would have had a clue of influence on him on this sort of issue, I guess not. But, the only people at that he has to answer to are his constituents in eh state of Illinois, since, this ill advised run for the WH is pretty much over with just about every poll that matters saying Clinton has the nomination locked up.

Derrick from PHIlly
October 25 2007, 2:59PM

I'm sorry, I keep thinking,"By the time of the Iowa Caucuses, who the hell will remember this bullshit?" It was a complete f___kup by the Obama campaign. They cannot remove the idiot McClurkin from the tour because it would offend the very people Obama's trying to woo. As for the white preacher, black church folks have always loved sissy white preachers--with toupees. The flimflam Bible bitches used have sell out crowds at The MET here in North Philly. After the South Carolina Primary NO Democrat running for president may ever step foot in that reddest of red states again.

By February, we'll all be talking about whether the nomination is locked up in Hillary's couc...whatever.
Oh, and of course, we'll be discussing Ms Berry's 2nd Oscar nomination. Won't we, j?

Raka
October 25 2007, 3:21PM

First of all, Mark, at this time five years ago, Howard Dean had the nomination "locked up." Clinton's nomination is only inevitable if people say it is. No one has voted yet!

Second of all, to many of the rest of you -- yeah, Obama screwed up here in a major way. Yeah, he should be repudiating McClurkin. But if you're all waiting for the perfect candidate to come along, we're going to be inaugurating a Republican in 2009. Get some context, y'all. There are a few other minor issues to worry about -- like, I don't know, maybe entrenched racism, military and environmental apocalypse, and people dying from financial neglect in New Orleans and around the globe.

Mark
October 25 2007, 3:25PM

Well, I can say that I am grateful and sadden by the comments here. Grateful because at least a few recognize that this has been given fire that really should have never been there in the first place. When did this become an anti-gay function? It is to gain more votes from a group of people who can influence the way the outcome sways. I am sadden because we can be just as judgemental as those who judge us. We automatically assume that because Sen. Obama has invited someone to this function that he shares their views, even when he stated HE DOESN'T. Also, it is very sad that a reverend would go on a tangent on a message board and use such language because his ego has been damaged. Wake up folks, the good senator can do what we want and piss off others or do what they want and piss us off. What the hell can he do that will make everyong happy? But, if you ask me, Keith Boykin would make a great speaker at the event. My opinion.

Robert H.
October 25 2007, 3:27PM

Obama, needs to get someone on his staff, who is Black & gay, who is in touch with the Black gay community, as well as the white gay establishment. If he had someone such as this advising him, I doubt that he would be in this mess ! Someone with Keith's instincts & policial savvy.

Blue
October 25 2007, 3:45PM

claycane.blogspot.com

Something tells me the shit is 'bout to hit the fan. Read the article about Miss Donnie.

MidwestGuy
October 25 2007, 4:42PM

Mark, what makes this more saddening is that a gospel concert has been turned into an anti-gay rally with GAY people leading the charge and yelling the most hateful rhetoric.

If Isaiah had called TR a queen gays would be all over it. But look at all the queen references by GAYS on this board. It's ridiculous.

Obama hasn't made any pronouncements against gays. He has clarified his support while at the same time voicing his disagreement with Donnie. That's not enough. Now gays, and sadly BLACK gays want his blood.

What in the hell?

He doesn't need Keith to speak on a damn thing though. This isn't a gay event.

It's a gospel concert.

What battle is to be won here?

Keith, what you and your cohorts need to do is find a strategy that works for black gays.

Creating a hail mary on this one just doesn't serve your agenda very well and as the term suggest reeks of desperation.

You, Jasmyne, and the rest of the black gay mafia really should be ashamed.

TY
October 25 2007, 4:43PM

Obama's experience is showing. Rather his lack of experience. As a politician you have to walk a fine line. He needs people to provide him with better guidance and PR advice. You can't be everything to all people. A politician will say whatever he wants, but his actions betray the words. If he is indeed supportive of gay rights, you would think he or his staff would do their homework. You don't see see stupid Bush spending his time with folks who don't share his beliefs.

I could go on about Donnie, but he and the rest of the ex-gay folks are a classic case of "self-hate". But this is America, you can do as you like. Yes, there is war, poverty, housing issues, etc. But if it takes this for people to pay attention to politics, than so be it. I have mixed feelings about Obama from the onset. This only adds to that for me.

Liquid Fonts
October 25 2007, 4:45PM

Everybody knows damn well Keith makes an excellent and logical choice but the hate kicks up in black folks asses when they see a gay brotha like Keith coming with standards achievement and charity..complete defiance of the stereotypical dragged out dick sucker to be pittied role they expect everybody "gay" to play.

Alto
October 25 2007, 5:01PM

MidwestGuy someone asked you this before, but I think I need to reiterate this question..Just WHY do you come to Gay Black sites such as this when I can tell you hate this aspect of life ? I would ask do you hate that you yourself feel that homosexuality has "befallen" on you..but I believe an assumption will work well here. I think you an The Captain (if you already havent) would make grreat conversation buddies. You could look at Cocodorm and throw bibles and scriptures at the T.V.

Blue
October 25 2007, 5:05PM

I see where you're coming from MidwestGuy but you gotta understand - who you align yourself with is a reflection of your value system. It does not matter what you say. Like somebody else said, would he stump with Mel Gibson if he was trying to appeal to Jews? Or Don Imus if he wanted blacks? Same applies here. His people really didn't do their fact checking and homework and they are dealing with the result. I don't know if I think he's homophobic - I just think he's tolerant, which does not necessarily equal full acceptance. Overall, as I've said for months, this is his long suppressed conservative edge coming out. It's always been there. I see what you're saying, but at the same time I think it is worth questioning and he needs to be called on it - shit, even some of my straight friends are like wtf?

Raka
October 25 2007, 5:07PM

"You don't see see [sic] stupid Bush spending his time with folks who don't share his beliefs."

So now we're saying that Obama should not spend time with folks who disagree with him?

WTF, people?

Ty
October 25 2007, 5:22PM

Raka,

Exactly. Do you see Bush appointing justices who don't share his views? Does he have advisers who don't share his views? Have you ever seen him at a gay parade? Hell, that man won't even come to a NAACP meeting. At least he's consistent. So what is Obama going to do if he is in charge? Say he supports gay folks, but put a homophobic person on staff to deal with gay issues? Yeah sound stupid, right? But it is not that different from what he's doing.

Billy
October 25 2007, 5:36PM

SGLfreedom,

I too was thinking that Yvette Flunder would have been the best choice to invite to speak on behalf of the black lgbt community. She works with HRC on several projects and she is a gospel singer/minister and she's from the COGIC where Donnie and Mary Mary were rooted from.

Andy
October 25 2007, 6:00PM

LOL @ alto! Lots of characters seem to flock to gay boards for some unknown reason, including gay ones who don't want to deal with other gays, oh well. Black gay mafia? Wrong board, you need to trot over and defend Obama on white gay bloggers boards, they have let loose, and their posters have been far less civil than the ones here. This isn't about I. Washington and his faux pas, this is about someone who has been cured with miracle olive oil of his gayness. I don't care if Obama or any other canidate shows up at a KKK meeting, or a White Party in Palm Springs to pander for votes, he is after all a politician first.

But, this man needs some backbone, show up and stand by Donnie, but, to give in to the HRC and drag in some white gay man to tell black people to open up about their hangups on homosexuality??

Can we talk about out of touch?

@Raka, one thing Dean had was a chance to win, something Obama does not, with or without this non issue, since, he is free to pander to whomever he wants for a vote

Jeff of DC
October 25 2007, 6:04PM

I am really confused about this issue. Why is there a need to have an openly gay person speak at an event held for a group who most likely share similar views with Donnie McClurkin and Mary Mary? Will this event provide a platform for Mr. McClurkin to continue his self-hate campaign? Will Mr. McClurkin be speaking to the group about his self-hate? If so, then it does make more sense to me to counter his hate with an opposing viewpoint, otherwise it's another case of the blind leading the blind.

I am bit surprised by Mr. Obama's weak attempt to appease the gay community by having a white gay man speak. It is apparent his advisors have no understanding of the racial politics within the gay community. (Keith he needs your help.) Unfortunately our political process has become a choice between the lesser of evils. Obama and Edwards are still the better looking candidates for me (literally and figuratively). Hillary just represents plain political evil.

fireblazes
October 25 2007, 6:28PM

So apparently a gay, BLACK Pastor is not black enough for you guys? He is black by the way, have you no eyes to see? Or is he just too light skinned for you?

Mark
October 25 2007, 6:30PM

Wow, this is a mess. Everybody has an opinion on what should and shouldn't be done. NOT EVERYONE IS GOING TO BE SATISFIED. I think we all can agree on that. I think what should be done is to try to understand why they chose this Rev. to be involve. Obama seems to think outside the box, and look at the big picture. It seems to me that him incorporating this white gay minister is brilliant. What better way to add diversity and show inclusion. How many times have we questioned white functions and asked where is our representation? Now, here the shoe is on the other foot and all we seem to do is stay stuck in the box. I applaud this booking this reverend, just like I would if a asian lesbian pastor or a hispanic gay priest were to show up with him.

Midwestguy
October 25 2007, 6:45PM

Alto, please refer to my post on the previous Obama article explaining WHY I come to this board. I didn't write it in Sanskrit. If you need more clarity, let me know.

The only thing many of you do is simply attack my point of view. I assume it's because you can't realistically counter any argument I've made.

Blue, I do understand. However, Donnie was asked to perform at a Gospel concert, not share his message about gays. If Obama solicited his help in campaigning, then I would have a problem w/it. If Obama changed his views about gays, I would have a problem w/it.

That has yet to happen.

The reaction from most of these black gay posters is indeed quite similar to that of the white "gay mafia" we invoke @ our convenience. That mafia sword can cut both ways.

For gays, this has become an issue of black vs. white--not gay. If he had replaced this white guy w/Keith (who's not a pastor) we would be ok.

It's hypocrital and will do nothing to drive others into our corner.

Poor strategy.

Jeff of DC
October 25 2007, 7:37PM

Mark, I have to concur. Why does it matter if the minister is black or white? Yes, I do believe that diversity is the key to breaking down the ignorance within our society ("our" meaning the greater society not just gays.) But I don't understand the need for Mr. Obama to pander to the gay community by choosing to add a gay minister to the event. It's the pandering by politicians and their desperate attempts to please all of the people all the time (Hillary Clinton) that turns me off. It's impossible to please everyone therefore you have to take a stand and live by it. Until this incident I felt Mr. Obama stood well above the crowd on the pandering issue. Now he is beginning to slide down the slippery slope. He's still above the crowd with me but too many more incidents like this will make him appear as creditable as Hillary (she's at the bottom of the slide; ask her why she voted to go to war, excuses, excuses, excuses).

markie
October 25 2007, 8:14PM

just a question, is there one black reverend in all of south carolina??

Antwan
October 25 2007, 9:33PM

sorry, this pastor they hand picked is not going to be able to deal with, nor understand why black gays are upset. the mcc isn't exactly home to that many black parishioners, and, these hopping and hollering church folks will be polite and tune him out since they won't be able to reality to anything he says, just like he can't relate to anything black people deal with. not a politically correct statement, but, a fact of life in america where he most segregated hour's are still sunday mornings. that is going to one interesting event, and, all they had to do was kicked donnie to the curb, and, why is he even there since he is a republican? this guy praises the virtues of bush, or did the obama people not know this?

with all this controversy, the best thing would be to cancel it, along with all the pandering to the church, even the gop ignores the black church. the soccer mom crowd would be a better fit, although that crowd in s.c. isn't going to vote for him, just like the folks attending this function.

joyful alternative
October 25 2007, 10:02PM

Obama is a member of the United Church of Christ, so I'm assuming Rev. Sidden, a pastor in the Columbia, South Carolina, United Church of Christ, was readily available to make appearances in South Carolina. It's as simple as that.

Javitz
October 25 2007, 10:28PM

All long as he don't try to sing or sway to the rhythm of the music, he will be all right.

Safi
October 26 2007, 1:38AM

Here's what is happening, in my view.

Fox News and the rest of the Rethuglicans are laughing in delight, because this 'controversy' is eating away at what could be a *huge* landslide for the Democrats if Obama should get the primary nod.

IMO, the rethugs fear an Obama contender vs a Hillary contender because of the black vote that would inevitably be mobilized with Obama. The rethugs would hafta work quadruple time to suppress the votes. Not to mention the fact that the rethugs are a bunch of racist pricks to begin with, his blackness is probably their greatest fear.

With Hillary, the rethugs have a fighting chance. A fighting chance based on slander, lies and a misappropriation of history to be sold by the cable news outlets to be sure. They are absolutely banking on that 'fighting chance'.

Anyhow,

Safi

Dean
October 26 2007, 7:36AM

I know it's probably just me(it's early) but when I read this: "This move is sure to piss off almost everybody, except HRC, who apparently brokered the deal." I thought it was referring to Hillary Rodham Clinton. Actually the Clinton camp probably is laughing their asses off about Obama's wandering off into this strange little scenario. WTF? Who's idea was this anyway? This is something a John Thompson or a Romney would do. Just wierd.

rob in toronto
October 26 2007, 7:37AM

Obama's campaign looks inept on this one.

To me, this looks like more evidence of what his campaign thinks is bipartisanship. Wouldn't it be easier to actually say "oops I fucked up" rather than make a lame, and apparently failing, attempt at balance?

alicia
October 26 2007, 10:01AM

i have 0 tolerance for gaybashing church folks/hypochristians/buy bull bs...

i am voting for hillary!

see "the sins of donnie m" at my site...

peace
alicia banks
www.geocities.com/ambwww

Derrick from Philly
October 26 2007, 11:19AM

I thought this McClurkin mess would just blow over after the tour, but it just keeps getting messier and messier. Do the frickin' tour, get it over with, and stop trying to explain away the fact that the Obama campaign staff F__KED UP BIGTIME. (And why am I leaving letters out of "fucked up"--this aint no children's blog.)

Mooser
October 26 2007, 2:31PM

My Gawd in a Pez dispenser, is this stupid! Doesn't Obama know that the anti-gay views expressed by McClurkin have no rational basis- it's a sickness.
Obama should expect McClurkin to become enraged by Obama's inclusion of a gay minister, and for McClurkin's rhetoric to become more extreme, until he crosses way over the line, and dragging Obama with him, if he can.
Mr. Obama: Homophobia is not a reasoned viewpoint, which can be modified or changed by facts. It is part of a sickness, the same infection which breeds race prejudice.
Now, what would you expect from a white bigot, who advocated race seperatism, to do if you included a black person. Why, at the very least, storm off the platform, if not worse. Well, expect the same from a homophobe, and don't say you weren't warned.

I might add, Mr. Obama, that people who are not bigoted find the company of bigots very hard to stomach. Bigots, however, can usually get along, even if one bigot is not as outspoken as the other bigot. They have basic agreements

Ostend Street
October 26 2007, 4:25PM

Obama, rethink your strategy. Most folk in the Gay Community will see right through mendacity. If you are not familiar with Gay Folk or aware of what the Community wants, we would think more of you if you ask us. Trying to appease us with ignorant gestures will not do. Mary, Mary and Donnie cannot help your position at all.

cybergrace
October 26 2007, 4:33PM

There are plenty of fabulous, Black, LGBT gospel singers. Not mainstream popular, but great singers, connected to Black faith communities and strong Christians. Aren't the latter the main point? There is at least one predominantly African American LGBT denomination (Unity Fellowship), many predominantly African American gay churches, tons of majority Black, progressive churches... Not only is this SO WRONG of Obama, what about Rev. Sidden, the white pastor who accepted the gig? Doesn't he know what he is doing is racist? White people (and I am one) need to be responsible for their skin privilege and saying "Yes!" to sisters and brothers of color. Rev. Sidden JUST SAY NO!

mike
October 26 2007, 6:23PM

OHMYGOD! A WHITE GUY!

AAARGH! IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD@!!!

Please people, get a grip.

Jeeze.

Alex
October 26 2007, 7:16PM

I don't understand how a people who know what discrimination is like and claim to be so liberal and accepting can be so intolerant.

Nobody was upset when Senator Obama spoke at Rick Warren's church. Or that he was the first to accept the invitation to the Logo forum.

The man has built his campaign and his life on bringing together groups of people who may seemingly have different views and opinions but are united on fixing this country.

Has anyone taken that into consideration or are we too caught up in reactionary tactics to look at the big picture.

As soon as a politician isn't completely in our pocket we throw them by the wayside, well if that is the case I'd rather not have you support the Senator at all.

How are we supposed to overcome as a people if we cant talk with those who may disagree with us to reach common goals.

Ant BTW HRC has the support of several anti gay black ministers.

Omaya
October 26 2007, 7:25PM

This is the most level headed article of this account that I've read and I appreciate that. I was tired of all the hyperbole and bombastic rhetoric being thrown around.

Kimberly
October 26 2007, 10:16PM

Not that I would have went to this show to begin with, but, why Rev Sidden? Not taking anything away from him since he may be a nice man, but, why was he picked? Has he been active in the unique plight of black gays and lesbians in the black church? Or in the Deep South for that matter? Has he tried to help the tense friction of racism in the gay community? Its as strong as the homophobia that some blacks have in the straight one. Does his church have black members? And, just what can he tell us and them about what its like to be black gay and hated by fellow blacks under the guise of being a Christian? Sorry saying God loves us all isn't going to cut it with this crowd. Pat Robertson says that as did Jerry Falwell, and Donnie and Mary Mary who don't practice it.

Sorry, this concert, the appeasement to HRC while turning down black pastors is just too much, and, Obama, man, you really are clueless, and, this could be one of the reasons the black community, gay and straight have not warmed to you.

Paige Turner
October 26 2007, 11:00PM

The idea that politicians have to dabble in the christian arena in the first place is frightening enough. When will people wake up? The shit is bogus!

Mikey
October 26 2007, 11:58PM

Like I keep saying all over the place and will continue to say until people get it into their thick heads DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES, REGISTER AS A DEMOCRAT AND VOTE DENNIS KUCINICH 08!!! THEN AND ONLY THEN WILL WE GET REAL CHANGE IN AMERICA AND ABOARD!!! VOTE KUCINICH!!!!!!!!

Larry from Purdue
October 27 2007, 6:18AM

There are a lot of anti-gay ministers who support a wide range of candidates. Bad move to feature him though.

So Obama's not perfect. At least he's not providing Bush justification to go to war with Iran.

Justin
October 27 2007, 2:03PM

The only thing that I can say about all this to go third party. And also so, we need to support our own events and organizations because the mainstream ones(whether gay or straight) have been appalling disapointments.

John
October 27 2007, 3:01PM

Thank you, Keith.

I'm tired of the media going on about how a lot of black Americans are anti-gay.

How about the problems of anti-black racism in the gay community?

Or the fact that a lot of gay white people wrote off Barack Obama long before this incident happened simply because Barack is black.

I think they are now using this incident as an excuse to bash Barack and subtly take a jab at black Americans in general.

Equalnox
October 29 2007, 10:30AM

Obama does nothing for me. Hilary doesn't really do anything for me either. I think Al Gore has a better chance of being President than either of these two. It's a shame he's not running. It's a long shot, but I'm thinking the Republican Mitt Romney will be the next President of the United States.

Jacob
October 30 2007, 3:35AM

Actually I don't think Andy is white. But that is another issue. The real bad move was keeping Rev. McClurkin.

Listen to the crap he had to say at the event: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2007/10/29/mcclurkin.speech.cnn

Are we to accept that a democrat running for president is going to parade around a person who going to talk about being "delivered from homosexulity." That certainly is not a political rally where I would feel welcome. And if a presidential candidate gives a stage to that message, then he or she loses my support.

Emmazon
October 30 2007, 1:40PM

PEOPLE! HRC had NOTHING to do with picking a white minister. At least get the facts "straight."

Chris
October 31 2007, 4:49AM

Emmazon, You're HRC did not have a hand in the Obama campaign picking a white Gay minister persay. But with the letter he wrote. Subliminally they (HRC) wanted a spiritual Gay figure to be in the presence along side McClurkin. But that's neither here nor there.

BOTTOM LINE. THE HRC Does nothing and I mean NOTHING for Black LGBT And YES they have Blacks working there. They make themsleves our voice when it's an issue that can bring them more attention and leave us questioned as to WHY NOW?
For instance
MATTEHW SHEPARD
Sean Kennedy
THE 2 White Males at Georgetown HRC and all the Blade Publications made that FRONT PAGE news
Michael Sandy who is black and died as a result of a hate crime. Only got in the blade papers as a side note and only because one of the attackers who is white claimed to be Gay. GO FIGURE HRC does nothing for us only the WHITE Gay community at large!