Oy... who didn't see this coming?

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

The State newspaper in Columbia also reported Friday that Obama organized a conference call Thursday night with gay and lesbian leaders. After the call, the South Carolina Gay and Lesbian Pride Movement announced they will hold a protest vigil outside Sunday's concert here.

Privately, Obama aides say they believe Obama is a candidate of real, transformational change, and that uproars like the McClurkin controversy are necessary speed bumps on the road to bringing people with opposing viewpoints together to air their differences.

Will Obama's refusal to kick McClurkin off the concert bill hurt him? Like many political squabbles, despite the national story, it depends how much the controversy resonates with voters in those crucial early states: Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.

And in South Carolina, where African-Americans make up about half of Democratic primary-goers, voters might not have that much of a problem with McClurkin at all.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/10/26/gospel-concert-controversy-tests-obamas-message/

[calteacherguy]

1. I think the folks protesting this are not doing a good job of advocating for change.

I agree with Obama's approach.

[Bluebear]

23. "I agree with Obama's approach": Giving ex-gay homophobes a platform to perform

[Cameron27]

2. I wish I could be there to join them.

[calteacherguy]

3. Why? What is there to protest? nt

[geek tragedy]

4. McClurkin has said some truly awful things.

I don't blame them for being upset.

But, the show must go on.

[Cameron27]

5. The performance of a disturbed

proselytizing gay bashing bigot on a gospel tour of a Democratic presidential candidate.

[DURHAM D]

6. I gotta say - on this issue you are just wrong.

I have noticed your posts and you are just ordinary everyday wrong.

You are arrogant in your rightness and it is unappreciated.

[Webster Green]

8. Here..

From the article:

The Grammy-award winning singer/preacher is on record as saying homosexuality is a choice, and that he himself was "once involved with those desires and those thoughts," but was able to get past them through prayer. To say the least, neither of those arguments are very popular in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

John Aravosis, a prominent gay blogger and co-founder of the web site AmericaBlog, led the charge against the Obama campaign, writing that the Illinois Democrat was "sucking up to anti-gay bigots" and "giving them a stage."

[CyberPieHole]

7. Why the HECK are they protesting???

Don't they understand that "ex-gay" singer, Donnie McClurkin, loves them? He only hates the sin not the sinner.:sarcasm:

[calteacherguy]

9. I don't understanding why they are protesting someone playing in support of a gay-rights candidate.

It's truly bizzare behavior. Why do they feel so threatened by this confused and tormented gay man?

"Protesting" THIS is an act of weakness, not strength. Why do they care if someone who has misguided views sings a few songs? I wish the folks protesting were stronger than that. It makes me sad.

[NMMNG]

12. Yes, truly bizarre behavior

Just like it would be truly bizarre behavior for the NAACP to protest if David Duke and several Skinheads were speaking for one of the other candidates. I mean, the candidates are all pro-black rights.

[CyberPieHole]

15. "misguided views"..."sings a few songs"...

I think you fail to see the point: The "misguided views" are bigoted and homophobic. What McClurkin espouses is dangerous to the GLBT community. People act out each and every day against Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and those who are Trans-gendered. It is insensitive to think that homophobia is just "misguided".

[Kurovski]

10. I can't wait for the day when we find out that dweeb's back on the weiner wagon.

Hoo-boy.

[Karenina]

11. Did I just read an account

from former-lover of 4 years that their last contact was this past March? :evilgrin:

[Kurovski]

13. HMMMMMMMMM...

Could...be...

[ruggerson]

14. I still say there's something totally incongruous

about a homophobic gospel group calling themselves "Mary, Mary."

Just saying.

[Kurovski]

16. You've just

said a mouthful.

[CyberPieHole]

17. McCloskin is probably living a double life...

He's nothing but a self-serving hypocrite. Why Obama feels allegiance to him is beyond me.

You can read all about his double life here:
http://claycane.blogspot.com/2007/10/exclusive-interview-with-donnie.html

[DURHAM D]

18. He met the singer through Oprah - he doesn't want to lose her support.

[illinoisprogressive]

19. And then hillary's supporters wonder why she is so hated. because of her supporters

[CyberPieHole]

20. McCloskin. Bigotry. Homophobia. Hypocrisy.

Blaming others bodes your candidate ill.

[jonnyblitz]

21. well i serious doubt you are helping build support for Obama

here at DU with all the vile crap you post.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

22. Either all DU Obama support is a Clinton/Edwards campaign prank

or the Obama campaign is the worst campaign EVER.

Who squanders resources just to piss people off and be offensive?

[Bluebear]

24. You forgot "bots". And PS many are starting to say the same thing about Obama supporters.