Surprise!

Hmph. No, this isn’t good wrt Obama’s views on the GLBT community.

What kind of pantomime horseplay is this?

I agree. I am rethinking my support for Obama.

Hey, what would you expect from a guy Lieberman mentored?

If “backing out” of something like this is difficult for Obama, his leadership skills leave much to be desired.

Good afternoon, Jane…

Put this together with his “social security is in crisis!” bullshit. The guy is a closet Republican. I’m done with him.

I think when Obama booked McClurkin he was engaging in dog-whistle outreach, and when people got pissed he just didn’t want to take responsibility for it.

DING DING DING DING DING!

Hamsher swings and hits it right out of the park, going going going going, IT’S GONE!!!
(Just like Obama’s presidential hopes)

San Diego has someone new who knows how to Speak Out:

http://sdpeaceguyblogger.blogs…..-blog.html

Damn good to see it.

Looks like he won’t become the Presidential nominee, nor the VP http://rawstory.com/news/2007/….._1029.html

I’m no longer interested in Obama as a candidate. And that means V/P too.

And he seemed so fine…

I started supporting Obama right from when he declared. But I abandoned him a long time ago (it seems). Now I see I did the right thing. He’s self-destructing, and this is a shame. A lot of us had high hopes.

(Disclosure: I’m African-American. For me this usually doesn’t matter. But I’m afraid it does in this case.)

Obama is busy courting the evangelicals.

He bought into the right wing framery that the world revolves around them and only them.

Sad.

-GSD

Biodun @ 13

I started supporting Obama right from when he declared. But I abandoned him a long time ago (it seems). Now I see I did the right thing. He’s self-destructing, and this is a shame. A lot of us had high hopes.

(Disclosure: I’m African-American. For me this usually doesn’t matter. But I’m afraid it does in this case.)

I felt that he needed more experience to be prez but felt he would have been a good vp. Now I don’t want him in the gov’t at all. I am so disappointed.

I’m not sure if this is some kind of Sister Souljah moment by Team Obama, or some kind of homage by them to Lee Atwater, who managed to get the Yankee patrician George Bush 41 to pretend that he loved country music and pork rinds, or just Obama falling into the trap by believing that his trailing Hillary is the result of not being “black enough”. Actually, Sister Souljah was different than Obama putting a gay-basher on stage – SS was a signal by Clinton to certain white Americans that despite his popularity in the African American community, he would distance himself from them to a certain extent. Obama, with his remarks about the need for “dialogue” between conservative black evangelicals and members of the gay community, manages to demean both groups at the same time, as well as himself. Just terrible.

Well there ya go, alienating yet another potential voting bloc.
Heckofajob Obama.
Who’s next?
Progressives have already give him the talk to the hand brush off, he is running out of suitors.

The young people Obama has energized and invigorated as part of his Presidential campaign are particularly impatient with homophobia and heterosexism. I believe this incident, which Obama’s campaign is now casting as an opportunity for dialogue in order to show what a big tent his campaign will be, could be the end of it instead.

How is Donnie McClurkin’s not-quite-recloseted message supposed to resonate with a generation that is entirely over hate and homophobia? What happened to the presidential candidate who said on Logo during the HRC debate that fighting homophobia in the African-American community was a first step in fighting AIDS/HIV?

This isn’t the audacity of hope.

It’s the audacity of homophobia.

I think Obama must have someone from Hillary’s ranks working for him. Who else would trip him up like this? And never underestimate Aravosis when he gets a bone to chew.

“…Bowers over at Open Left, who said he thought it was pretty clear this whole thing was a mistake and Obama wished he’d never booked McClurkin and just didn’t know how to get out of it.”

“..DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO GET OUT OF IT.”!!!?!!!

OMG! That’s HYSTERICAL! And we want a President who can’t figure a way out of something as simple as an erroneous booking? Who can’t correct (or admit) or FIX a MISTAKE?

Obama lost me. He JUST lost me on this one. But the above reason is by far the bigger problem here than letting a bigoted liar speak at a campaign crusade to begin with.

I DO believe we’ve had enough of administrations who cannot take responsibility and/or admit mistakes, have we not?!?

Forget THIS guy…..MOVIN’ ON HERE!
siri@legitgov.org
http://www.legitgov.org

It is so over.

I loved Obama at the 2004 convention. I was so happy I was living in Illinois so I could vote for him. I appreciated that he campaigned downstate, outside of Chicago and suburbs.

I didn’t know enough about him to really support him to be President, but I was way open to a place on the ticket as VP.

Not now. Not any more.

(Disclosure: I’m gay. For me this usually doesn’t matter. But I’m afraid it does in this case.)

DennisfromVenice @ 5

Hey, what would you expect from a guy Lieberman mentored?

Circus of coincidence…

Indeed some Old-Stagers were tempted to perform the tricks that had once so amazed the crowds all those years before and some took the opportunity to premiere some new tricks they had been working on and perfecting in the secrecy of their garden sheds and deserted railway sidings.

“Runaway Phanta” is about right…

I believe this incident, which Obama’s campaign is now casting as an opportunity for dialogue in order to show what a big tent his campaign will be, could be the end of it instead.

Big circus tent maybe…

edit…link

DennisfromVenice @ 5

Hey, what would you expect from a guy Lieberman mentored?

DING.

I need to clarify that I wanted Obama for VP. I’m a Richardson supporter. Now I agree with the above post, I don’t want him ANYWHERE NEAR MY White House.
siri

Yep. This is going to kill his campaign. Obama already wasn’t my first choice, but he just slipped several places down in the ranking.

I was hoping for better for Obama, but now I can just smell the Guiliani/Clinton matchup in the air and it makes me sick.

Well, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I’ve never jumped on the Obama Bandwagon. He has never impressed me as someone who has the experience to be The President.
I’ve never liked being Preached to. I still don’t. And, there’s a certain disconnect to the man. He always seems to be talking over people’s heads. Not looking them in the eye.
So, this news doesn’t disappoint me personally, but it is sad to hear this bit coming from a Major Contender.
(Disclosure: I’m a straight, white chick. But, it is Very Important to me that people understand and practice tolerance.)

I can understand, and even sympathize with Obama trying to reach out to the evangelical community. Obama’s theme of outreach defines his campaign the same way the “two Americas” theme defined Edwards, at least in 2004. However, the McClurkin affair has turned into a debacle, and I think it betrays the inexperience of Obama. Obama can recover with some forthright statements saying that McClurkin’s views are not his views, and never will be. Until then, Obama’s candidacy has a grave, self-inflicted wound.

Now it’s the
Same old song
With a different beat. . .

I hope those of you disillusioned with Obama will take a moment to read John Edwards’ speech today in New Hampshire: The Moral Test of Our Generation

EXCERPT:

It’s time to tell the truth. And the truth is the system in Washington is corrupt. It is rigged by the powerful special interests to benefit they very few at the expense of the many. And as a result, the American people have lost faith in our broken system in Washington, and believe it no longer works for ordinary Americans.

They’re right.

As I look across the political landscape of both parties today — what I see are politicians too afraid to tell the truth — good people caught in a bad system that overwhelms their good intentions and requires them to chase millions of dollars in campaign contributions in order to perpetuate their careers and continue their climb to higher office.

[snip]

And, now, as I travel across America and listen to people, I hear real concern about what’s going on. For the first time in our nation’s history, people are worried that we’re going to be the first generation of Americans not to pass on a better life to our children.

And it’s not the fault of the American people. The American people have not changed. The American people are still the strong, courageous people they have always been. The problem is what our government has become.

And, it is up to us to do something about it.

Because Washington may not see it, but we are facing a moral crisis as great as any that has ever challenged us. And, it is this test — this moral test — that I have come to understand is at the heart of this campaign.

This speech is a game-changer. It’s the speech we’ve been waiting for from any of the candidates.

Gore/Dean 08

We need leaders who know how to lead.

I think it’s too late for him to repudiate McClurkin. Anything he does now is going to look like it’s been poll-tested rather than from any actual ethics. I don’t think it’ll be enough to bring back the youth vote, even if he comes out very strongly against the guy.

Oh, hell.

It just amazes me how often people want to shoot the messenger, in this case being Aravosis.

You cannot blame Aravosis for this. You can dislike him, dislike his blog, think he has issues when it comes to race … whatever.

But be honest with yourself. This isn’t Aravosis’ fault. It isn’t Hillary’s fault.

This is Obama’s fault. And, I agree with Jane. This was a dog-whistle maneuver on his part, to appeal to the homophobes in the black community.

Shameful. Absolutely shameful.

This is exactly the opposite of what Hubert H. Humphrey decided needed to be done with the dixiecrats. Racism and this kind of anti-gay rhetoric are not very different. Obama shows his true nature here. Either he’s too weak to stand up against the undercurrent of homophobia in parts of society, or he doesn’t care about gay issues at all and doesn’t understand how hurtful people like McClurkin are. Imagine if it was a preacher talking about how blacks are only good for athletics or that they’re poor because they’re lazy? Ugh.

Wasn’t the “youth vote” just so much bullshit in the last election?

lisa @ 32

Oh, hell.

It just amazes me how often people want to shoot the messenger, in this case being Aravosis.

You cannot blame Aravosis for this. You can dislike him, dislike his blog, think he has issues when it comes to race … whatever.

But be honest with yourself. This isn’t Aravosis’ fault. It isn’t Hillary’s fault.

This is Obama’s fault. And, I agree with Jane. This was a dog-whistle maneuver on his part, to appeal to the homophobes in the black community.

Shameful. Absolutely shameful.

I don’t see anybody blaming John Aravosis.

“Obama’s anti-gay religious right activist used the opportunity Obama gave him last night to preach his hate to thousands of African-Americans.”

Could someone please offer me a link to quotes of what the man actually said? I always find it frustrating to be told someone said something without seeing actual quotes. I’m not questioning the description, just wanting to see the quotes.

Astral Technician @ 30

Gore/Dean 08

We need leaders who know how to lead.

That would be a great ticket, but it doesn’t seem likely to happen.

Doesn anyone know if there is or will be a video link to the Edwards’ speech?
I’ve read the snips….but, I’d love to see and hear this.
(I’ve been an Edwards supporter all along, although I am impressed with C. Dodd too.)

lisa @ 32

Oh, hell.

It just amazes me how often people want to shoot the messenger, in this case being Aravosis.

You cannot blame Aravosis for this. You can dislike him, dislike his blog, think he has issues when it comes to race … whatever.

But be honest with yourself. This isn’t Aravosis’ fault. It isn’t Hillary’s fault.

This is Obama’s fault. And, I agree with Jane. This was a dog-whistle maneuver on his part, to appeal to the homophobes in the black community.

Shameful. Absolutely shameful.

Who here is blaming Aravosis?

ReElect President Al Gore & VP John Edwards 2008!

demi @ 38

Doesn anyone know if there is or will be a video link to the Edwards’ speech?
I’ve read the snips….but, I’d love to see and hear this.
(I’ve been an Edwards supporter all along, although I am impressed with C. Dodd too.)

Full transcript on kos. Also e-mail from Edwards with speech. Likely on his web site.

Obama’s staff and this dog have a lot in common, except for that I feel sorry for the dog. You have to know when to set your safety…

http://www.startribune.com/531/story/1514671.html

Craig Wagner @ 36

“Obama’s anti-gay religious right activist used the opportunity Obama gave him last night to preach his hate to thousands of African-Americans.”

Could someone please offer me a link to quotes of what the man actually said? I always find it frustrating to be told someone said something without seeing actual quotes. I’m not questioning the description, just wanting to see the quotes.

here

Anybody expecting the top 3 Democrats to do anything for the GLBT community is in living in la-la land.

Maybe in 20 years but not in the near future.

Well if Obama’s campaign crashes and burns will it do so in time for his former supporters to put someone else ahead of Hillary?

That Edwards speech referenced here on an earlier thread has me pumped up. I can’t help but hope enough disillusioned Obama supporters could to with Edwards to put him over the top.

TeddySanFran @ 29

This speech is a game-changer. It’s the speech we’ve been waiting for from any of the candidates.

I hope you’re right, but unfortunately, I fear that whether it makes a difference or not depends on whether or not the MSM gives it the coverage it deserves.

lisa @ 32

Oh, hell.

It just amazes me how often people want to shoot the messenger, in this case being Aravosis.

You cannot blame Aravosis for this. You can dislike him, dislike his blog, think he has issues when it comes to race … whatever.

But be honest with yourself. This isn’t Aravosis’ fault. It isn’t Hillary’s fault.

This is Obama’s fault. And, I agree with Jane. This was a dog-whistle maneuver on his part, to appeal to the homophobes in the black community.

Shameful. Absolutely shameful.

Obama was hot and now is not. Seems like he doesn’t have good advisors.

Ish @ 46

TeddySanFran @ 29

This speech is a game-changer. It’s the speech we’ve been waiting for from any of the candidates.

I hope you’re right, but unfortunately, I fear that whether it makes a difference or not depends on whether or not the MSM gives it the coverage it deserves.

If a Democrat makes a rousing speech and nobody puts it on the nightly news, did he really say it?

This is really simple. It doesn’t matter what Obama thinks personally about the GLBT community– as a candidate, it’s really clear that he doesn’t think we’re as relevant as homophobic evangelicals and that’s all that really matters.

I’ve had my misgivings about him for some time now (the whole clean coal thing disturbed me greatly) but this is just the last straw. It doesn’t change anything in terms of who I’ll vote for (I’m with Edwards, all the way) but it changes things in terms of whom I’ll actively oppose in a vigorous and vehement fashion.

TeddySanFran @ 29

I hope those of you disillusioned with Obama will take a moment to read John Edwards’ speech today in New Hampshire: The Moral Test of Our Generation

EXCERPT:

It’s time to tell the truth. And the truth is the system in Washington is corrupt. It is rigged by the powerful special interests to benefit they very few at the expense of the many. And as a result, the American people have lost faith in our broken system in Washington, and believe it no longer works for ordinary Americans.

They’re right.

As I look across the political landscape of both parties today — what I see are politicians too afraid to tell the truth — good people caught in a bad system that overwhelms their good intentions and requires them to chase millions of dollars in campaign contributions in order to perpetuate their careers and continue their climb to higher office.

[snip]

And, now, as I travel across America and listen to people, I hear real concern about what’s going on. For the first time in our nation’s history, people are worried that we’re going to be the first generation of Americans not to pass on a better life to our children.

And it’s not the fault of the American people. The American people have not changed. The American people are still the strong, courageous people they have always been. The problem is what our government has become.

And, it is up to us to do something about it.

Because Washington may not see it, but we are facing a moral crisis as great as any that has ever challenged us. And, it is this test — this moral test — that I have come to understand is at the heart of this campaign.

This speech is a game-changer. It’s the speech we’ve been waiting for from any of the candidates.

This is a speech that (hopefully) school children will have to memorize some day (okay, not the whole thing, it’s a pretty long speech).

Badwater @ 47

lisa @ 32

Oh, hell.

It just amazes me how often people want to shoot the messenger, in this case being Aravosis.

You cannot blame Aravosis for this. You can dislike him, dislike his blog, think he has issues when it comes to race … whatever.

But be honest with yourself. This isn’t Aravosis’ fault. It isn’t Hillary’s fault.

This is Obama’s fault. And, I agree with Jane. This was a dog-whistle maneuver on his part, to appeal to the homophobes in the black community.

Shameful. Absolutely shameful.

Obama was hot and now is not. Seems like he doesn’t have good advisors.

I’d rather he had advisor’s that let him show his true colors than to find it out later.

Obama is a different kind of Big Tent Democrat. First, he puts up the tent, and then he starts kicking people out of it.

Like Hillary’s refusal to apologize for her Iraq vote and her long time support of the war, Obama’s gay problems are a self-inflicted wound that provides disturbing insight into his practice (as opposed to his theory) of leadership.

What did you expect? He’s RELATED TO DARTH CHENEY!!!

Ish @ 46

TeddySanFran @ 29

This speech is a game-changer. It’s the speech we’ve been waiting for from any of the candidates.

Well screw the MSM. Let’s make sure this speech gets out there if we have to photocopy it and pass it out on street corners.

Of course a more practical approach would be to e-mail selected excerpts of the speech to everyone you know.

I’ve already done that much. Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper about this speech, maybe they’ll feel they have to cover it then. Send 1,000 faxes to your local TV stations demanding they cover that speech.

The time for BOLD action is NOW!!!

I hope you’re right, but unfortunately, I fear that whether it makes a difference or not depends on whether or not the MSM gives it the coverage it deserves.

It’s very sad that the most oppressed group in America, both historically and as we speak, buys into oppression. It’s been my experience many church-going blacks are as intolerant as white evangelicals.

Which sadly proves a personal theorem: Equality means an equal chance to do mischief, as Obama has proven out.

If a Democrat makes a rousing speech and nobody puts it on the nightly news, did he really say it?
Not to diminish the power that the fourth estate holds, but, it is a new day. Many, many, especially younger people get their news from the internet.
Netroots Nation is growing.
I’ve sent the speech to my kids (20 & 25) and they will send it along to their friends.
And so on and so on.

Regarding the “blame Aravosis” comment I made:

Read Dianne upthread: I think Obama must have someone from Hillary’s ranks working for him. Who else would trip him up like this? And never underestimate Aravosis when he gets a bone to chew.

This is a theme being ridden like a dead horse at various blogs. A lot of people don’t like Aravosis. He said some shitty things during the whole Cynthia McKinney/Capitol police incident, for one thing. And he has banned a lot of people from commenting at his blog simply for disagreeing with him.

So the fact that Aravosis is hammering Obama is being used by some folks as a reason to defend Obama.

It was a long-running theme at Eschaton a few days ago. My guess: Obama supporters have no other defense, so they are attacking the messenger.

I saw Dianne’s comment above and wanted to call “shenanigans.” That’s all.

Twain @ 15

I felt that he needed more experience to be prez but felt he would have been a good vp. Now I don’t want him in the gov’t at all. I am so disappointed.

Ditto.

demi @ 55

If a Democrat makes a rousing speech and nobody puts it on the nightly news, did he really say it?
Not to diminish the power that the fourth estate holds, but, it is a new day. Many, many, especially younger people get their news from the internet.
Netroots Nation is growing.
I’ve sent the speech to my kids (20 & 25) and they will send it along to their friends.
And so on and so on.

WE CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!!!

Kos:

Not a good week for Obama, and it’s only Monday. His b.s. about bringing American together is clearly just b.s. His judgment is seriously in question. And now, on a major policy issue, he appears to be adopting right-wing rhetoric.

It’s a real train wreck.

DennisfromVenice @ 5

Hey, what would you expect from a guy Lieberman mentored?

Yup. This is exactly the kind of crap Joe Lieberman is known for. Reach out to the other side. Give the other side everything it wants. Then turn around and spit in the face of those who already supported you.

Lieberman was Obama’s mentor, and Obama endorsed Joe Lieberman in ‘06. A vote for Obama means four more years of running to the right.

Edwards speech needs to be on youtube or myspace or something equally visible, not just the Edwards website. Like now.

TSF is right, this speech is a game-changer. MSM doing its best worst to ignore Edwards as usual.

Somebody/many somebodies who know/s how must get this speech I-visibility pronto. Build the drumbeat.

Demand better. He said himself, he’s not perfect, but Edwards will be better.

JF @ 48

Ish @ 46

I hope you’re right, but unfortunately, I fear that whether it makes a difference or not depends on whether or not the MSM gives it the coverage it deserves.

If a Democrat makes a rousing speech and nobody puts it on the nightly news, did he really say it?

No. (This has been another edition etc.)

And another: which story is more likely to be in the CNN crawl today (all day long), the Edwards speech, or Obama’s advisor controversy?

Prairie Sunshine @ 61

Edwards speech needs to be on youtube or myspace or something equally visible, not just the Edwards website. Like now.

TSF is right, this speech is a game-changer. MSM doing its best worst to ignore Edwards as usual.

Somebody/many somebodies who know/s how must get this speech I-visibility pronto. Build the drumbeat.

Demand better. He said himself, he’s not perfect, but Edwards will be better.

Edwards/Kucinich ‘08!

lisa @ 56

Regarding the “blame Aravosis” comment I made:

Read Dianne upthread: I think Obama must have someone from Hillary’s ranks working for him. Who else would trip him up like this? And never underestimate Aravosis when he gets a bone to chew.

This is a theme being ridden like a dead horse at various blogs. A lot of people don’t like Aravosis. He said some shitty things during the whole Cynthia McKinney/Capitol police incident, for one thing. And he has banned a lot of people from commenting at his blog simply for disagreeing with him.

So the fact that Aravosis is hammering Obama is being used by some folks as a reason to defend Obama.

It was a long-running theme at Eschaton a few days ago. My guess: Obama supporters have no other defense, so they are attacking the messenger.

I saw Dianne’s comment above and wanted to call “shenanigans.” That’s all.

I read that as a compliment to John. He is one of relatively few people who clamp on to an issue and stays on top of it until he gets results, one way or another. The fine ladies who run FDL are two more.

Ish @ 46

TeddySanFran @ 29

This speech is a game-changer. It’s the speech we’ve been waiting for from any of the candidates.

I hope you’re right, but unfortunately, I fear that whether it makes a difference or not depends on whether or not the MSM gives it the coverage it deserves.

Excellent speech and the corporate PR machine will bury it.

During yesterday’s Timmeh/Safire mutual reacharound, they talked about McCain, Romney, Guiliani,Fred, Hillary and Obama.

Nary a peep about Edwards, even though he has more cash than McCain and Romney (if you deduct Romney’s self-help) and outpolls Hillary and Obama in head-to-head match ups with McC, the Ghoul, Sleepy and the Flipper.

Here’s why:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99BDVzU7pxA

Obama is setting himself up by claiming the Black Homophobe Vote.

Next he’ll be going for the White Homophobe Vote (lots of competition there, Barrack), and eventually the Unified Homophobe Vote.

Quite the Hater, that Obama.

radiofreewill @ 67

Obama is setting himself up by claiming the Black Homophobe Vote.

Next he’ll be going for the White Homophobe Vote (lots of competition there, Barrack), and eventually the Unified Homophobe Vote.

Quite the Hater, that Obama.

You can’t say that about black folks!

Edwards/?????

Dodd sounds good, but he really belongs as Senate Majority Leader. His loss of that election to Daschle some years back cost us sorely. Time to set that aright.

Edwards/Richardson? Edwards/Garamendi? Edwards/Napolitano?

Spread the Ed-word:

Let us blaze a new path together, grounded in the values from which America was forged, still reaching toward the greatness of our ideals.

Demand better. Be better.

disappointed and stunned that Obama went through with this after taking preemptive flack about it… this will certainly give me something to consider when I ultimately decide who to vote for… this anti-gay stuff is Republicant territory… don’t like seeing Dems do this… though Obama did do the forum on same-sex issues…

JF:
I read that as a compliment to John.

If that is the case, then apologies from me to Dianne.

But, as I said, “Aravosis Is An Asshole” was an “argument” being thrown around on other blogs over the weekend. It was weird.

Hi folks,

Just a friendly reminder that changing screen names or sockpuppeting here at FDL is frowned upon and may be grounds for banning. Thanks!

we have had some doosies haven’t we? we have an Idawhore, and now an “alobama”
sad that they are all so similar. sad they are all corrupt and have no ability to express the simple emotions that most humans have. It does exemplify that they are sociopaths, so that is a help to some of us.

can’t vote for any current “candidate”. not one will address the issues important to more than half the country. Are they this smart?

Lisa, that would be Dianne in DC, not to get mixed up with me.

While my liberal tendencies are chuffed that the front runners are a woman and a person of color, the inconvenient truth is that neither have the character I desire in a leader.
I find it particular that my favorite candidate made his mark in a field for which I have not much respect – civil litigation, but I cannot hold it against him.
(Dodd impresses me some too, but more on Constitutional issues than overall common sense – and upholding the Constitution should be a given – not a strength)

I keep saying that each one of the Dems running has one good idea, but what I want is one with at least two. Obama just dropped to no good ideas, IMO. (I’m not planning to vote for Hillary before the general election.)

lisa @ 71

JF:
I read that as a compliment to John.

If that is the case, then apologies from me to Dianne.

But, as I said, “Aravosis Is An Asshole” was an “argument” being thrown around on other blogs over the weekend. It was weird.

I have seen some of what you speak but I believe a lot of the vitriol recently addressed towards Aravosis is due to his willingness to throw transgender folks under the bus for an ENDA bill that will be veto’d regardless.

New Obama campaign ditty with chorus by Larry Craig:

H-O-M-O…H-O-M-O-P-H-O-B-I-A
First ya tap yer right foot.
Then ya tap yer left foot.
Swing yer partner up and down.
Swing yer partner round and round.
Swing yer partner in and out.
Come-on swingers, this is what we’re all about.
H-O-M-O…H-O-M-O-P-H-O-B-I-A

Sure got my toe tapping.

The Big Problem, as I see it, with Obama is that he’s signalling that there are ‘Enemies amongst US’ – precisely the Bush line.

Why does Bush wire-tap Non-4th Branch Americans without a warrant? Because there are Enemies amongst US.

Obama is starting out with his own ethnic sub-group and saying there are Enemies amongst US.

Should there be any doubt that, by extension, Obama sees Enemies Everywhere?

Do WE need another Divider telling US that some of us don’t measure up?

He’s too weak and insecure to be OUR President.

mack @ 75

While my liberal tendencies are chuffed that the front runners are a woman and a person of color, the inconvenient truth is that neither have the character I desire in a leader.
I find it particular that my favorite candidate made his mark in a field for which I have not much respect – civil litigation, but I cannot hold it against him.
(Dodd impresses me some too, but more on Constitutional issues than overall common sense – and upholding the Constitution should be a given – not a strength)

would that it were a given but so far even the dems have equivocated about this.

With all of the truly great people of integrity, I find the front runners pathetic. Kos had a really good point:

Obama isn’t the be-all savior for what ails our country. No one is. If there’s a message I thought we were successfully delivering in the netroots is that it was up to US to move this country in the right direction since we couldn’t depend on our so-called “leaders”. This sort of hero worship of several of our candidates (Edwards, Obama, and even Hillary) is somewhat creepy to begin with, but serves little more than to set up the inevitable disappointment.

My bold.

TeddySanFran @ 29

I hope those of you disillusioned with Obama will take a moment to read John Edwards’ speech today in New Hampshire: The Moral Test of Our Generation

EXCERPT:

It’s time to tell the truth. And the truth is the system in Washington is corrupt. It is rigged by the powerful special interests to benefit they very few at the expense of the many. And as a result, the American people have lost faith in our broken system in Washington, and believe it no longer works for ordinary Americans.

They’re right.

As I look across the political landscape of both parties today — what I see are politicians too afraid to tell the truth — good people caught in a bad system that overwhelms their good intentions and requires them to chase millions of dollars in campaign contributions in order to perpetuate their careers and continue their climb to higher office.

[snip]

And, now, as I travel across America and listen to people, I hear real concern about what’s going on. For the first time in our nation’s history, people are worried that we’re going to be the first generation of Americans not to pass on a better life to our children.

And it’s not the fault of the American people. The American people have not changed. The American people are still the strong, courageous people they have always been. The problem is what our government has become.

And, it is up to us to do something about it.

Because Washington may not see it, but we are facing a moral crisis as great as any that has ever challenged us. And, it is this test — this moral test — that I have come to understand is at the heart of this campaign.

This speech is a game-changer. It’s the speech we’ve been waiting for from any of the candidates.

I agree, Teddy. Music.

Instead of Obama having a dialogue with the black religious community about their rampant homophobia, he wants the gay and lesbian community to dialogue with someone who thinks gays are sinful, evil, and kill children.

It’s dog whistle time in Dixie, and Obama has shown his true colors. Isn’t South Carolina the place where Nixon kicked off his campaign in an appeal to racism? It’s sadly ironic that a black man running for president would go down to the ground zero of bigotry and attempt to win votes on the backs of another stigmatized minority.

Okay, it’s not sad. It’s disgusting.

cue the Queen music…

Edwards/Richardson? Edwards/Garamendi? Edwards/Napolitano?

As someone from AZ… Napolitano would be just like putting Lieberman in the WH… she is 200% DLC and very far right… AND Richardson has made some really bad mis-statements that question his judgment in the VP slot

If Napolitano would leave AZ before her 2010 term is up, then we have a Repug in as Gov AND the only place she would be good would be the AG…. Napolitano controls the AZ state dem party by the short hairs and manipulates who is the chair and who is supported and who is left in the dirt.

probably should have qualified the Queen music…

Another one bites the dust.

Chrisss @ 82

Instead of Obama having a dialogue with the black religious community about their rampant homophobia, he wants the gay and lesbian community to dialogue with someone who thinks gays are sinful, evil, and kill children.

It’s dog whistle time in Dixie, and Obama has shown his true colors. Isn’t South Carolina the place where Nixon kicked off his campaign in an appeal to racism? It’s sadly ironic that a black man running for president would go down to the ground zero of bigotry and attempt to win votes on the backs of another stigmatized minority.

Okay, it’s not sad. It’s disgusting.

I don’t recall where the Trickster kicked off his campaigns but I believe you are thinking of Ronnie Ray-guns kicking his off in Philadelphia, MS

OT: can someone post a link to that site that lists the locations of our carrier groups and where they’re headed? I’m trying to figure out when we’re going to attack Iran, and I can’t find the site on Google. Thanks.

Off to donate more moolah to Edwards.

My youngest son is a student at ASU and sees the candidates as they hit the university of 51k students. Asked what he thought of Obama and he really was not impressed….. “just like any other politician” … kind of funny response since this kid should be his demographic… college kid of color but who really is not very politically involved.

Ugly In Pink @ 87

OT: can someone post a link to that site that lists the locations of our carrier groups and where they’re headed? I’m trying to figure out when we’re going to attack Iran, and I can’t find the site on Google. Thanks.

http://www.gonavy.jp/CVLocation.html

People on the streets are…

Under Pressure – Queen and David Bowie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdaHCLlBkWU

JF @ 65

lisa @ 56

Regarding the “blame Aravosis” comment I made:

Read Dianne upthread: I think Obama must have someone from Hillary’s ranks working for him. Who else would trip him up like this? And never underestimate Aravosis when he gets a bone to chew.

This is a theme being ridden like a dead horse at various blogs. A lot of people don’t like Aravosis. He said some shitty things during the whole Cynthia McKinney/Capitol police incident, for one thing. And he has banned a lot of people from commenting at his blog simply for disagreeing with him.

So the fact that Aravosis is hammering Obama is being used by some folks as a reason to defend Obama.

It was a long-running theme at Eschaton a few days ago. My guess: Obama supporters have no other defense, so they are attacking the messenger.

I saw Dianne’s comment above and wanted to call “shenanigans.” That’s all.

I read that as a compliment to John. He is one of relatively few people who clamp on to an issue and stays on top of it until he gets results, one way or another. The fine ladies who run FDL are two more.

Yes, it was meant as a compliment. I have the utmost admiration for John’s tenacity when he takes on an issue, and I am a faithful reader of Ablog.

You know what strikes me as the saddest thing about this whole situation? Seeing the flame wars erupting in various places in Blogtopia between folks, all of whom are on the outside looking in.

Great job of uniting us all, Obama and Campaign Staff! Kudos.

Thanks LS!

Dianne in D.C.:
Apologies and bygones, then!

lisa @ 92

You know what strikes me as the saddest thing about this whole situation? Seeing the flame wars erupting in various places in Blogtopia between folks, all of whom are on the outside looking in.

Great job of uniting us all, Obama and Campaign Staff! Kudos.

Would love to hear Gravel’s take on this Obama thing. I’m sure it is…colorful.

Hey, we’re gonna get you, too…

Another One Bites the Dust – Queen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMenB9Ywh2Q

Obama’s never been on my list.

Much less at the top.

RevDeb @ 80

With all of the truly great people of integrity, I find the front runners pathetic. Kos had a really good point:

Obama isn’t the be-all savior for what ails our country. No one is. If there’s a message I thought we were successfully delivering in the netroots is that it was up to US to move this country in the right direction since we couldn’t depend on our so-called “leaders”. This sort of hero worship of several of our candidates (Edwards, Obama, and even Hillary) is somewhat creepy to begin with, but serves little more than to set up the inevitable disappointment.

My bold.

You know, for all I like to pop out with Edwards ‘08, I do agree with this overall assessment. I’m actually as interested in primary challengers at t he community level, it just doesn’t come up very often here for me to cheer the local guys here on ;-). Actually, even here on FDL consider how often we’ve profiled and guest hosted these people as opposed to any of the front runners except (and quite recently, and more on the FISA issue than on the campaign itself) Dodd.

But I do think that if we could get in one of the less flawed of the candidates we’ve got, it will make the grassroots takeback a little easier. But I am quite certain that no matter who is elected, we will have to continue pushing, much as we are doing so now.

We are well past the point of any sort of complacency when it comes to our government.

I know it won’t do jack but I sent an email to Obama’s senate address just telling him how sad and disappointed I am in him and how I’m ashamed to have ever backed him. He was young, inexperienced, idealistic, but I never saw the homophobe thing coming. Now who do I vote for? =(

New thread upstairs

This is another example of the same mentality that generated the statement that he could work with some Republicans, like his good friend Tom Coburn. If there is anyone in the Senate who is worse on the issue of a woman’s right to choose than Tom Coburn, I can’t think of who that might be. That comment finished me with any positive thoughts about Obama; McClurkin just confirms that I was right.

No sale here either. It’s called “Triangulation” Boys and Girls.

“Part of the reason that we have had a faith outreach in our campaigns is precisely because I don’t think the LGBT community or the Democratic Party is served by being hermetically sealed from the faith community and not in dialog with a substantial portion of the electorate, even though we may disagree with them.” – Barack Obama

This is the stoopid right-wing meme that they “own” the votes of anyone who says they are “faithful”. It’s utter B.S. There is a long tradition of religious progressives, many of whom who are struggling to get their voices heard, but that doesn’t mean they are very hard to find.

http://www.calltorenewal.com/
http://www.cluela.org/
http://crossleft.org/
http://www.ifconews.org/about/ab…ut/ about_us.htm
http://www.icujp.org/
http://www.pmuna.org/
http://www.pjalliance.org/eventc…dar.aspx? LOC=SF

By giving McLurkin a place on stage and a spotlight in this campaign, Obama has shot himself in the foot with many progressives who, I believe, would respect a Democratic campaign which brought in people of faith but who are progressive in their politics and inclusive in their beliefs.

I do think that born-again atheists are just as

I do think that born-again atheists are just as judgmental and hateful of other’s faiths and beliefs as any other orthodox extremist.

Gone is the Romance that was so Divine. . .

I just saw that Obama went on the Ellen DeGeneres show and danced with her. C’mon, this should fix all those hurt feelings. Seriously, he was never aiming for the educated voters (i.e., readers of this site); he’s always been aiming at the tv-watching masses. And he could still do it. Hw won’t get our votes, but he probably won’t care.

David Ehrenstein @ 106

Gone is the Romance that was so Divine. . .

i believe you have been warning us for a while now, david… and not just in the la times, also right here in fdl threads. this is where you get to say “i was right”

*g*

I don’t think the LGBT community or the Democratic Party is served by being hermetically sealed from the faith community

Where does he get the idea that any group is hermetically sealed for any other group? (Well, maybe the neocons are ….) That’s about as stupid a statement as a candidate can make and have any hope of getting away with it unnoticed.

P J Evans @ 109

I don’t think the LGBT community or the Democratic Party is served by being hermetically sealed from the faith community

Where does he get the idea that any group is hermetically sealed for any other group? (Well, maybe the neocons are ….) That’s about as stupid a statement as a candidate can make and have any hope of getting away with it unnoticed.

Shorter Obama: “No condoms for our communities.”

He’s always been bad when it comes to stupid and insulting rhetoric about Democrats — and about Christians — for over a year now. And he’s been repeating obviously false rightwing myths about us not having any religion also for just as long.

I can’t wait for him to drop out, personally. He wasn’t ready, and still isn’t.

The politics of hope, my ass.

I don’t think the LGBT community or the Democratic Party is served by being hermetically sealed from the faith community

Is it me or does he sound more and more like Joe Lieberman as time goes on?

Hey, Senator Obama! Many of us in the Dem Party are in the faith community. And, when I go to my church, I meet gay partners worshiping God.

Thanks for propagating the “liberals and gays are godless” myth. Maybe Ann Coulter can do a campaign event for you.

Buh-bye.

This thing with Obama is a striking sample of no matter how sensitive, open minded, and liberal strait people claim to be, deep down in the back of their minds they really feel that homosexuality is a sickness. That’s why, in this PC era, gay jokes are common and accepted in the MSM and everyday life while racist jokes are taboo and cost people their jobs. Politicians wil say and promise hope to the GLBT community to get their votes but when it’s time to walk the walk we are kicked right back off the bus. Everybody does it all the time, every major election, so I don’t fault Obama any more than any other candidate. At least he did it to our faces and not behind our backs which is what usually occurs.

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone:

Advocate: I know you’re in a difficult position here trying to balance these two constituencies — but by keeping McClurkin on the tour, didn’t you essentially choose your Christian constituency over your gay constituency?

Obama: No, I profoundly disagree with that. This is not a situation where I have backed off my positions one iota. You’re talking to somebody who talked about gay Americans in his convention speech in 2004, who talked about them in his announcement speech for the president of the United States, who talks about gay Americans almost constantly in his stump speeches. If there’s somebody out there who’s been more consistent in including LGBT Americans in his or her vision of what America should be, then I would be interested in knowing who that person is.

One of the things that always comes up in presidential campaigns is, if you’ve got multiple supporters all over the place, should the candidate then be held responsible for the every single view of every one of his supporters? And obviously that’s not possible. And if I start playing that game, then it will be very difficult for me to do what I think I can do best, which is bring the country together.

http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid50021.asp

tonyroma @ 115

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone:

Advocate: I know you’re in a difficult position here trying to balance these two constituencies — but by keeping McClurkin on the tour, didn’t you essentially choose your Christian constituency over your gay constituency?

Obama: No, I profoundly disagree with that. This is not a situation where I have backed off my positions one iota. You’re talking to somebody who talked about gay Americans in his convention speech in 2004, who talked about them in his announcement speech for the president of the United States, who talks about gay Americans almost constantly in his stump speeches. If there’s somebody out there who’s been more consistent in including LGBT Americans in his or her vision of what America should be, then I would be interested in knowing who that person is.

One of the things that always comes up in presidential campaigns is, if you’ve got multiple supporters all over the place, should the candidate then be held responsible for the every single view of every one of his supporters? And obviously that’s not possible. And if I start playing that game, then it will be very difficult for me to do what I think I can do best, which is bring the country together.

http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid50021.asp

It’s different, Senator Obama, when that supporter is your “best” and “favorite” artist.

Whatever. John Aravosis wouldn’t cross the street to piss on one of my pet causes, so same to him.

As HE likes to point out, he and I have nothing in common.

What a crock of shit from Obama. I wasn’t a big fan before and now I’m just done with him.

Obama has lost MY vote.

I’m curious why so many find it easier to diss Obama than to respect what he’s actually done and said on the subject of homosexuality. The fact of the matter is that Hillary’s record is far worse than Obama’s when it comes to GLBT issues, not that I’ve seen overt support for her on this thread, as many say they’re leaving Obama’s camp. If a life lived openly as a non-prejudiced individual isn’t enough to satisfy certain people, then so be it. I still agree with Obama on far more issues than I disagree with him on. Seems some are looking for the perfect candidate. Sorry, he or she doesn’t exist. All of them have strengths and weaknesses as do we all. We’re human afterall.

Seems some are looking for the perfect candidate

Sorta what a campaign is about. Looking for one and finding one are not the same.

OK, I said this the other day, then hedged a bit to see how it would play out. But this time it’s for keeps:

Bye-Bye, Barack.

No, I don’t want to hear excuses or explanations. Too late, buddy. Don’t let the door hit you in the ass.

As Richard Wolfe of Newsweek said on Keith Olbermann’s Countdown program tonight, Barack Obama has been going into black churches and taking on the issue of attitudes towards homosexuals for years now. He has even used the word “homophobia” in challenging the leadership on this issue — and no other candidate ever has or ever will do something like that. For this, he should have earned praise on this topic — instead, he’s earned only enmity.
This is a situation of no good deed going unpunished.

What “good deed” are you taslking about?

Patronizing blather does not constitute a “good deed.”

“i believe you have been warning us for a while now, david… and not just in the la times, also right here in fdl threads. this is where you get to say “i was right”

Indeed, selise. The sweetest words in the english language are “I told you so!”

Tithonia @ 4

I agree. I am rethinking my support for Obama.

This is such a bizarre story. Who woulda thought this could ever be an issue in this campaign? Just out of the blue — weird.

I’m almost offended that all the great arguments I made for not supporting Obama are of no use if this other thing becomes THE big issue. Sheesh, politics is very strange.

Biodun @ 13

I started supporting Obama right from when he declared. But I abandoned him a long time ago (it seems). Now I see I did the right thing. He’s self-destructing, and this is a shame. A lot of us had high hopes.

(Disclosure: I’m African-American. For me this usually doesn’t matter. But I’m afraid it does in this case.)

I’m sorry this happened to “your” candidate. We all have hoped an African-American or a woman would rise to the top of Dem party politics. It seems this year they are being very seriously considered and that’s great. It’s a sign, at least within the Dem party, that prejudice is dropping away rapidly.

It just doesn’t seem to be the year for Barack. OTOH, the fight against Hillary (from Edwards supporters) goes on and on.

There is not a candidate who can be all things to all people. And I firmly believe that Obama has the purest motives of any of the candidates and that over the long haul he would make the best president. I do not expect to influence anyone but I feel compelled to speak up for him. I also, saw Richard Wolfe tonight, and I think he made good points.

sitting down here at the bottom, wasting my time to say that if you look at Obama’s record, and not just one event (for which we have hearsay, at least here at FDL), you see a man who supports GLBTs along with everyone else. this is just more of the poor-us pissing and moaning going on on the left because one stinking election victory in 20 years didn’t change the country. anybody feel like doing the real work of change? that takes decades. that takes a lifetime. i am so tired of lefties who act like 6 yr olds. sorry Obama doesn’t have a magic wand or fit your job description. he’s still the best person, by far, for president.

by far.

Miss Hamshire, for your “dog-whistle” hypothesis about Obama’s motivation to be true, you have to suppose that Obama thinks that Democratic audiences are just teeming with secret gay-haters. I know the world is more exciting when one is fighting oppression, but I don’t think that’s the case, and I don’t think Obama is stupid enough to think that’s the case either.

Is a candidate allowed to honestly screw up, or must we always attribute malevolent motives to his conduct?

The decision by Obama to feature McClurkin at this rally was as harmful to his campaign as Kerry’s statement was on the war, in his campaign (that if he knew then what he knows now he would vote the same way on Iraq). Both of these incidents took the wind out of the sails of their liberal support. Obama just lost me as a supporter. I don’t think I am alone.

I find the sentiments expressed here extremely disappointing and emblematic of why the Democrats continue to lose winnable elections by nominating the “safest” candidate instead of the most dynamic one. Someone above mentioned that Obama enjoys McClurkin’s songs, as if this alone makes him a homophobe. Newsflash: One may like a Toby Keith song without ascribing to his political beliefs!

The fact of the matter is that Obama has done more by his words and actions to lessen the legal and social burdens on the GLBT community than any other candidate running for office. What part of “new politics” did any of you fail to understand? Do you realize that it appears you’re advocating intolerance as a policy against those with whom you find disagreement? It comes down to this: Obama walks his talk, and in today’s political world even attempts at finding common ground with opponents should be respected as something Jesus himself would do, and something in our polarized environment that others don’t possess the integrity to even try. You change people by exposing them to truth, not by turning your back on them because you disagree.

I posit that all those who now reject Obama as their choice never understood just who and what the man is made of in the first place. He never said he was faultless or incapable of mistakes. All he promised was to be true to himself and the principles that guide his life. Maybe the rest of you are doing the same things, but I doubt many of you have been as visible or vocal on GLBT issues than has Barack. Look at the complete picture, not just this hyper-inflaming snapshot.

To: TeddySanFran: What a positive, illustrative exerpt. I have always been an Edwards supporter.

I have to say one thing about Obama. I think he is, despite his ‘gay’ opinion, a good person. He’s just too young for this job.

To me John Edwards is the perfect fit. He’s the man for our times.

“The fact of the matter is that Obama has done more by his words and actions to lessen the legal and social burdens on the GLBT community than any other candidate running for office.”

He’s mouthed the words, but there haven’t been any actions — save for putting a singing closeted Fundie freak on this whore-o-rama “Gospel Tour.”

Get the stardust out of your eyes, dear. Obama’s a disaster.