Obama's homophobic remark

[MaineProgressive]

"Delaware Sen. Joe Biden urged people to be tested for the AIDS virus, noting that he and Obama had done so. Cracked the Illinois senator: "I just want to make clear I got tested with Michelle," his wife, Obama said drawing laughter from the predominantly black audience."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/06/29/politics/p005955D08.DTL&type=politics

You expect this kind of homophobia from Republicans, but it's truly disgusting when Democrats engage in it. Another laugh at the expense of GLBT Americans....

[Zywiec]

1. I think the joke was at the expense of Biden. n/t

[Fridays Child]

4. Even so, that doesn't really change the intent of the comment.

[pnwmom]

16. What was the intent? To head off any charges of adultery

from the media or from opponents.

[purduejake]

170. How did I know you'd be at the top of this debate?

We've discussed this before. Still twisting, I see. What's so FUNNY about this supposed allegation of adultry? It was an anti-gay crack.

[Divine Discontent]

99. yes, exactly, he was joking that Biden might be a queer, but I'm not

don't want you laughing (notice Sharpton wasn't) members of the crowd to think I'm a closet homo like Biden is implying he might be - woh, no buddy, I was tested in AFRICA with my WIFE, nowhere near Delaware - WHEW!

[ripple]

116. He was doing no such thing

Why the fuck are people HERE (at DU for Chrissakes) implying that AIDS equals homosexuality or vice versa?

[deadmessengers]

2. What's homophobic about that?

There's nothing there that indicates that he's a homophobe. The fact that he mentioned his wife means absolutely NOTHING.

[ieoeja]

3. I thought that was meant taking the test does not imply he was cheating on his wife. n/t

[Divine Discontent]

103. watch the video now attached to the thread thanks to another DU'er, I was appalled at Obama! n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

144. What video?

[AlCzervik]

5. i really thought what he was trying to say was that he never cheated on his wife.

[shimmergal]

132. So did I.

Statistics show a large percentage of AIDS cases in the black community are attributed to drug use. Adultery would come to more people's minds than homosexuality.

[purduejake]

171. Why would he feel the need to say that? n/t

[SaveElmer]

6. 1. It was a joke, 2. Obama is not homophobic...therefore 3. Lighten Up...

That is all...

[purduejake]

172. So racist jokes are okay...

as long as you're not a racist?

[babylonsister]

7. You pick up on crap like this, that seems to have no merit? Isn't

there anything out there more worthy of bugging you?:eyes:

[Divine Discontent]

104. hello friend, watch the video now attached to the thread - I was appalled

it was what repubs do, and people at the church I left do, totally frontin for his people to make the laughin immature folks in the crowd no "I ain't no homo, that guy across the way might be - but I ain't, I was tested with my WIFE" Every word is said with a raised tone to imply I aint no queer. All to many laughs from the black audience, whoas I stated below has treated my gay friend (who's black) like crap, and he says his community (race) is very antigay. I am shocked he took Biden's comments to that level, and kept on with it, even as Biden got sick of it, and said, "alright", like enough Obama, you're being rude.

[Name removed]

157. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[purduejake]

173. And why would he be compelled to say anything at all?

Biden wasn't suggesting an affair or anything... the bigots in the audience were though and Obama went down to their level.

[ginnyinWI]

8. I didn't hear it that way at all.

I think he mentioned his wife out of concern that he might be suspected of infidelity-the heterosexual kind. I think he was just anticipating media hits about, "why does Obama need an HIV test?" etc.

[LBJDemocrat]

13. That's what I thought

What the hell. I don't like Obama, but there's no need to grasp at straws.

[TwilightGardener]

9. Lighten up. This doesn't sound like a slam on anyone. Sounds to me

(and I didn't see the debate) like he was clarifying that he and Biden didn't get tested together (that they're not a couple).

[MaineProgressive]

33. Exactly my point.... EOM

[Big Pappa]

112. A might bit

touchy are we.

[TwilightGardener]

36. I don't see what's wrong with him making a joke that he and Joe Biden

are not a couple. 'Cause that's kinda funny. Especially after the "clean and articulate" stuff. Maybe Joe's just not his type!

[Eurobabe]

57. Yep, the word police are out in force today n/t

[Divine Discontent]

102. watch the video - barack is showing his true colors - and he looks like a repuklican n/t

[maximusveritas]

10. I guess I'm a closet homophobe as well

because I laughed out loud at that joke

[MaineProgressive]

18. I'm not saying you're homophobic, but

maybe you ought to think a little more about what you think is or isn't funny -- especially if it's at the expense of someone else's sexual orientation.

[pnwmom]

19. What did Obama's comment have to do with sexual orientation?

Straight people get HIV, too, the same way that gay people do -- from sex and drug use.

And he had the testing on the way to visit Africa, where the vast majority acquire the infection through heterosexual sex.

[msongs]

43. you are saying he/she is homophobic - at least have the courage to say what u believe nt

[beaconess]

94. If Hillary had said what Biden said and Obama responded in the exact same way - it STILL would have

been funny.

Obama was NOT claiming he wasn't homosexual - he was saying that he wasn't messing around on his wife.

It was funny. And one of the rare spontaneous moments we've seen in the campaign.

People really need to lighten up!

[Divine Discontent]

98. perheaps you are, welcdome to DU and the ignore feature

perhaps you are and you need to examine why it's funny that his making it unnecessarily clear to point out to the immature people in the crowd (notice Sharpton wasn't laughing) that he's not in gay naughtiness with the ol' dirty white man across the way that just made him look like he was a nancy pants gay man - can't have that with the laughing crowd that's my race - don't want it getting out that I'm a homo with my people!

I went from saying, ah, he didn't mean too much by it, before watching the video, to being very outraged watching the video - Barack that's strike 3 - you are OFF the list buddy...

[William769]

11. Most homophobia is taken to be a joke. NT

[purduejake]

174. VERY true.

It happens at work all the time and it's soooo funny until you joke about women or race. But who cares about gays... they're a bunch of overly sensitive girly men who need to toughen up!

[Sonicmedusa]

12. I would't call it homophobic

But it IS an odd remark.

[pnwmom]

15. Not odd, since there are two main ways to contract H.I.V.

Sex, and IV drugs. Obama didn't want to leave the impression that he's guilty of adultery.

[DemSoccerMom]

72. Yet he didn't find it necessary to point out

that he wasn't being tested b/c he used inter-venous drugs (I "know" he hasn't, I'm just trying to make a point) in the past.

I didn't necessarily think he was being homophobic, as much as he was trying to show that he never cheated on his wife. I am a little discouraged though, that he NEEDS to make it a point to say he has never committed adultery. I'm disturbed that ANYONE, male or female, straight, gay or bisexual, has to offer up REASONING as to why they are being tested for the HIV virus.

[Dhalgren]

74. I kind of agree with you, Mom.

I thought that it was unfortunate that the thrust of Senator Biden's comment was blunted by Senator Obama's statement. Senator Biden was making a serious, and much needed statement that everyone, AND THAT MEANS EVERYONE, should be tested and testing means nothing but common sense. Senator Biden said that he had been tested and was big enough to include Senator Obama as another enlightened person. Senator Obama then felt he had to make the statement he did, and I felt it was out of place. I don't believe it was homophobic, but it was unfortunate...

[pnwmom]

75. It was in the context of a discussion where Biden had been talking

about how African American men had to be educated about not thinking it unmanly to wear condoms, and women had to learn to say no. It was in the context of heterosexual contact among black Americans -- so when Obama made his clarification, anyone watching could see that he was trying to underline that he'd been faithful to Michelle.

[goodgd_yall]

93. Which is why Obama's reply to Biden was even more dissappointing

because neither should African American men or ANYBODY think getting an HIV test is unmanly or, indicates a moral flaw.

[Egnever]

158. next time watch the debate instead of trying to pick it apart

Afterwards for whatever warped agenda you happen to be on. If you did watch the debate and came away with the impression you did then all I can say is you are looking for any excuse to bash obama.

[Divine Discontent]

108. wow, you did see the video & you don't get his being totally sarcastic?

The majority of the audience is cracking up and you think he's making a serious point that he wasn't being unfaithful to his wife? He totally mock Sen Biden's brilliant and heartfelt comments and makes them forgotten by using childish humor by quickly saying to the laughter that arose from Biden's comment - I'm not gay - without having to say the words. He just lost a lot of GLBT support with that one big mistake, just saying. I guarantee that many gay people are outraged he used Sen. Biden's comment as a tool for "I'm not gay, he might be but I'm not"-humor that you see constantly in school yards and entertainment.

He was in my top 5 choices for President, he's the bottom now, below even non-Democrats like Bloomberg!

[fortyfeetunder]

137. Maybe he was thinking of Bill Clinton....

the "Monica" thing...

[purduejake]

175. Adultery with a MAN! n/t

[pnwmom]

14. What is homophobic about not wanting to leave an impression

that you are an adulterer?

[MrPrax]

28. Bingo!!

You've apparently wander in from the "legitimate alternative interpretation" forum.

You should get that fixed ;-)

[purduejake]

176. Adultery with a MAN!!!

That's what everybody thought was so damn funny... adultery with a MAN!!! Why can't you see that?

[tired_old_fireman]

39. Shouldn't everyone get an AIDs test?

Why should getting a test imply that someone is an adulterer? I don't get it. Everyone knows Obama did a good thing by getting the test because it set a positive example that everyone should get tested. Now, he does the opposite and implies getting the test without one's spouse present implies cheating.

[pnwmom]

42. He didn't want to get Swift boated with accusations of adultery.

And it would have happened. Still could.

[purduejake]

177. Adultery with a MAN!

[illinoisprogressive]

17. it could have been about male or female. check again.

[MaineProgressive]

25. I felt that the article, at least, implied that the comment

drew laughter because Obama wanted to avoid the appearance that he and Biden had gone for HIV testing. To deny that it was a nervous joke aimed to appeal to homophobes in the audience is naive.

[pnwmom]

34. Even if that WERE true, why would Obama want to leave the impression

that he had had a sexual relationship with Biden?

He wants to make it clear that he isn't an adulterer, with Biden or anyone else. Being attracted to members of both genders doesn't give you a free pass with regard to infidelity.

[lojasmo]

20. Meh. Not terribly homophobic, IMO. EOM

[NavyDavy]

21. man some people are so sensitive....find a racial, sexual or

discrimantory statement in everythging

[purduejake]

178. Those girly gay men.... too sensitive!

They need to cowboy up!

[Adelante]

22. Nonsense

There was nothing homophobic about the statement.

[rhombus]

23. Ok, we get you. Only gays have AIDS

What the heck has Obama's statement have to do with homophobia. This is like calling a cat an elephant. sheez

[MaineProgressive]

32. Only gays have AIDS?

Not my point at all. My point is that comments like that from Obama are exactly what perpetuates that stereotype.

[pnwmom]

40. Your comments are doing that, not his.

Obama was on his way to Africa when he had the testing, where the vast majority of HIV infections are caused by heterosexual sex. He knows that AIDS is not a gay disease.

All he was doing was making it clear that he had been faithful to Michelle.

[Apollo11]

166. If he really thinks that - why get tested at all?

It's not very common for a married man to announce publicly he has taken an HIV test.

Some people might think he had been doing it with hookers ... or something like that.

In this case - Biden made it sound like he and Obama went and took the test together.

That's why Obama wanted to make it clear that married couples can get tested too.

We should all try to avoid the stereotype that all straight black men are homophobic.

[Arkansas Granny]

24. I didn't see it as a homophobic remark. I assumed he was inferring

that since he and his wife were tested together, it was not related to infidelity or drug use. I know several heterosexuals who have been tested for HIV/AIDS for various reasons.

[DURHAM D]

26. I agree.

I was watching live and that was my reaction. As a gay American I hear things differently than some.

I just checked in with two friends (gay) who were watching and they had the same instant reaction. On the other hand, we are old and so used to it that it isn't a complete spoiler - just a little info to retain in our data banks.

Just for the record, I don't want anyone who is not gay to try and convince me it was not a homophobic response. You walk in your shoes - I will walk in mine.

[BeyondGeography]

46. Gee, I guess that means you won't be voting for Obama now

Why don't you tell everyone how supportive you've been of him all along...or maybe not.

[DURHAM D]

50. Apparently you skipped over the part about

"it isn't a complete spoiler" - just a pc. of info.

And no I have not supported him all along. In fact, I haven't supported anyone all along. My favorite candidate is not in the race.

[BeyondGeography]

51. In fact, you've been very negative about Obama all along

full disclosure and all.

[DURHAM D]

54. Wrong.

[ripple]

61. I'm a lesbian and homophobia didn't even cross my mind

He was pointing out that he didn't get the test as a result of risky behavior (promiscuity or IV drug use), and that his wife was with him and got one, as well. That certainly conjures up a different image than that of a married man who snuck off and got an AIDS test. In that case, the first question would be what did he do? If anything, his clarification shows that Obama is wise to just how out of hand nastily spun rumors can spread in today's media and netroots environment.

And I, for one, find that people who continually imply that AIDS is almost exclusively a homosexual disease are the ones perpetuating harmful gay stereotypes.

[pnwmom]

76. Exactly. And I wonder if many of the posters here were even

watching the debate, since Biden's and Obama's comments happened when Biden was specifically talking about safe sex between African American men and women.

[goodgd_yall]

87. I'm gay and I agree, but I didn't think of it as homophobic, just ignorant

and loss of a moment to lead by example.

[jefferson_dem]

27. Oh bullshit.

Not even close.

[tired_old_fireman]

29. I just asked about this in another thread

I took the joke as homophobic as well. If it's not homophobic, I don't understand the intent of the joke. I wish someone could explain it to me.

I've heard more than my share of homophobic and racist jokes in my lifetime. They're always told by people who supposedly aren't homophobic or racist. I never buy that defense. I just want to know what the meaning of the joke was. Maybe I'm too old and lived in a petri dish of macho humor too long and so I always assume the worst.

It's also stupid to suggest that getting an aids test is a sexual act. It involves drawing blood. Everyone should do it with anyone. I've always gone in for physical exams with a bunch of guys from work. Isn't that the same thing?

[DURHAM D]

35. And don't forget -

sexist jokes/comments by people who are "not sexist".

[pnwmom]

37. Here's why: he's trying to head off claims that he must have

had adulterous sexual encounters. Why assume he's talking about homosexual sex? AIDS isn't a gay disease.

He and Michelle had the tests in preparation for their trip to Kenya. As you know, the vast majority of HIV infections in Africa are the result of heterosexual contacts.

[eShirl]

30. I don't even understand the remark

so I can't form an opinion as to if it's homophobic or not

[sarge43]

31. I don't get any homophobic vibs from that remark.

I think he also made the important point that AIDS is not a disease that afflicts only gays - a myth that is homophobic.

[EarlG]

38. Perhaps people who didn't see the debate might be mistaking the context

The candidates were talking about the AIDS epidemic. During his speech, Joe Biden said that he had had an AIDS test and that he knew Barack Obama had had an AIDS test as well. But Biden didn't clarify the context of either AIDS test for the audience, and when it was Obama's turn he started by playing the "nervous husband" - his wife was in the audience - assuring everyone that they both took the test at the same time when they were in Kenya, thereby implying that he hadn't taken it because, say, he'd been cheating on her and just let slip to Biden behind closed Senate doors. It was a good laugh line. Not homophobic in the slightest.

If you just read the SF Chronicle article you could draw the conclusion that Obama said it because he wanted to makes sure everyone knew that he had a wife and therefore was not gay. If you watched the debate, that wasn't the context at all.

[Fridays Child]

44. Thank you. Good to know.

[tammywammy]

82. Thanks Earl for the context

:)

[goodgd_yall]

90. HIV testing is good for everyone, even if you've been married for years

As much as you might believe your spouse would never lie to you, you never know what kind of behavior he or she may have been engaging in that he/she doesn't want you to know. Could be something she or he doesn't even know about, like a former partner using needles.

[ulysses]

146. I was watching it

and my instant thought was that, in front of the audience, Obama wanted to make sure everyone knew he was hetero.

[terrya]

185. You're right.

Barack Obama doesn't have a homophobic bone in his body. I think he's very gay friendly. He's supportive of almost all of GLBT issues...ending DADT, supporting ENDA, supporting hate crimes legislation. I'm not happy with his stance on same-sex marriage, but then again none of the major Democratic candidates support marriage equality. But we can work on them when one of them is elected in 2008. :-)

Thank you for clarifying this, EarlG.

[Solo_in_MD]

41. You are drawing an inference where none exists, you need to refold your tinfoil hat

[ashling]

45. There was nothing homophobic about this remark

Obama has said some dumb things, but this was not homophobic.

[MaineProgressive]

47. When I posted this, I expected to get support

not ridicule. It's pretty clear to me that there are as many progressive homophobes as conservative/republican ones. The only difference? The conservative bigots come right out and say it. Which is better, the enemy you know or the enemy who pretends to be your friend but laughs at your expense behind your back. At least you know where they stand.

[mckeown1128]

53. You have to look objectively at this

He didn't mention or do anything to imply that he was specifically trying prove his heterosexuality. The fact that he mentioned his wife is implication that he was referring to adultery. I think you are reading waaaayyyy to much into this.

On a side note: Calling people who disagree with you homophobes is an Ad Hominem....which doesn't win your argument any points. Some of the people you are calling homophobes here may very well be gay(which would make being a homophobe a bit difficult)

[draft_mario_cuomo]

66. This is what "they" do if you say anything critical about Obama

I don't agree with the OP, but I respect your sincere post. Unfortunately, what many Obama supporters do (yes, there are exceptions, such as mckeown1128, ripple, and ethelk) is ignore whatever is actually said in the OP and resort to schoolyard taunts. There was one thread that had 100+ replies. Not one--repeat--not one disputed what was said in the OP. The bulk of replies were the kind of comments you saw in this thread from Obama supporters.

This is partly due to rabid hero worship but it is also intended to send a warning flare to anyone who is even considering daring to criticize Obama.

[alcibiades_mystery]

79. Maybe if you post ACTUAL homophobic comments

Rather than this utter nonsense, you would get support. Since you posted a ridiculous post, you got ridicule, and it was well deserved. Yours is the stupidest post of the last three months, easily.

[goodgd_yall]

92. I posted a thread about the remark last night

and I wondered if anyone else noticed. I received one response that agreed with me---not that it was homophobic, which I wasn't so much impressed with, but that Obama did nothing to remove the stigma of HIV testing when he had a perfect chance to.

[Radical Activist]

48. Calling that homophobic is a real stretch.

I think you're desperate to make any criticism of Obama you can.

[geek tragedy]

49. Okay, this wins the prize for "Dumbest Hit Piece thread"

for the day.

[Throwing Stones]

52. not only homophobic, but racist, sexist ...

antisemitic, gerontophobic, misogynistic, lookist, elitist, sizeist, xeonophobic and generally intolerant.

It's all there in that remark. :sarcasm:

Not to mention that his name sounds like Osama.

:banghead:

[zulchzulu]

55. This Grasping At Straws portion of the program brought to you by...

Mountains Out of Molehills. We make issues out of whole cloth that were not even there! Get one today!

So, by saying that he got tested with his wife, it is a direct assault on the LGBT community, which Obama has nearly 100% ratings with the major LGBT interest groups... wow...

:crazy:

If anything, Biden tried to slip in a "Obama is clean" remark...when he mentioned Obama and himself who got testing, Obama looked pissed. I'm glad he got to respond and introduce his wonderful wife, if only through a somewhat bizarre way to have to do it.

[MaineProgressive]

60. It's what these candidates feel in their heart that matters,

not their "100% ratings." It's like John Edwards's "I'm not comfortable around those people" comment. If it's not what they believe in their hearts, then they are simply pandering for the GLBT vote.

[zulchzulu]

84. Are you suggesting that voting to help LGBT causes could suspiciously be "pandering"?

Surely you jest.

As for Edwards' "comment", that is not necessarily what he said according to his wife Elizabeth, who was there when Bob Schrum made the "assessment".

I know some gay friends who are uncomfortable with heteros...what should I do? I just laugh and let it go...

[Ethelk2044]

56. He did not do that because of Homophobia

He did the right thing by answering to this because of smearing the way. He has a wife and two daughters that is the last thing that needs to come up. His daughters and wife does not need to be hurt by lies in the media. This post is bull shit.

[JNelson6563]

58. I didn't see it that way at all

Struck me more as an "I don't stray" sort of statement.

[AtomicKitten]

59. homophobic? ah, okay

:crazy:

[closeupready]

62. Oh, come on, people - stop obfuscating. It's obvious he implied, "AIDS is a gay disease." BUT

I don't think it was homophobic. It just was a dumb thing to say, not funny, and it was meant to put a distance between himself and gay people, who (as most of us are aware) are generally not popular in the black community. Very minor dust-up, don't make an issue of it, but he should really think about his remarks.

[NYCGirl]

63. You are mistaken. It was about FIDELITY. NT

[closeupready]

64. Only in part.

And also, this is such a non-issue to me I don't even know the answer to this, but is there a video? I'd like to see it, and how he says what he says. There's a non-verbal side to such remarks that helps deliver a different message depending upon how its said.

[NYCGirl]

67. Video here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/06/29/biden-barack-got-tested_n_54350.html

[closeupready]

70. Thanks - I'll take a look.

This reminds me of the Isaiah Washington controversy, and one of the entertainment news shows had a piece where one of his co-stars was being interviewed at some award ceremony, and this actress was totally against Washington's remarks, and the reporter asked some seemingly innocent questions but the way she asked them, by shaking her head, smirking and wrinkling her nose was supposed to convey to viewers, "viewers, see if this airhead actress can give me the correct answer, which is 'no, it wasn't a big deal.'" To my delight, the co-star frustrated the reporter and said, "yes, it's a big deal, and Isaiah was wrong."

But I'll give Obama the benefit of the doubt. (Slow news day. :D )

[closeupready]

85. I watched the video, and did not get a sense of homophobia about his remarks. However,

many of the responses here go overboard, and have a protest-too-much quality about them.

Blacks shouldn't have to put up with hate speech or sit in the back of the bus, and neither should gays. And you better believe that if a Democratic contender for the nomination says something inappropriate during his campaign, someone somewhere is going to call him on it.

Don't like it? Tough crap. That's the way it goes.

[Arugula Latte]

65. Whaaa? ... Homophobic? I don't think so. nt

[Bullet1987]

68. People...he didn't want to give the impression that he was cheating on his wife

THAT'S why he brought her up. To say this has something to do with homophobia is asinine.

[MaineProgressive]

69. Obama said

"I don't want any confusion here about what might be going on."

Meaning, in my interpretation, I don't want any confusion that -- heaven forbid -- I'm gay.

I agree that it could also have meant what some here have posted, but it's not how I see it.

[NYCGirl]

71. Yeah...

" I don't want any confusion about...(that I'm cheating)..."

[Name removed]

78. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Divine Discontent]

109. no, you're right, there's no confusion, you're upset because it offended you

and as someone once told me in a letter here from DU -

If anyone's words hurt someone's feelings the person needs to reflect why their words hurt that portion of society.

He was 100% making it clear to the crowd he was a heterosexual, not a gay man as most in the crowd took Biden's comment and cracking up about Obama "looking gay", so he had to check that image from going on, so he made a childish joke. Shame on him.

My last statement on the subject - Obama's done with me, and that's one less person from the queer society who considered voting for him.

[Egnever]

160. Your queer alright

but that has nothing to do with your sexual orientation. You're just an odd one.

[BringBigDogBack]

73. Wow. Reaching are we?

This is getting tired.

[Divine Discontent]

95. TOTALLY a homophobic I'm not gay remark by Obama

I just watched the video supplied in the link - you'd have to be a complete IDIOT to not get, after watching the video, his intent was sarcastic in tone, and that he was raising his voice to laugh about the play on words (that Biden said they both got tested for Aids in the same breath basically), and then you can hear Joe saying, OK, OK, ALRIGHT... my GOD, I am all of sudden very antiObama - from his originally not speaking out against Gen. Pace's antigay comments, and coming back later that night to reiterate they were bad, to saying Bush shouldn't be impeached because that should only be done when "grave" acts are done against the country, and now this obnoxious thing to say to Biden's breathtakingly powerful statement - Barack has to follow it up with

IMMATURITY and homophobic humor in front of the black audience. And so you know, being gay in black culture America is looked incredibly down upon. My two black gay friends say they are horribly rejected by their community. This is why Obama did it, out of fear of looking gay - NOT because he wanted to make sure no one accused him of cheating on his wife with another woman!

Watch the video, listen to Joe, listen to Obam's voice rise in sarcasm. I totally am removing my designs from my webpage I had made promoting his campaign, because I'm not going to make a few bucks but support him with my excellent designs. Biden's comment made me like him even more for President. And you can hear him getting kinda agitated with Barack as he kept up the "maybe Joe's gay, but I'm not, I got tested FAR away from his gay ass, it was in Africa with my WIFE!"

Thank you so much for the video, I felt like I was watching a comedian making a gay joke about someone in the audience.

[shimmergal]

133. It's not Obama's fault if

being gay is totally looked down on in the gay community.

And if you find homophobic insult in his remark, I _really_ feel sorry for you once you reach retirement age. _Eveerybody_ feels free to make ageist comments, from "codger" and "old bat" to senior citizens themselves joking about "having a senior moment." How will you stand it?

Or will you just say, "Oh, that's not me. _I'M_ not old,"it's just all those other people." Sorry if this sounds harsh. I'm not especially an Obama supporter, but your assumptions about his remark just don't make sense.

[Apollo11]

167. TOTALLY unfair accusation against Barack Obama

The way Biden said it - sounded like he and Obama and decided to go and get tested together.

For a married guy to announce publicly that he has been tested for HIV is not all that common.

I think Obama had every right to point out that he and his wife got tested together.

Maybe it's unfair, but people expect married candidates to be faithful to their spouse.

That's why Bill Clinton spent so much time covering-up his extra-marital activities.

[jillan]

77. it was the funniest line of the whole night

Kudos to Obama for his quick wit.

[TeamJordan23]

80. MaineProgressive, thanks for confirming to me the stupidity of a lot of people here in America.

Grow up!

[Divine Discontent]

106. what a rude person you are to the OP

grow up? how about not just backing someone because of their color? I supported a black man for an office once and if I was like some people I know, because of my connection to the black community - I would have voted for the white man just because he is white. you sound like a jerk telling them to grow up because they were offended by Obama's having to make it clear he wasn't a gay person and defending him just because you want him in because of his color, take from that as you like - but I am tired of my black gay friend being harassed and having to see stuff like this on TV all the time, black guys making it clear they ain't no queer - oh can't have that, their brothers will be making fun of them, and the ladies won't be interested. If you don't think I can give you a hundred instances just from movies ALONE you'd be horribly wrong.

[TeamJordan23]

107. It was an assertion that he wasn't cheating on his wife. You should maybe watch

some more comedies on TV to know what is a joke and what is not.

[Divine Discontent]

114. cute names, just caught them

TeamJordan23 and Bling Bling, I feel like I'm on an NBA fan website! Hey, really NO PROB, we just disagree, he just stuck his foot in his mouth, again. He defended B*sh as not being grave enough of a reason for impeachment even though he ignored the Katrina victims and started a false war killing loads of African American Army soldiers, but go ahead Obama, say W's not worty of impeachment - watch your poll numbers go down again, this time below 20.

[bling bling]

120. I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this...

But you are so ill-informed that I have no idea why you're even here.

It's not enough to be interested in politics. If you're serious about it, you really ought to spend 10 minutes a day trying to understand the positions of the people you smear and understand the topics you engage in.

It's like me going to a math enthusiasts forum and spouting off about how some theory doesn't jibe when I have no fucking clue what the hell I'm talking about.

You embarrass yourself.

[Divine Discontent]

121. yawn

You are ignoring facts - Obama stuck his foot into his mouth - don't blame me that your boy blew it again. my boy has blown it a few times, but not with the ferocity that O seems to do it. He's green, and we don't need that in 08. We screwed up 04 somehow, and getting a newbie politician as our nom isn't going to cut it - esp. when he's before a super friendly crowd with friendly politicians - he would clearly self destruct in a confrontational debate.

You are paper thin in your guised appearance that you aren't homophobic and your insults against a person who's far from unintelligent makes you look like a bully - because you are one. I suggest you never tell me again to leave DU. I suggest also that you learn other tactics because the bullying ones don't work on DU, maybe in sports forums, but not here.

[Divine Discontent]

122. "I have no fucking clue what the hell I'm talking about." - I agree with you!

I'll pick and choose how I interpret what you said, just like you're doing in ignoring Obama's anti-gay slam at Biden's expense, and the gay community's for that matter. Your homophobia or, just backing Obama no matter what comes out of his mouth, has made me ignore you from this point forward. I'm sure I'm far from the first one to do so.

[bling bling]

110. Do you have any idea what you just said?

I have no idea how you can post something like this and dare to try and play it off as though your friend is the victim of people like Obama. I've got news for you, you ARE the problem.

"grow up? how about not just backing someone because of their color? I supported a black man for an office once and if I was like some people I know, because of my connection to the black community - I would have voted for the white man just because he is white. you sound like a jerk telling them to grow up because they were offended by Obama's having to make it clear he wasn't a gay person and defending him just because you want him in because of his color, take from that as you like - but I am tired of my black gay friend being harassed and having to see stuff like this on TV all the time, black guys making it clear they ain't no queer - oh can't have that, their brothers will be making fun of them, and the ladies won't be interested. If you don't think I can give you a hundred instances just from movies ALONE you'd be horribly wrong."

[Divine Discontent]

113. Your MASSIVE obama bling bling signage made me unable to see your Obama worship n/t

[TeamJordan23]

130. What a stupid comment. nt

[Odin2005]

81. What a lame assertion.

He was saying in a humorous way that he wasn't cheating on his wife.


I get annoyed by people that look for non-existent bigotry in innocent remarks and then accuse people who don't see any bigoted intent for denial or whatnot. It's BS reasoning.

[rasputin1952]

83. There was nothing homophobic in what Obama said...

For those of us who watched the debate, it was pretty rapid-fire, which is fine AFAIC, keeps one on their toes; it was well done and specific; everyone was dignified; it was an all around good set of responses to well asked and pertinent questions.

As far as some things go, it becomes "Molehill, meet mountain", and this is one of those instances. Every time that someone says something that might be remotely "offensive" to another or a goup, many people go into groupthink and just dig in, this is not how things get resolved, and in almost every instance, such thought patterns have precisely the opposite result as that which is desired.

If I say I have a couple of guns in my house, some people will automatically think I am a mass murder of people and small animals. I could have been talking about BB guns or water pistols, but that doesn't matter, some people will think that I have M2 .50 caliber machine guns and a howitzer aimed at a chipmunk. Things should not be this way.

I could take anything that has ever been posted, said, seen or thought of, I could roll it into some form of "phobic" reaction. This is not just unfair, but it is misleading as well.

I saw Obama and the other candidates last night, I thought the remark was a well placed bit of humor at a time when humor was necessary. Obama took a comical stance that made him look more human than anything else, the "my wife is in the audience" type of thing...big deal.

I have nothing to show me that Obama is anything more than one who would fight for the Rights of gays, fight for the Rights of the underprivledged, fight for the Rights of the Average American. The spin that is coming off this is pretty bad in my opinion, and completely unwarranted. Obama would no more swipe at gays, than he would at blacks, whites or anyone else, (except R's)

Before people get out the torches and pitchforks, it might be a good idea to watch the debate and form one's own opinion. Context is the key, and while I persoanlly am not in "favor" of any candidate we have at this point, cheap slams against any of them is a pretty poor tactic, but it will be used by some to advance another's candidate.

This thread needs to be read and posted in, HIV/AIDS needs to be dealt with...if we could find cures to smallpox and poliomylitis, we can find a cure for HIV/AIDS and other diseases. That is where this discussion should be heading. I am straight, I am white and I am male, that does not make me any less a compassionate and empathetic human being, and those attributes will not stop me from fighting to gain equality for every human on the planet.

For Pete's sake, I have been called homophobic from posts in the past where I've just stated I'm a straight male, is that fair, is that honorable? Not every post or thing that is said, that does not come w/in the "bounds" of some self made dictum is homophobic, gay hating or some other form of "hate speech".

[goodgd_yall]

86. I thought it not so much homophobic, but unfortunate

and poor judgment. In a time when we should be getting the stigma off getting HIV testing, Obama said something that shows how unprogressive he can be in some matters. He could have restrained himself from making his Hah-hah for the sake of setting an example. And then, after making his explanation, Biden followed suit by explaining that his was for having blood transfusions. A teaching moment lost.

[zulchzulu]

97. I thought it was unfortunate that Biden had to bring it up...

Had any of the other candidates been tested for AIDS?

Biden has already said crap about how Obama "was a clean, well-spoken black man"... why the hell he had to bring it up is questionable to me.

[ronnykmarshall]

88. Uh .....

:wtf:

I mean :wtf: by the claim of this being a homophobic remark.

[MrSlayer]

89. Reaching for shit.

How is this homophobic in any way? People get offended over nothing so often here.

[HuffleClaw]

91. hahahhahahahahaaaaaaa

what a load of crap. contrived desperate crap

[zulchzulu]

96. Here's the transcript...tell me where it's homophobic

Joe Biden: I will try to answer your question directly. You said how do we prevent the seventeen-year-olds from getting HIV-AIDS? How do you prevent that? All the things that were said here are good ideas. They don't prevent that. What's happened is there's a policy of neglect, denial and lack of honesty out there.

The fact of the matter is, as Hillary points out, there's neglect on the part of the medical and the white community focusing on educating the minority community out there. I spent last summer going through the Black sections of my town holding rallies in parks, trying to get Black men to understand that it's not unmanly to wear a condom, getting women to understand they can say no, getting people in the position where testing matters.

I got tested for AIDS. I know Barack got tested for AIDS. There's no shame in being tested for AIDS. It's an important thing because the fact of the matter is, in the communities engaged in denial, no one wants to talk about it in the community and we do not have enough leaders in the community and outside the community demanding we face the reality, confront the men in the community as well as the women, letting them know there are alternatives.

Tavis Smiley: Thank you.

Barack Obama: Tavis, I just got to make clear that I got tested with Michelle when we were in Kenya in Africa, so I don't want any confusion here about what's going on.

Joe Biden: Well, I got tested to save my life because I had a blood transfusion.

Barack Obama: I was tested with my wife.

Tavis Smiley: And I'm sure Michelle appreciates you clarifying that.

Barack Obama: In public.

[Divine Discontent]

117. in this case you have to hear - listen to the tone in his voice for certain words is necessary n/t

[Fearless]

100. It's NOT homophobic

He was clarifying that he wasn't cheating on his wife (a la distancing himself from the Clintons) not that he wasn't sleeping with men.

[Gold Metal Flake]

101. Your "concern" is noted.

Your deep, deep concern.

[Divine Discontent]

105. DU video link

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x37312

[hughee99]

111. We all see the world

through a lens shaped by our own lives. Perhaps if I were gay, I might see this differently. I also wouldn't be surprised at all to see some of the pro-Hillary crowd see this as an attack on HRC.

Personally, I didn't see either the homophobia or an attack on HRC.

[sampsonblk]

115. Ridiculous waste of time

There are plenty of legit complaints against Obama. This isn't one of them.

[Hollow Shells]

118. I just don't see it

I don't know what he meant and neither do you, but even if Obama was making fun of gays, so what? What kind of person can't laugh at themselves? Is happiness possible in a mind that takes itself so seriously?

[Divine Discontent]

123. That's what a mind is for - comprehending what people do - it's how we have evolved

Obama was clearly making an obvious insult for laughs, clear in not only wording, but in tone, and gestures, that he was not having a gay affair with Biden who the crowd laughed at, and Obama responded and played to their nervous gay fears. Shame on you for ignoring it and trying to play off that gay people aren't happy if they don't allow humor AT their expense to be made constantly.

[Hollow Shells]

127. Perhaps I am a bit slow...

Obama made obvious anti gay gestures?


"Shame on you for ignoring it and trying to play off that gay people aren't happy if they don't allow humor AT their expense to be made constantly."

If someone, gay or not, becomes upset over such a small joke (that may or may not have been about gays) then I feel for them. Being hyper-sensitive in this manner must be very difficult. I know that whenever I take myself so seriously, it becomes a cause of unhappiness.

Should I be mad at the TV show "The Simpsons"?

[Divine Discontent]

129. to be polite

let's just not ever talk again? you insult my being offended by his clear joke intended to imply he's not gay - lest their be any confusion! you have no idea what it's like to have jokes made like that, that someone isn't gay - let's make that clear!, all the time, every day on TV, everywhere on talk show radio, at schools, at the grocery store, at work - you wouldn't pay attention to it because you're not gay - it gets a little old after a while - and you SURELY don't expect to see it from a black man who doesn't find racist jokes too funny either! When you are the focus of thousands of jokes as a people, well, you just respect anyone else's differences, so -

consider our discussion closed.

[jaysunb]

149. You're way over the top...

and taking this far beyond what it should be. It was subjective, and should be left that way.

You're better than you've been acting the last three days on this topic.

Let it go.....

[Forkboy]

119. Jumping Jesus on a pogo stick.

:eyes:

[Jed Dilligan]

124. Heterosexual HIV transmission is much more common

in the black community, so I'm willing to buy that this was a joke in bad taste but not homophobic.

[beaconess]

125. How is it bad taste to say, "Hey, I was tested with my wife!" ?

[Jed Dilligan]

134. Well, it's an AIDS joke.

Some would say that makes it bad taste from the gate.

[ripple]

135. It was a joke about fidelity

and a jab at how, without clarification, the media might take the fact that he was tested and start speculating about the sorts of activities he might have engaged in that prompted him to be tested.

[Jed Dilligan]

136. Fair enough.

Still, it's not really a topic to be joked around. He could have said "My wife and I went in and got tested..." with a solemn face, deflected the press and not offended anyone.

[beaconess]

153. You think so?

Anything Obama says is going to offend some pepole, regardless the expression he had on his face when he said it.

This nitpicking is, in my view, absolutely ridiculous. No wonder DU is starting to become a laughing stock in some quarters.

[Jed Dilligan]

154. I'm not one of those people.

You can search. I don't support or oppose any of the Democrats at this point. It's too early IMO.

I just think joking while talking about AIDS isn't very Presidential.

[DemGa]

126. I thought Obama was responding to the audience

There was a collective sound of 'disconcertment' from the audience when Biden mentioned Obama getting tested. All in all, it was a kind of odd response from the audience and Obama.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

128. Beatin' a stillborn horse.

[ecstatic]

131. It was Biden who was out of line, IMO

First of all, telling a black audience to get an "AIDS test" (wtf, isn't it an HIV test?) and then to further prove his point, he singles out Obama as if to say--see, Obama is black and he got an AIDS test, so you should too! I guess implied bigotry is in the ears of the beholder.

[jillan]

138. You are totally taking it out of context

The question was asked what to do about the spread of Aids/Hiv...

Biden was talking about being proactive. What Biden said is true.
If more people wore condoms and got tested than Aids wouldn't spread as much, now would it?

He was making a point that it is no big deal to do so.

This whole conversation is unreal, especially calling Obama homophobic. It was a light moment during a serious discussion.

edit to add Senator Biden's exact remarks:
Joe Biden: ...I got tested for AIDS. I know Barack got tested for AIDS. There's no shame in being tested for AIDS. It's an important thing because the fact of the matter is, in the communities engaged in denial, no one wants to talk about it in the community and we do not have enough leaders in the community and outside the community demanding we face the reality, confront the men in the community as well as the women, letting them know there are alternatives.

now tell me where you find fault with Sen Biden's comments?

[Apollo11]

168. Good point

Calling it an AIDS test reinforces the widely held belief that being HIV+ is the same thing as having AIDS.

So Biden is guilty of spreading ignorance in this case.

Plus I don't think it's right for one candidate to talk about another candidate's medical history.

Let Biden tell us about his HIV test if that's what he wants to do.

No need to make public announcements on behalf of another Democratic candidate.

It reminds me of when John Kerry referred to Cheney's daughter being a lesbian.

Let each candidate tell their own story in their own words.

[xultar]

139. Aahhh that ain't homophobic. BUHWAWAWAWA! Scratchin the bottom of the trash can ahe?

[Catherine Vincent]

140. I thought maybe it was to reiterate that is what married folks do fearing adultery.

Actually, I thought maybe Biden was suggesting one of the Barack's had an affair and the other wanted him/her to get aids tested. I didn't take it as homophobic.

[Mass]

141. Homophobic? What did you smoke? During the debate, Obama actually condemned homophobia and

said that homophobia was among the reasons why AA do not get tested (if you have AIDS, you must be gay. Thanks Reagan for this one, BTW).

It was an humorous remark on Biden's back, and the audience laughed. I wonder which candidate pushed this smear.

[BeyondGeography]

152. Exactly; mentioning homophobia in the black community re. AIDS took a lot of guts

but none of that is acknowledged in the OP or by the (thankfully) minority of people in this thread who misinterpreted his later comments or are simply using this non-controversy as an opportunity to rip Obama.

No good deed goes unpunished.

[TankLV]

142. This is not the first (or fourth) time Obama has disparaged gays...

he has quite a history of it...

I will not support him - and to think I was leaning that way...

[Forkboy]

147. It wasn't homophobic.

I don't know the other times you speak of so I won't defend Obama on those,but I watched the debate and it was nothing of the sort.It was meant as a joke about infidelity towards his wife,not as shot against gays and AIDS.

And this comes from a decidedly non-Obama supporter. :shrug:

[purduejake]

179. Infidelity with a MAN!

That's what was so goddam funny. And that's the issue we have with it.

[proud2BlibKansan]

143. That'a homophobic remark?

Huh? :shrug:

[closeupready]

145. And at a minimum, his gaffe is indicative of his political inexperience.

Again, it's not a huge deal, and he seems like a promising individual, but this amatueurish macho posturing stuff is not fitting for a national political figure. He needs to focus on speaking with dignity, in my opinion, which means he has to leave his ego and insecurities at home.

[StudentsMustUniteNow]

148. I've said before that it wasn't a homophobic remark, but reading more changed my mind

"
Biden: I got tested for AIDS. I know Barack got tested for AIDS.

Barack Obama: Tavis, I just got to make clear that I got tested with Michelle when we were in Kenya in Africa, so I don't want any confusion here about what's going on."

I had initially thought Biden said, "Barack and I got tested for AIDS." Now that I see that this is not the case, and that Biden did NOT imply that he got tested WITH Obama, I do not think Obama had any proper rationale for telling the crowd that he got "tested with Michelle."

Furthermore, the "confusion" regarding "what's going on" could be interpreted as a joke at the expense of homosexuals or their lifestyle. Perhaps he just meant to dispel concerns about philandering, but we could also construe it otherwise.

We'll never know Obama's intent, but the remark can be EASILY seen as a "homophobic" joke.

[Vidar]

150. I'm not a fan of Obama, but I don't see his joke as homophobic.

[HappyWeasel]

155. Yeah, it just appeared to imply he was not cheating on his wife

[Catherine Vincent]

151. I'd like to read Bluebear's take on this... n/t

[bamacrat]

156. That's not homophobic.

[Egnever]

159. Most retarded post I have seen in a while

take the freaking boulder off your shoulder. His comment had absolutely zip to do with homophobia.

[TheWebHead]

161. beyond absurd

I understand how a primary sometimes creates a circular firing squad, but this leap in logic frankly is an embarrassment to the original poster. Really shameful.

[Capn Sunshine]

162. well, there's yet another one for the board

how many disingenuous disruptors are gonna join this cycle I wonder? And why do they think they are having any effect at all besides revealing the base stupidity of ......well, you know?

[Alexander]

163. Newsflash: Straight people can get HIV/AIDS as well.

:eyes:

[NaturalHigh]

164. I can't see how this is a homophobic remark.

Honestly, can't we find something else to be pissed off about?

[MirrorAshes]

165. this reeks of "concern" to me

his comment was OBVIOUSLY referring to the fact that he doesn't cheat on his wife and didn't want there to be any confusion about that, and imo anyone trying to claim otherwise is deliberately attempting to smear Obama.

Get real, folks.

[Mutineer]

169. I'm not seeing the problem with that remark.

I guess I'm homophobic now too huh?

[Fearless]

180. This is old stuff but I'll reply again.

He wasn't being homophobic, he was clarifying that he wasn't cheating on his wife. That's all. He is not homophobic.

[ShortnFiery]

181. "he was clarifying that he wasn't cheating on his wife. "

Oh wouldn't it be lovely to have a Democratic President in the White House who you could feel "fairly confident" that his/her marriage is founded on behaving - both physically and emotionally faithful? ... that Above anything else we would NOT have to ENDURE any more "sorted WH sex scandals" for the worthless M$M to inappropriately hype-focus on? <sigh> ;)

[Colobo]

182. People really look for ways to get offended...

[JVS]

183. Here is the clip in case anyone want to watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f-nYgXceA8

Before watching it, I did not believe the claims of homophobia by the critics, but now that I've seen it I must agree with the claim. The whole thing stated going downhill when the audience started laughing after Biden said that he has been tested for aids and he knows that Obama has been tested for aids. This was actually an example of the stigma surrounding aids that Biden was talking about. Biden actually got a bit angry and admonished the audience ("the community") a bit. Obama, picking up on the audiences stupid perception that Biden knowing about Obama's HIV test implies that the two are lovers, decides to play on that for a laugh.

[jenmito]

184. Totally irrelevant

whether you think it was a homophobic joke or not. Your outrage is unjustified IMO since he's not against civil unions or against gay people serving openly in the military as all the Repubs. are.