Just to stir the pot...An Obama Question.

[Tyler Durden]

My SO asked me this yesterday and I didn't have an answer.

Has the Barack Obama/Donnie McClurkin MC'd "Jesus saved me from Homosexuality" Gospel Tour issue been settled, or has it just sifted down to the bottom of the pond?

Prejudice and discrimination are very high on the list subjects with Deb, She was curious, I didn't have an answer, and GOOGLE doesn't say much about it.

[Lex]

1. I do not plan to vote for him precisely because of that

appearance he decided to do with McClurkin.

[Tyler Durden]

2. That, and the "I won't prosecute Bush" pretty much did it for me, too....but:

Was there any attempt at apology? Reconciliation? Explanation?

I have to tell the SO something: Inquiring Wives Want To Know.

[eallen]

92. Do you have any cite for that? If he's promising a pardon for Bush...

He'll lose my support, too. I haven't heard that, though.

:hippie:

[niceypoo]

9. More "Guilt by osmosis"

Obama isn't a racist or a bigot. Let me guess, you plan on voting for whomever the republican candidate is if Obama wins the nomination?

[Lex]

13. Your "guess" is as faulty as your "osmosis" non-sense.

Of course I would support Obama in the General Election.

[Tyler Durden]

18. Of course not. My clothespin is ready for my nose.

And I hope my GLBT friends will forgive me for not boycotting the election.

Maybe it's a GOOD THING to know your candidate has feet of clay clear up to his balls going in the door...?

[bryant69]

3. As I understand it, Obama put out a statement saying he didn't agree

"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." - http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/obama+mcclurkin

That said he didn't, as far as i know, disown Donnie McClurkin. Which is the question; how committed can he be if he is willing to stand on stage next to someone who says homosexuality is a curse.

Problematic.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Tyler Durden]

4. We have to stop agreeing, bryant.

It will spoil our reputations.

I have to say that until he utterly and completely repudiates McClurkin and his ilk That I won't vote for him.

My opinion is that Obama will say ANYTHING that would get him votes.

[Lex]

6. Exactly. If any of the other candidates had 've appeared with a KKK

supporter who was know for those views, they would've lost my support in the same way I withdrew it from Obama.

Disavowing but still appearing with him is bullsh*t.

[NorthernSpy]

90. except that an ex-gay Gospel singer isn't remotely comparable to the KKK...

Get a grip already!

[Lex]

94. Ha. If you are gay you might not feel that way.

Get some perspective already!

[NYCGirl]

7. BTW, Obama didn't "stand on stage next to" McClurkin. Obama was NOT THERE.

He appeared in a filmed segment alone.

[trotsky]

10. Nope, he wasn't there.

But he recorded a message to appear on a big ol' honkin' screen on stage to say how much he loved McClurkin.

[NYCGirl]

16. And did you see the film? NT

[trotsky]

23. LMAO

DID YOU?!?!?!

[NYCGirl]

24. You're the one who claims to know what he said. Prove it. NT

[trotsky]

27. Just like you, I can only rely on accounts of people who were there.

If you're calling them all liars, then so be it.

[NYCGirl]

28. Links? The burden of proof is on you. NT

[trotsky]

32. Oh good grief. Here's a freaking link.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/10/29/obama-supporter-god-delivered-me-from-homosexuality/

Obama, while not present, appeared on a videotaped message to the crowd, saying, “The artists you’re going to hear from are some of the best in the world, and favorites of Michelle and myself.”

[NYCGirl]

33. And did they play that also at the other concerts that did not have McClurkin?

That proves nothing.

[trotsky]

35. Prove they did.

Get me links. Ha ha!

[NYCGirl]

38. You're the one making the claim. I'm the one asking the questions. That's the

way it works. Ha ha!

[trotsky]

44. Nope, you're making a claim now.

I proved my claim. Now you claim they played the same message at the other concerts.

Prove it. Put up or shut up. :hi:

[Tyler Durden]

48. Oh both of you stop it.

The content of the "Video" is well known, and wasn't the McClurkin "MC'ing" simulcast at all concerts? (I'm not certain it was, I'm just asking.)

I do want to ask this: if someone used the "N" word at just one of their rallies, would anyone be making the excuse, "HEY, it's not like he says it EVERY DAY or anything.""

[Tyler Durden]

11. A meaningless detail.

This was an OBAMA RALLY, and to appear in ANY MEDIUM implies agreement and consent.

Time for all discrimination and anyone that would tolerate it for any reason to TAKE A HIKE.

[MNDemNY]

14. Oh, then nevermind....he's only a bigot from a distance. No problem here.

[NYCGirl]

17. Well, then stop lying about it. NT

[MNDemNY]

19. Lying about what? BHO's politically

calculated move to disrespect human rights in order to drum up support in the Primaries with the black evangelical crowd? Making the choice to pander to religious zealots at the expense of basic Democratic principles? Or are you just grasping at any justification for BHO's inexcusable decision? Or is your point that bigoted actions are justified in this election process? Or do you just not care?

[NYCGirl]

26. I'm sure the people in that SC church would love you calling them "religious zealots."

It's so telling that a number of Hillary supporters claimed to have seen Obama on stage with McClurkin when it was impossible to do so. But it sure makes for a better whine.

[MNDemNY]

30. If the shoe fits.......

I'm not a HRC supporter, And why exactly did he not appear on stage? More calculation from the BHO cry-the-victim-campaign. gobama...go home.

[NYCGirl]

34. He didn't appear on stage because he was not there or expected to be. NT

[MNDemNY]

36. Lame...He wasn't there, because he know he needed to run for cover,

he knew what he was doing, and needed to distance himself with out appearing to diss his evangelical pals. He's a calculating politician who needs to do some growin' up.

[NYCGirl]

39. And how do you know that or are you, like others on this thread, just making

stuff up?

[MNDemNY]

40. It's called "common sense", a concept that escapes

most folks caught in the obamanation.

[NYCGirl]

41. OK, so you are just making that up. NT

[MNDemNY]

43. Yes, like I made up BHO's admitted cocaine use.

[NYCGirl]

47. Keep digging. NT

[MNDemNY]

49. Low hanging fruit...wait till the Republofucks go digging.

[Tyler Durden]

50. You really are looking like you're saying NEENER NEENER.

Why don't YOU come up with something PRO GLBT that Obama has said. That would be a welcome change.

[MNDemNY]

51. He "say's " alot, I want to see acts. There he falls.

[Tyler Durden]

53. So go on fighting. (should be reply to the post above it.)

Doesn't convert any fence sitters where I'm sitting.

I would LOVE to be able to put up an OBAMA sign if he gets the nod, instead of just making a sour face while I vote a straight ticket. So show ME why I should believe he wasn't pandering his ass off to Black Southern Conservative Evangelicals.

[NYCGirl]

58. Here:

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. Here's how HRC rated Barack Obama:

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."

Gay & Lesbian Adoption: Barack Obama believes gays and lesbians should have the same rights to adopt children as heterosexuals.

Barack Obama and Gay Marriage/ Civil Unions: 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."

Barack Obama did vote against a Federal Marriage Amendment and opposed the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996.

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."

Sources: Chicago Daily Tribune, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

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

[Tyler Durden]

59. Okay, you asked for it.

Position on Abortion Rights

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/63250.php
Abortion-rights opponents in Illinois are criticizing Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), who is running for president in 2008, for votes he made on legislation while serving as a state senator, The Hill reports. Obama in 2001 and 2002 voted "present" or "no" on a package of bills known as the Illinois Born Alive Infants Protection Act, which did not pass in 2001 and 2002 (Youngman, The Hill, 2/15). The legislation would have made it illegal for doctors to allow a fetus to die if it were delivered alive during an abortion procedure. Obama in August 2004 said he voted against the legislation because it did not include an exception to protect the life of a pregnant woman (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 8/11/04). In floor speeches during the votes, he expressed concerns about the constitutionality of the definition of a "born alive infant" and the inclusion of potential civil and criminal penalties for doctors in such circumstances. Obama also said that he agreed that there is a need to protect infants but that the legislation extended beyond the definition of fetal viability. "This is an area where potentially we might have compromised and ... arrived at a bill that dealt with the narrow concerns about how ... a previable fetus or child was treated by a hospital," he said.



http://www.towleroad.com/2007/03/barack_obama_on.html (his own words)

"Well, I think that 'marriage' has a religious connotation in this society, in our culture, that makes it very difficult to disentangle from the civil aspects of marriage. And as a consequence it's almost -- it would be extraordinarily difficult and distracting to try to build a consensus around marriage for gays and lesbians. What we can do is form civil unions that provide all the civil rights that marriage entails to same sex couples. And that is something that I have consistently been in favor of. And I think that the vast majority of Americans don't want to see gay and lesbian couples discriminated against, when it comes to hospital visitations and so on."

[NYCGirl]

60. NARAL disagrees with you, giving Obama a score of 100%

http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/elections/statements/obama.html

[Tyler Durden]

61. Nothing to say about the "Separate but Equal" civil unions quote?

That IS the main thrust of the discussion.

[NYCGirl]

63. He's talking realistically. NT

[Tyler Durden]

70. Why SHO NUFF.

We'uns think it's just FINE for there to be a SEPARATE BUT EQUAL school fo' them li'l ol.....

You surely get my drift.

I don't care if NOBODY comes out in favor of TRUE EQUAL RIGHTS for GLBT people; That doesn't make him RIGHT. So much for his "HOPE" message.

[NYCGirl]

72. But what do these actions show, if not for equal rights?

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. Here's how HRC rated Barack Obama:

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."

Gay & Lesbian Adoption: Barack Obama believes gays and lesbians should have the same rights to adopt children as heterosexuals.

Barack Obama and Gay Marriage/ Civil Unions: 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."

Barack Obama did vote against a Federal Marriage Amendment and opposed the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996.

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."

Sources: Chicago Daily Tribune, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

[Tyler Durden]

76. There IS no "right balance," and I don't care if he's a Christian.

The "right Balance" is COMPLETE EQUALITY UNDER THE LAW as stipulated by, hmm, the "Constitution"? Letting individual states decide ANY PORTION OF THIS is a cop-out, and he should be called on it, not excused.

And by the way, his religious beliefs don't mean DICK, and I am personally sick to my stomach hearing about some asshole's or assholette's FUCKING RELIGIOUS BELIEFS.

[MNDemNY]

22. Why is it OK for BHO to ACT one way, and just issue a "statement" disagreeing with his own actions?

I know, I know...he walks on water. fuckin' A.

[Tyler Durden]

37. Hey, if it works for BUSH...

Hillary
Romney
Gouliani
You name it...

Then why should BHO be different?

Our system of government needs a radical change, but I figure it's way too late.

[Scriptor Ignotus]

83. he didn't appear on stage next to him

but I take your point.

[Bodhi BloodWave]

93. With the minor caveat

that Obama never stood on the same stage as him >.>

[Marrah_G]

5. Yeah like the pot needed stirring!

:rofl:

:popcorn:

[Tyler Durden]

15. If he didn't answer, then he needs to.

His everybody needs to get along style comment was a useless platitude. Lott lost his job for less.

[Buzz Clik]

8. I think it's important to ask seemingly innocent questions to re-open old debates.

"Does anyone remember that Clinton was disbarred for lying in court under oath about getting a blow job from Monica Lewinsky? I'm curious if that's so old that nobody talks about it anymore"

"Somebody asked me yesterday if they're still talking about the staggering amounts of money that Hillary has taken from the medical industry, particularly in light of her votes in the Senate and her comments about the role of lobbyists in the process of making policy. I'm guessing that it's old news and nobody is thinking about it."

Ah, shucks. I was jes' askin', ya know?

[Tyler Durden]

12. Nothing innocent about it.

The Clinton comment is bullshit, though.

The Hillary comment is completely valid. Do you wonder why I can't bring myself to support ANYBODY at the moment?

[Buzz Clik]

21. Yeah, I totally understand your lack of excitement about the Dem candidates.

I have committed to no one, and I have lots of reservations.

However, this Obama/McClurkin thing is way overblown. Obama is in a huge elbowing match with Clinton over the African-American vote, so touring with somebody like McClurkin makes sense. The unfortunate reality is that a large percentage of Black males have big issues with homosexuality. Having McClurkin tour with him never struck me as a statement by Obama that he accepts or endorses homophobia.


=========

(The Clinton comment is bullshit? Huh?)

[Lex]

25. If another candidate was touring with an avowed racist

would you be so forgiving and understanding?

"The unfortunate reality is" many whites "have big issues with" blacks, so it makes sense? Using your logic.

[Tyler Durden]

29. It has nothing to do with an actual POLITICAL ACT.

The Clinton comment that is. sort of in a different category.

I only wish SOMEONE would FUCKING QUIT PANDERING. It's so goddamned nauseating.

[Buzz Clik]

31. ok.

[ThatPoetGuy]

20. I think America would be better if we closed the memory holes.

Bush failed to heed intelligence-agency warnings about bin Laden, but so what? It's in the past.

Bush lied us into war, but so what? It's in the past.

Hillary has been hawkish, and she's closely tied to lobbyists.

Edwards was a centrist Senator and now he's running a progressive campaign. (I happen to believe his rhetoric, but the history is TOTALLY fair game.)

Obama refused to condemn vicious homophobia, refused to stand up for abortion rights, refused to condemn racism, but didn't hesitate to try to ruin Paul Krugman.

If it comes down to Obama vs. one other candidate in the primaries, I will give as much money and volunteer as much effort as I can to defeat him. He may be a good man in his heart, he may be a liberal inside, but in this campaign he has run as a right-winger. He has spread dishonest propaganda about Krugman and attacked the right of labor unions to support the candidates they choose.

Bush remained FAR more popular than he deserved, thanks to the memory holes. Obama has also reaped the profits of our short-term memory, running his Orwellian campaign of "hope" while spreading lies about progressives.

[IndianaJones]

42. You have to ask yourself "who was affected by it?". Of course its settled. nt.

[Tyler Durden]

46. Oh I realize GLBT people are still LTCO...

(Legitimate Targets of Conservative Opportunity)...

I just wish that ONCE just once we could get someone on a podium speaking the god damned TRUTH for a change.

Maybe it would shock everyone so badly that they get swept into office by a landslide.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

45. i am hoping he is not the candidate because of that. however if he is the dem candidate

i will vote for him.

whatever his issues are he will be better that a republican on gay/human rights.

[Tyler Durden]

52. What choice will we have?

Vote for Hitler or vote for Mussolini?

Neither one has anything good to say about certain groups, but one of them isn't running camps.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

54. i think the choices are significant. i remember when people said gore was bush lite and just as

corrupt etc

they were wrong then, and they are wrong now.

obama isnt ideal but he is a hell of a lot better than whatever crazy rightwinger the republicans will pick

[Tyler Durden]

55. That's a given.

I just wish...oh hell. Why wish? We'll likely be deep in the economic Recession/Depression shitter by next fall anyway. Moot point.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

56. the economic conditions do not look robust.

:(

[Tyler Durden]

57. ROBUST???

Last time it rained like this, Noah built himself a BOAT.

I am trying like HELL to get the wind turbines and greenhouses ON LINE. We all might be VERY HUNGRY next fall and winter.

[sandnsea]

62. Has Hillary's Homophobes been settled?

Oh that's right, her band of homophobes have never even been an issue.

[MethuenProgressive]

65. Have Obama's apologists changed their minds? Or is still only bad if Clinton does it?

ObamaNation needs to end their hypocrisy.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

67. so her homophobes excuse his? also what ex gays does she campaign with ?

[sandnsea]

69. She lets homophobes run her campaign

Nobody cares about that.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

75. what do you mean? who are you specifically talking about?

[sandnsea]

85. It's been posted repeatedly

If you really cared, you'd know or you'd google it. The fact that you don't makes the point to me. This was more about attacking Obama than caring about homophobes.

[MethuenProgressive]

64. It took him from near the top of my list to dead last.

Obama had a chance to make the issue as a teaching moment, and choose to get in bed with the bigot wing of his church instead.

[NYCGirl]

68. So you're voting for Mr. "Homosexuality is a choice"? NT

[Tyler Durden]

71. And who is THAT, pray tell?

[NYCGirl]

74. Richardson

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/12/AR2007081200814.html

Bloomberg News columnist Margaret Carlson and I were stealing glances at each other when singer Melissa Etheridge asked New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson an easy question: "Do you think homosexuality is a choice, or is it biological?" His response was quick: "It's a choice!" My visible reaction to Carlson was equally quick: "Oh, no, he didn't!"

The occasion was Thursday's forum with the Democratic candidates for president, hosted by the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights group, and Logo, the gay channel owned by Viacom. I served as a panelist at the two-hour event in Los Angeles. It was a historic moment for gays and lesbians nationwide, as many believed that one of the people who came to offer their views on gay issues would be the next president of the United States. (Plans for a Republican forum were scrapped after GOP candidate Mitt Romney declined an invitation and John McCain and Rudy Giuliani did not respond to invitations.)

The forum's organizers hoped to get the candidates to show their concern for the gay and lesbian community and to see whether their understanding emanated from their consultant-generated talking points or from their hearts. Clearly, Richardson's head needed some work. Even his campaign recognized this -- it issued a "clarifying" statement not one hour after the event. And on a gay radio show the next day, Richardson told host Michelangelo Signorile that he didn't understand the question because of jet lag.

That rationale and his initial answer are inexcusable. To gays and lesbians, flubbing the choice-vs.-nature question is like botching the answer to "What's one plus one?" Note to Richardson's current and former gay staffers and supporters: Do an intervention -- and get him an Ambien -- before he implodes again.



And BTW, the author of the article gives Richardson props for his answer on gay marriage (and Obama's quote you posted above says pretty much the same thing)

"The country isn't there yet on gay marriage," he said moments before diving headlong into his homosexuality-is-a-choice sinkhole. "We have to bring the country along."

[Tyler Durden]

77. And WHERE, pray tell did I ever support THAT asshole?

[NYCGirl]

78. I was addressing Methuen Progressive. The guy who I was talking to above

who has the Richardson avatar.

[Tyler Durden]

79. Fine. I accept your explanation sans apology.

[MethuenProgressive]

82. (from your link) "Where Richardson got it right, however, was..."

Where Richardson got it right, however, was his political assessment of gay marriage. "The country isn't there yet on gay marriage," he said moments before diving headlong into his homosexuality-is-a-choice sinkhole. "We have to bring the country along." He talked about how he would focus on getting what's "achievable" in equal marriage rights for same-sex couples. I support gay marriage, but I am pragmatic enough not to turn my nose up at legislative and legal gains that strengthen gay relationships and lay the foundation for full marriage rights -- or turn my back on those who would fight for them.

[NYCGirl]

84. And, indeed, I pointed that out. NT

[MethuenProgressive]

80. He's more than one poor answer - and certainly not an "asshole" like Donnie Obama.

Fighting for Equal Opportunity and Equal Rights for All Americans
Governor Bill Richardson has the strongest record of achievement of any Presidential candidate on civil rights issues and support for the LGBT community. He proudly stands for domestic partner rights and against discrimination of any kind. He believes all families deserve our respect no matter their race, creed or sexual orientation.

A Record of Accomplishment From Day One

In his very first legislative session after taking office in 2003 Governor Richardson fought for, passed and signed:

The first hate crimes law in New Mexico history.
Legislation extending civil rights protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
He issued an executive order to extend access to health insurance and benefits to the domestic partners of state employees.

Pushed for Domestic Partnerships in New Mexico

Earlier this year Governor Richardson called the New Mexico Legislature back into a special session to address this important issue. Unfortunately, it lost by one vote in the regular session. But Governor Richardson will bring this bill back in the 2008 session, and this time will get it passed. Additionally, with a coalition of advocates, he successfully warded off a DOMA in New Mexico – one of only a handful of states that does not have one.

A Track Record of Inclusion and Diversity

He has also appointed gay and lesbian individuals to important posts throughout his administration -- to Cabinet posts, Division Directors, and to powerful boards and commissions. He will do the same as President, leading an Administration that truly looks like America. In Fact, he has pledged that his Vice-President will be an integral member of the HIV/AIDS Commission.

An End to "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell"

And as President, he will continue to get things done. He will also end the military’s disastrous, disrespectful "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy. He voted against this as a Congressman and continues to oppose it today. It makes no sense to turn away and turn out well-qualified recruits, at a time when our country needs them most. There are currently an estimated 65,000 gay and lesbian soldiers serving in our military. They are no less patriotic and their lives and sacrifices are no less valuable because of their sexual orientation. Homosexuality is not immoral, asking someone to hide their identity and devaluing their sacrifice is.

A Commitment to Achieving Equal Rights Under the Law

Gay and lesbian families deserve respect, and as President, Bill Richardson will take a principled stand to fight for it. He strongly believes that we don’t need constitutional amendments designed to exclude supportive, devoted couples. We need to extend the rights due to all of us as Americans:

The right to visit a sick or dying partner in the hospital,
The right to make necessary legal and financial decisions when a partner can no longer do so,
The right to equal employment opportunity, and
The right to protection from violent prejudice.
A Pledge to Accomplish Full Equality for ALL Americans

As President, he will continue to fight for full and equal rights for all domestic partners, including gay and lesbian families.

Bill Richardson did all this in a "red state." With the right leadership, you can get these things done. He believes that by working together, we can accomplish the same on the national level. But before you cast your lot with any national candidate, you have to ask -- not just do they talk the talk -- but do they walk the walk? Can they get it done? As a Governor -- Bill Richardson gets things done.

[NYCGirl]

81. And Senator Obama, if you please, is more than one bad casting choice:

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. Here's how HRC rated Barack Obama:

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."

Gay & Lesbian Adoption: Barack Obama believes gays and lesbians should have the same rights to adopt children as heterosexuals.

Barack Obama and Gay Marriage/ Civil Unions: 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."

Barack Obama did vote against a Federal Marriage Amendment and opposed the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996.

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."

Sources: Chicago Daily Tribune, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

[Tyler Durden]

86. If I hear "balance" again regarding LEGAL RIGHTS,

I SWEAR I'm going to blow chunks all over the wall.

This is a blanket BETRAYAL of everything those of us who actually FOUGHT for something did in the activist years.

SHAME on the body politic for accepting and supporting the waffling and the mediocre.

[MethuenProgressive]

87. You excuse Obama's getting in bed with the bigot wing of his church as "a bad casting choice"?

Good luck to you if your candidate wins.

[NYCGirl]

88. "Getting in bed"? Some bigassed hyperbole there. 99% of the US population

doesn't even know who McClurkin is, I'd bet.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

66. Outside of the liberal blogosphere, no one knows about it.

Seriously. Out of curiosity, I asked several people what they thought of it, including a few LGBT activists that I know. Only one person, a gay male, had heard of it. He wasn't too concerned about it.

People working on the Obama campaign didn't know about it!

If political activists aren't aware of it, I seriously doubt regular voters are.

[Tyler Durden]

73. Damned shame if you ask me.

Another reason why truly LIBERAL voters need to STAND UP and get a real candidate nominated.

I am sick of the "Mr./Ms America Contest" in place of honest candidates and real elections.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

91. Or it could be an indication that it's not as important as you make it out to be

Popular candidates bring out all kinds of celebrities and goofballs in support of them. I don't give their opinions or endorsements any weight. That includes the "heavyweights" like Oprah and Barbra Striesand. Donnie McClurkin is an idiot, who happens to be a gospel singer with a following. I don't play guilt-by-association games, so I don't think his views are a reflection of Obama's, any more than the homophobes that have endorsed and work as consultants for Clinton's campaign reflect hers. Both candidates have excellent records on LGBT issues and that's what liberal voters should focus on.

Bill Maher, who constantly makes derogatory comments about women on his show, has endorsed John Edwards. I don't believe Edwards is a misogynist because of it. He has an excellent record on women's issues. I'll bet you a lot of people are aware of Maher's endorsement because he is a popular entertainer. And woman-hating is still considered unimportant and humorous, even to many liberals. Edwards went down several points with me because of it but that's just my opinion and I can't blame Edwards for wanting to appeal to Maher's highly desireable target audience of independent/libertarian White males. Obama was trying to appeal to a very important Primary voting bloc of African Americans in South Carolina by having that concert. They are trying to get elected, and that means reaching out to many groups of people, some of whom may be at odds.

And no, it's not "different" because McClurkin appeared on stage and spoke at an event. An endorsement is an endorsement is an endorsement, no matter what form it takes. If you know the characteristics of the endorser and accept it anyway, you are fair game for criticism.

[Kurovski]

89. Legalize it now!