OBAMA, WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!
DO YOU KNOW WHY??
DESPITE THE MEDIA'S NEGATIVE PUSH ON OBAMA,
THE PEOPLE ARE SICK AND TIRED OF THE SAME "GOOD OL BOY" POLITICS. AND WILL COME OUT AND VOTE. I PERSONALLY KNOW MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT VOTED IN THE PAST AND NOW WILL VOTE FOR OBAMA.
HE SEEMS TO REPRESENT REAL POSITIVE CHANGE,AND WILL CHALLENGE THE WAYS OF THE WASHINGTON MACHINE.***MONEY WILL NO LONGER RULE**** THE PEOPLE WILL RULE**** IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE!!!! AMEN

As a gay citizen in SC, I completely understand the outrage. I also can seperate Obama's views. I wish he would have made a differant decision, but that comes with experiance he lacks. The real problem in this state is that the African American churches refuse to even deal with the subject, preferring to keep it in the closet. The African American church is full of scared closet cases, some of which, lead the congragation's they so wish to control on this subject. SC has a large gay and lesbian population and its equal among black and whites. The problem we see here is that this only helps the church deny this exist, and this has and continues to cause much pain for gays who happen to be African American. Its sad that only a few will turn out to oppose this, but this is still the south. The South Carolina Gay and Lesbian Pride Movement is not protesting Obama, who has been more than open to this state. SCGLPM is making a statement, that these practices need to change. I am proud of Andy Sidden. He is in a tough spot today, but he is one of our greatest friends. People, please try and seek out what the real story is here.

Seems we need to deal with real issues. Abortion and Gay issues are there but should not be political. Obama it seems to me is fair and unbiased and not yet 'bought up' by the special interests. This country NEEDS a change — he is biracial in background — is a shame people still judge based on color — we should be ELECTING a president based on INTELLIGENCE FAIRNESS and ability to NOT BE BOUGHT …. wake up America… Hillary said she would 'be big businesses best friend" don't think we need that attitude continuing…do we?

Why are gays so afraid of the truth? There has never been anything beyond grade B science trying to convince us all that there's just nothing to be done to change. There are thousands to tell us first hand otherwise, but naturally, they're censored.

Gays, it's a choice, so get over it. You've got the whole world of liberalism eating out your hand, so what are you worried about?

Greetings CNN! It is a shame that because of the (perfectly essential) need of the gay community to address any and every perceived attack on the right of gay men and women to exist in a modern world, without being victimized by old world ignorance and hatred, that sometimes the criticism falls the hardest on people that would be the most advantagous to their cause. Mr. Obama has chosen a particular direction to most successfully communicate with a specific block of voters (under-privilaged and under-educated African Americans) who's most desperate hope lies in faith, religion, and a belief in eventual deliverance from the type of society that was forced upon them. Unfortunately, the cornerstone of their faith also happens to sometimes be rooted in intolerance, bigatry and ignorance itself. Suggestion to the gay community: see the man for what he is… One of your greatest friends!

OK, how did you know one was a minature poodle?

At least when you protested with the "doc" you knew which end was up. I do not know "which" end is up. Thank you.

Obama is a good man but he's not ready YET to be President.

It's great to have new ideas and a new and positive approach but not in 2008.

The world is more dangerous today than ever in our history.

We need strength,capability, knowledge of the process and environment (Washington and the Congress).

Our next President must be stedfast in her determination to return this country to it's rightful stature in worlds affairs. Back to a place where our leaders are respected rather than loathed or laughable. A place where we are the example of an open and democratic government representative of equality, justice and 'the American way'.

It's time for Hillary Clinton.

Hillary Clinton is the candidate with the strength and determination to successfully navigate the dangerous neo-conistic rhetoric of the past and present and once again make America the Lighthouse to the World.

She will be a great world leader.

I am just amazed at how many people on here seem to believe that Donnie McClurkin's appearance on the same stage as Senator Obama is no big deal because whether being gay is a choice or not is simply "a matter of opinion."

No, it's not.

Not everything can be considered just opinion.

There may be some people on this planet who still believe the earth is flat. That is not having an "opinion,' that is being WRONG.

It is no different here. Being gay is not a choice, no matter how much some people wish to make it so. How do I know? Because I am gay, and it is not something I ever chose. And to suggest that you somehow know more about MY life than I do, is either silly, stupid, or arrogant — take your pick.

The only choice I got to make was the same one Donnie McClurkin got — whether or not to embrace and celebrate who I was, or whether to deny my true nature. He and I obviously made very different choices.

To all of you stating that McClurkin's place on the stage is no big deal, you reveal your own discomfort with homosexuality and equality with your dismissal. I can't believe you would be as cavalier were the person in question someone who advocated "White Power" or making abortion a crime or believed that women were second class citizens.

I respect diversity. But I am tired of being told that I need to "respect the opinion" of people who wish to marginalize me, discriminate against me, fire me, kick me out of home, rail against me, tell lies about me, pretend that my relationships aren't real, and eventually beat me and even kill me. Those opinions aren't "diversity" and making allowances for them isn't tolerance, it is stupidity and self-destruction.

I'm sorry, but I don't see why this should be controversial. The man is not being hired to make policy decisions, he's being hired to sing.

The fact of life is that everything we do is choice. Doctors say that alcholics are born with a tendency to become alcholic. If that person starts to drink and becomes and alcholic, that is there fault not there bodies fault, they chose to drink. If they break the law for public intox, or get a dui, do we let them off the hook because they have an alcholic tendency? No, they chose the actions they took. People now say that being gay is a tendency they are born with. This is the exact same thing as alcholics, you have a choice on weather to act on this tendency. It says in the Bible as plain as day that a man should be with a woman period, that's it. It says love the sinner and not the sin. I have several really good frinds who are gay, they all know that I think that it is wrong and that I really dislike the fact that they are gay, but does that stop me from being a good friend? No, love the sinner not the sin. How can someone be a leader of a church while living in sin? We all sin, we all make mistakes, so therefor we all are hypocrites because we critisize each other while we have our own problems. But just because we do sin, does not give anyone the right to live in sin, God ask everyone to live as honestly and moraly right as we can, but to not live in sin. Show me one religion in the world that says it is ok to be gay. There is none. Finally Obama's idea to add the openly gay pastor proves two things. He is afraid to stand by his own opinion and just feeds off what makes him look good. And that this "man of faith" truly does not know what the Bible says by allowing this. Why would anyone want to vote for a man who can't even stand by his own opinions and thougths in the primary's? Also why are the people in the Christian faith, the people he is trying to prove something too with these concerts (or any other religion for that matter), want to vote for someone, who is now promoting something that in the Bible is as clear as black and white, that this lifestyle is wrong?

Obama tried too many ways without solid political view, I am fresh and new face also change the Country without idea, dirty games for campaign, I am God, Joshua and JFK,
used wife's sharp tongue(failed), grabbed Oprah's purse, black people will vote me, use churches, preaching, stop wearing flag pin, not place his hand over his heart with the Pledge of Allegiance to flag(dangerous leader), skipped important AARP Debate as Presidential candidate, no vote for RGTO, then too many excuses, what is next? I vote Hillary no matter what Obama says.

To Tony, Tulsa, OK

You said “Ignorant, self-loathing hate from McClurkin is not just another idea to be considered. It's an idea we are actively fighting to destroy.”

Look when African Americans went to JENA LA to rally. They had folks, who were Gay, folks who hated Gays etc. But the Rally was NOT about the GAYS. Obama event is NOT about Gays.
That is exactly the TOLORENCE I was speaking of. This is about a man that is running for The Presidency of The United States. Obama is hosting the event for THAT purpose.

Obama has invited ALL to come participate. Obama did Not UNINVITE the LGBT Community to participate. NOR should he UNINVITE Donnie McClurkin. Why don’t ALL just go to the event and show that you are no different, cannot change who you are etc. That way people come together and maybe learn something from each other.

Listen up folks!

You can please Some of the people Some of the time, but you can’t please ALL of the people All of the time”. Obama is CORRECT in attempting to allow his event to bring folks who do not think the same way on a top. To the LGBT Community. There is a time to fight issues, BUT this is not the time. This is an opportunity for the LGBT Community to practice what IT Preaches, TOLERANCE for individuals who have different views. The LGBT Community cannot require other Groups, Political Parties or individuals to allow the LGBT Community to have a seat at the table. But yet the LGBT Community wishes to deny others that same right. ALL should go and maybe get something spiritual and positive out of the event.

If you were an Obama supporter and decided that you will not support him any longer because of this then you really didn't support his politics of change and hope in the first place.

Obama has said many times that he wants to unite the country, why does there have to be two sides and no middle ground. Divisive politics is what is wrong in America. Obama tries to bring people together and find that middle ground and I find that refreshing in a political candidate.

Now as far as the original article personally I am not gay, but I do believe being gay is not a choice but something you just are.

Just like how a straight person is attracted to a certain type of person from the opposite sex, it's not because you decided "hey that's what I'll be attracted to" you just are, and I feel the same could be said to anyone who just happens to be attracted to people of the same sex.

Just my opinion though.

terrance does have a point that we just need to get someone new i the white house. Well that won't be hard, since geroge bush isn't running again. maybe people will just wake up and feel better when a new face is around there

obama has a right to have anyone he wants included in his campaign. why can't he be inclusive and tolerant of MR Mrclurkin? on the other hand , this does feed into obama's image as wanting to be all things to all people by not standing for anything, he even missed an iran vote recently so as not to ruffles any feathers.

anyone who votes for him = fools

a politician steered the wrong way,especially against the gays,and war hes wrong on his judgement he has none,Obama was against the war before Congress authorized the use of military force in Iraq in 2002, but said, "He voted over and over again to fund the war." He then continued, "If you really oppose something, do you fund it? He cannot square that. And he'll never be able to square it, and this is the difficulty he has with his candidacy."so quit bashing hillary ,you lost your votes to many, steering to gopsel, instead of the future..some hypocrite,bigot.and now he has lotts of donors giving money to him under 10 years old.lots of BS from him.your not god,think it went to his head all this president stuff.

Obama flops and flips and flops again. Now Obama is “Blaming the Staff” again. Earlier he said it was good outreach, now its back to vetting excuses, or is it still an outreach to bigots campaign strategy?

The Advocate’s Kerry Eleveld has an exclusive Obama interview, in which he says gospel singer Donnie McClurkin was “not vetted as well as I would have liked to see,” but defends keeping him on the gospel tour.

still reaching out to be a Bigot Obama
on this kick with church and gospel gays.not very good judgement i'd say,desperate for votes hes losing,hes really losing it.why to extremes to go this route.this explains it totally.i dont want him in the white house.kinda of scary actually.

Mr. Obama stands accused of trying to win the support of socially conservative evangelical Christian African-Americans, who make up half of the registered Democratic voters in the early voting state of South Carolina, at the expense of gays.

Obama’s failed leadership skills are on full failure display.

I have lost interest in Obama totally.
this is no Politics of Hope,its for votes.Remember that gays at the voting booths.mine will go to Hillary all the way!!!

It is hard for a person running President of the United States to be themselves. I believe that Obama is doing what he "feels" will get him votes just like everyone else running, however he shouldn't compromise his faith.

this crap should not be in a Presidential Campaign,Bigot is a bigot,Obama engaging,hes not truthful in what he believes in,,and this shows it truly.this speaks for the people who are gay there jumping ship to Hillary.

I trust Senator Obama's judgment.

One may not agree with everything this man does (believe it or not) but trust is the crucial key.

If you want to understand what this is sham of a controversy is really all about please check out these links:

Liberal Bloggers, Donnie McClurkin, and Barack Obama’s “Rick Warren Moment”

http://thinkonthesethings.wordpress.com/2007/10/26/liberal-bloggers-donnie-mcclurkin-and-barack-obamas-rick-warren-moment/

and this:

Hillary Clinton Campaign Pushed Donnie McClurkin/Obama Controversy

http://thinkonthesethings.wordpress.com/2007/10/26/hillary-clinton-campaign-pushed-donnie-mcclurkinobama-controversy/

It's a shame that we can't agree to disagree on this subject. Calling African-American Christians bigots is appalling. Can't people just disagree without name calling? Why is it necessary for verbal bludgeoning? It seems the intent of the name calling to force African-American Christians to say, "Well, I believe that the Bible is true, but I don't want to be called a bigot so I won't tell people what God says about homosexuality." And therefore they are now forced into a closet. Good grief. Fine, let gays get married and let Christians believe it's immoral. There are far, far more important things in life than this.

I am an African American and I am gonna vote for Obama no matter what other African Americans think or do!

This COUNTRY Needs to REPENT. We are on the eve of Judgment. The faithful MUST take action now.

http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewpoetry.asp?AuthorID=44353&id=205017

CNN is Hillary's mouthpiece. CNN is Hillary's campaign partner. CNN is no news outlet for the independent minded voters. CNN's new name is Hillary News Network ie HNN. So HNN has no good news for Obama, Edward, Kucinich, Dodd, and Biden. Good for you HNN.

Ya ticker, We know you could have put more better stuff like this. How about this, Obama touted 10k people in boston commons on tuesday!

McClurkin has no place in your campaign senator. This is yet another sign of your hypocrisy. You are turning out to be quite a disappointment; just another politician trying to have it both ways.

Christians what a joke. These people today that call themselves Christian are nothing but Nazi's. History keeps repeating itself and no one seems to care. Remeber Hitler. God Forgive America as they are using your name in vain.

Wow, and I thought liberals and Democrats wanted separation of church and state. I guess only if it is a Republican.

Obama wants Obama's America – He's putting on a horse and pony show is all. Now he's playing for the superstitous crowd. Obama- Osama – all the same.

Shame on me, but I am posting again.
Someone above stated that Obama is a Muslim in the closet. I disagree…he is clearly out of the closet.
By his religious standards he has married rather young.
It is not uncommon for Muslim men to marry closer to forty…to girls of fourteen.
And for "Westerners": are you aware of the issue of the "boys"? and their place in society?
You don't know. I see. Well, boys, mostly pubescent of course, get their sphyncters blown up and their colons stretched to the braking point. Pssst, with the blessing of the families; Ouch.
That does not count as gay, even the Prez of Iran will tell you so.
Being gay is departing from normative behaviour. These "boys", on the contrary, fulfill normative behaviour, and all wrongs get righted.

Ya totally!! White, traditional politicians are the only way to go! I'm so glad we keep electing people like Bush and Reagan who have managed budgets before! At least they have experience funneling funds into their friends' businesses. And Bush was obviously elected for his abilities, not his every-man charisma and rehearsed speech-slips.

Politicians primarily care about the people that paid for their office. Today anyone that becomes president essentially disqualifies themself from having the qualities we all desire in a leader. We DO need change, maybe not from Obama, but maybe so. But then again this is a democracy and most people like you prefer United Stagnation under god.

Just wondering, does anyone still believe Bush to be an fundamentally honest person? I'm amazed that even now, in Bush's 'I don't care what you think unless you can encarcerate me' years, that people still think he's honest. Read the news much?

Until now, I've had a hard time deciding between Obama and Hillary. This incident clears up all confusion. I'm 100% behind Obama now!

Points
1. Anyone that writes a comment about a candidate other than Mr. Obabma is clearly on the wrong post and did not read the article this is supposed to be a comment on.
2. There are NO scientific studies that PROVE that gayness is not a choice – but why should that matter anyway? I don't go around trying to make my heterosexuality an issue, why is anyone's homosexuality, support of it or non-support of it an issue?
3. Barak, in trying to bring people of disparate viewpoints together, is following in the footsteps of the greatest men and women the world has ever known: Ghandi was reviled for wanting to unite Hindu and Muslim, Mother Teresa didn't refuse to care for anyone based on their caste, religion etc. and Jesus taught us to Love one another – NO MATTER WHAT
4. Life shouldn't be about race, sexual orientation or politics, it's about humanity living together in mutual respect and tolerance – let's all try that and see what happens…

After reading many of the unresearched, unconvicted, overly convicted, uncompromising, and closeminded comments on this page, I am extremely disheartened.

This is an example of what the voting pool consists of, so i am afraid that whatever the result, the complete idiots will have won.

And incidentally, I am heterosexual and i choose to be this way, even though both my parents were gay.

As I understand it he was asked to attend a religous event — a gospel concert — not anything to do with policy, plus censoring someone for their opinions smacks of McCarthyism and is unAmerican. I am gay and so long as Obama is not in advocacy of homophobic policy I don't especially care who he invites where.

To all of the anti-gay religious bigots — Please do not misunderstand. Gay people LOVE you. And it is because of that love that we have the obligation to point out how your discrimination against God's gay children goes against His Word. It would be impossible for me to reconcile allowing you to continue down your distructive path with my own Christian upbringing. At the end of days, God wants us to walk through the gates together.

Some people are still having a problem understanding why this is an insult to gay people. This so called "recovered" gay gospel singer sings about homosexuality being a sin and needs to be overcome. The bible is so full of other sins but the one that seems to get so much attention is the Gay issue. It is so obvious that these people are just using the bible to hide behind their own hideous prejudices. Many of the most opposed to gay people are questioning their own sexuality and see something in them that they hate so they project it out on the ones that have had the courage to be who they are and not hide in the closet. We have seen this play out over and over again in the political arena.

The US Government also quoted the bible for years to justify slavery. Could you imagine if that was still being done today? However, Gay people are expected to accept ignorant people singing about them sinning for simply being who they are. Gay people can't change their orientation any easier than a black person can change their skin color. What I find interesting is some heterosexuals attempt to tell gay people that they can change. Who says anybody has to change or wants to change if this is truly the "land of the free" as the bible thumping fundamentalist like to brag it is. If that is the case then everyone should have the option of choosing the Gay lifestyle if that is what they want.

However, if they insist that one can change their sexual orientation then that means these bible thumping fundamentalist could easily change to be Gay. One day science will prove without a doubt that being Gay is genetic but there will always be narrow minded people that will discriminate against Gay people. We know that having black skin is genetic but it doesn't stop people from discriminating against them.

SEPARATION BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE!!!!!!! I AM HISPANIC, What NEXT: Speech at the FLEA MARKET!

all of you so-called Gay people and supporters writing on this site that you will not vote for Obama but Hillary don't seem to mind that she celebrated her endorsement by a gay bashing minister who called gays Thieves.

Be honest you were voting for her …as a matter of fact you guys anyway are behind the controversy

Daniel, you seem to like linking us to all of these "stunning" poll results-

how about this one from October of 1999?

http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1999/10/11/poll/

It shows George W Bush leading Al Gore by 19 percentage points. Al Gore eventually won the general popular vote.

Obama is losing my interest by this pandering to religion. Haven't we had enough of religion in politics?! Is he getting desperate? I want a president to be focused on issues. Separation of church and state, remember?

Hey Everyone, all this talk back and forth about who would be the best presidential candidate and most able to perform on the world stage, etc. is truly tired and worthless speculation. In case none of you have noticed, the current group in the White House are not only totally incompetent, they are also evil and have done more to sink our great republic than any succeeding chief executive will ever be able to put right. At this point, a miniature Poodle could handle the office more effectively than the redneck trailor trash rich guys who control it now. Just vote for someone and stop worrying.

It doesn't matter if homosexuality is a choice! As members of the civilized world it is our duty to have the maturity to be OK with it. If we can't deal with the possibility of somebody doing something in private then we are not living up to our end of the constitution.

I honestly think that Obama is trying to get us to that point. If he is not then its back to Hillary.

The LGBT community is overwhelmed by passion!? I personally know of many who are forced into a corner by society.
The non-LGBT community is also overwhelmed by passion. Of a different kind? Maybe! Many are also forced into that behaviour for fear of shame.
My personal approach is that an O is an O is an O. The more frequent the better.
And what!?? Mr Barak Hussein Obama married at the age of 30 right out of virginity? Maybe.

All the fuss about

I'm sorry but what is the point of this story? When did everyone get so sensitive and when was is not ok to have an opinion. There are people out there that don't believe in homosexuality and guess what? That's fine! They have a right to their opinion as everyone in this country does and that's what make's our country the way it is. McClurkin's statements aren't hateful – he's not name calling and insulting.

The role of the President is for someone that can negotiate and be able to meet with different groups and try and reach agreements while keeping the American peoples best interest at heart.

This is the problem with the Democratic party and why we lose these elections. We CANNOT exclude people because they don't agree with one tiny issue we stand for.

Obama's doing what he should and he's out trying to get votes and trying to encourage a group of people to see things his way and how he is going to change things in the future. I'm sorry but the only way we are going to get there is if we start tolerating eachother and understand there will always be a difference of opinion.

I didn't even read this story and I already know that this guy is messing up Hillary's chances of becomeing the president.

http://www.golden-lamp.com

Rodney, Dallas TX:

Hill served on the Wal-Mart board? Just another reason NOT to vote for her. What's Wal-Mart's record on gender equality & workers' rights? Hmmm. A little research on that topic should prove that serving on WalMart's board is hardly something to be proud of.

The GLBT political community seeks to control and intimidate the Obama campaign, just like many other well organized special interest groups across the board. A successful presidential candidate should be able to connect and represent with Americans of all sorts – diversity in sexuality and religions. Obama should not be so heavily criticized for support from those with specific biblical interpretations. There should be both a freedom of sexual expression as well as a freedom of religious views. Why be so hateful when the singer is speaking out of his own experiences? I hope Obama does not overly pander to one group by ostracizing another.

This IS the time and THIS is the place. Homosexuality isn't like a faucet; you can't turn it on or off. If Donnie thinks he can, more power to him…I think he's full of it. As for the Bible, the #1 best-selling piece of fiction of all-time, it's fable not fact, and very well shouldn't be considered the law of the land. As for you homophobes, well, there's just no cure for ignorance.

Politics….disgusting! How does Obama expect to create a "kingdom" without keeping religion out of government?

As to the black community where the term "Down Low" was created, there needs to be a change so that lies, disease, heartache, does not continue to grow by men, single and married, living a double life!

As a gay, hispanic and Republican male,I am religious, conservative, have family vaules and above all believe in God.

God Bless America!

Jim Bob:
Have you considered psychiatric help? Individuals do not choose their sexuality. It is biologically predetermined.

Perhaps you'll be surprised when those gates of heaven don't swing wide open when you get there. Hate is not a trait that God will embrace.

People actually care about this? Isn't there a war going on somewhere?

Dave,

Um, you're talking about two different types of tolerance. What the LGBT community wants is to be recognized as full citizens, and no longer be harassed by bigots (especially self-hating gays–they populate the Republican party, don't you know), just like other minorities have fought for similar rights.

That is not to be equated with tolerating bigoted people. The whole point of free speech is that, at some point, some speech wins and some loses. We're trying to use speech to convince the American people that gays deserve equal rights and respect as human beings. Ignorant, self-loathing hate from McClurkin is not just another idea to be considered. It's an idea we are actively fighting to destroy.

Rodney in Texas,

So Hillary Rodham Clinton's position on Walmart's board is executive expreience? If, as you suggest, Walmart's board has a significant say in Walmart's operations, then, I suppose it is fair to attribute Walmart's policies to Hillary–import cheap goods from abroad, require unpaid overtime from employees, discriminate against female employees, break unions, build large and environmentally unfriendly stores, squeeze suppliers until they fail, subcontract for illegal-immigrant janitors, etc.

In other bad news for Obama, a new general election poll from New Jersey has him trailing Rudy, while Clinton does much better. Link.

I think some of the bloggers have over-reacted in their criticism of Obama, implying or saying he supports homophobia. He does not. BUT on the other hand I think he deserves all the trouble he can get into here for playing up to the churches. They are intolerant almost by nature, and he was bound to run into at least this much controversy by either going along with their views or being obliged to disavow their views in public.
By actively courting them,he is supporting and extending the very dangerous invasion by religion into our national politics. He is flirting with one of the most damaging and anti-democratic trends of the last several years. Has he learned nothing from what the wish to satisfy evangelicals has done to the Republican Party? (or, more exactly, has done to US and to America's great traditions through their instrument, the Republican Party?)
if he wants to run as a man of principle as he says, he must cease this kind of pandering.

Being a gay man myself their is only one truth. Everyone is gay, they just choose to deny their true feelings. There is no God, so remove that fictional character from all serious governmental applications and let the idiots pretend to be accountable to a fictional higher being. Democrats are the only party that display true Human equality.
High Taxes, Bigger Government that will look out for me , Socialistic Health care, Forced Benevolance through welfare, thats the best representation that we could ask for.
Support your agencies for the TRUE advancement of these United States, ie…ACLU, NAACP, RAINBOW COALITION Etc…

Until now, I've had a hard time deciding between Obama and Hillary. This incident clears up all confusion. I'm 100% behind Hillary now!

I don't understand how maintaining the belief that gayness is a choice is bigotry. Are people saying they don't have a choice? How preposterous is that assertion. I'm not dumbing down so that a small contingent can try to mainstream an obvious anamoly. If your DNA got wrapped around the axle, then lets hope evolution finishes its job and brings this malfunction to extinction. Leave Barack alone.

There isn't a politician alive or dead, black or white, gay or straight, democrat or republican, that can appeal to every group in this country, be it smokers, liberals, democrats, blacks, immigrants, republicans, pro abortion or against abortion. One has to make up one's mind when running for public office that he is going to offend someone and just go for it — honesty works.

To Robert in NC (big surprise to find out where you live after reading your post)- seems like if Obama is a "true Christian" by your definition then he also must make a clear stance against eating shellfish, pork, not to mention mixing fabrics and fibers (was that a silk tie with a wool suit he had on??), and let's just hope he avoids contact with menstruating women, as he is clearly directed to do by the bible.

Where's the protection for child molestor's that are born that way?

Why is it they only feel to attack Obama and not Clinton on same-type issues? Why oh why? Can someone please find out and post it please? And I still can't see the controversy. I had no idea that someone saying they were gay and no longer gay was an insult to gays. This to me is hypersensitivity. Everybody has their own views, so what. This just shows me they want to bash Obama and that's the only reason they're making flap over this. I bet Hillary's behind this stir-up in some way.

We should be willing to concede some issues, and look at the large picture, and see how that helps us as opposed to focusing on one issue and having that make up our minds. It seems naive to do so and our narrow mindedness may be leading us away from the change we so desperately want.

J.R. is correct about racism in the gay community being well-documented. I've basically spent the last year of my life doing research on homophobia in the African-American community and racism in the gay community, and plan on eventually writing a dissertation on the topic. It is especially difficult for African-American males, who are the victims of discrimination within both minority groups. Many do not even identify as gay and are in heterosexual relationships, yet continue to have sex with men on "the DL", which puts both them and their heterosexual partners at risk for STD's.
As a gay male, I do not agree with McClurkin's views, but I have certainly heard much more homophobic comments. I think Obama is doing the right thing by distancing himself from the comments but still allowing McClurkin to participate in the campaign.
I honestly believe Obama wants both groups to unite and work together, and he had not lost my vote.

"Them gay atheists needs to go to the land of fire and brimstone, where they belong. I believe gays were sent by the Devil to test the piety of men. Every time you vote democrat, you lose a part of your soul to satan, and every time you say it is ok to be gay, you are just giving into the lies of demons."
— — –
One of the Ten Commandments says no one should work on Sundays. Exodus 31:15 says "Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death”.

So why aren't you as adament about stopping Sunday NFL games and condemning the businesses that you use on Sundays? Can you come up with any other explanation other than HYPOCRISY?

According to a story today in the washington Post it was the Clinton campaign that pushed this non-issue.
Let go, folks. If you have ever seen a Broadway musical, there are lots of gays and straights on the stage. Who cares?

How ironic, I believe religion is a choice, although I was once involved with religious desires and thoughts. Thankfully common sense purged me of my ignorance and now I am a much happier person without religion.

They're campaign should be okay, I'm not ant-gay because my sister is gay. I just want to say that being gay is a choice! I've done enough research and that is the educated decision I conclude. Go Dems!

Where to begin. I think that Obama is correct in calling all sides together – nothing is gained by "preaching to the chior" so to speak. Now, to address some of these other moronic comments: there is genetic proof that sexual orientation is genetic; the bible also states that it is okay to sell your daughter or to kill you neighbor if he wrongs you (so I guess we'll see many "Christians" putting their daughters on ebay); McClurkin is about as straight as Senator Craig – he just likes to have sex with men; and finally, there is no such thing as a former homosexual – simply a sad individual who can't accept himself as the person God intended him to be.

The bible clearly states that sex between two men or two women is a sin. Gays and Lesbians try to rewrite the bible to fit their life style. Christians are persecuted by these people for their beliefs. Society seems to bend over backwards to placate gays and lesbians. When a Christian stands up for what they believe in they are treated as the bad guy. We are supposed to change our beliefs to make them (gays and lesbians) feel good about the fact that they are living in sin. It is just sad that Mr. Obama won't stand up to these people and let them know that they are wrong…all for the hopes of getting votes.

laura…you say qualifications?? where has that gotten us?? dubya had your so called experience and look where we are now…falling into a recession from over spending and under taxation of corporations, a war that had no plan to start with, and millions of americans suffering from little health care and assistance.

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.

Sorry, Mr. McClurkin, but the only thing that is a "choice" about homosexuality is yours to repress it. May God help you in your struggle, and help you live happily into who He made you to be. God doesn't make mistakes.

Why should he has to answer to this at all there are to many blacks in south carolina to be catch up in this type of fight now. He needs that black vote if he tells the gospel singer that most blacks loves to listen not to come on stage he will loses black votes not just in south carolina but all over the united states if he makes it to the general.

I am proud to see at least one elected official with some intergrity. Most politicians will say anything to get elected. Obama, on the other hand, has not given into the special interest groups, including black folks. Rangel and his kind want someone to pander to them and kiss their butts. None of these people have done anything for black folks except get elected. Obama has talked to black folks about taking responsibility for themselves and that they can't allow perceived or actual racism to prevent them from succeeding. No other candidate will say that to a black audience. He has also challenged the black church about its homophobia. No other candidate has done that. Yet, people are trying to villify him for having McClurkin sing, not preach or espouse personal views.

In a democracy, we benefit from listening to other views. One of the problems of the last seven years is that Bush has surrounded himself with folks whose views don't differ from his. We have seen the results of that sort of thinking. Moreover, it is the group think on the Republican side that has led to the gay marriage amendment to the Constitution. If you oppose such sort of thinking on one side, you need to oppose when done by members of your own party. In the end, this is much ado about nothing.

Obama isn't electable..no way..no how. Ditto HIllary. Actually, the democrats look pretty weak.
I am an independent and have predicted every election correctly since the Nixon victory and I am telling you the guy can hang it UP!

I grew up a son of an evangelical pastor in the midwest. I found it impossible to stay married and live in the closet. No amount of prayer made me heterosexual. I came to the place where I believed that God didn't love me enough to fix my "problem" or I didn't have a problem. I have been out since 1992.

Donnie McClurkin's views are not the same as Barack Obama's. The reason McClurkin is at this concert is because he is a gospel singer, a popular gospel singer. If you are going to hold a huge concert, you need to have big names. To be honest, I really don't think this is a big issue…I'm not saying it isn't an issue, just not a big one in mainstream America and not in the African-American community. I think most people would be surprise on how many African-Americans feel about homosexuality…it's not welcoming. One of the MANY things Barack is going to have to do is show that he can be an African-American, Christian, Equal right-supporting man. He can do it, what people have to realize is that everything is not black and white, there is always a gray.

Yes homosexuality is a sin. However, we are also taught to love everyone. Showing love to those that are hurt, broken, living inappropriately, etc will win people over to Jesus. So, the solution is to kick Mclurkin off of the concert bill? That would show a lack of faith on behalf of Obama.

I glad Sen. Barack is keeping Donnie in the concert, we waste so much time on little things in this world. Who cares if he was gay, and being gay is NOT anything you're born with. People are going to complain either way you chose so have your concert you already have my vote!!!

everybody has there opion, about what they belivie, but that seem to be a problem with the gay community only what they think counts, why are you on the offense about what others think or maybe its true what Donnie McClurkin stated

Actually many scientific studies have proven that same sex attraction isnt a choice nor aquired from your surroundings. Sexual orientaion is determined in the womb. Plus GLBT people come from all sorts of family background. Do you think Alan Keyes or Phyllis Schlafly would have gay kids if your theories were correct!?

This is a Clinton hack job. Obama, a known strong supporter of gay rights, has someone that gays distrust as a supporter! WHY would McClurkin support OBAMA? Shouldn't McClurking denounce Obama and hate Obama if McClurkin is anti-gay, knowing that Obama is so pro-gay rights?

This doesn't add up, it makes no sense. The LGBT is acting intolerant and uni-dementional and making look like McClurkin the open-minded caring person here. A few hypervigilent members of the LGBT community are turning his into a disaster for the LGBT agenda.

Obama is displaying very strong leadership here that reflects his experience in minority issues. The last thing either community needs is to expend energy fighting each other year after year. Let's get it all out on the table boys and girls. Do gays tolerate other people's religious views that say that the gay lifestyle is not appropriate? Do the religious tolerate the views of those who call their religion false? Disagree, argue, debate, but in the end, I hope we find that we are all human. And the human spirit trumps all this other stuff.

How about split religion and government. Presidential candidate doing gospel tour and attending several churh services the same day! We had one president who was getting advices from the prayer and bunch of crooks such Farrell and others; one is more than enough for this country.
And speakin god Edwards: "John Edwards says if he's elected president, he'll institute a New Deal-like suite of programs to fight poverty and stem growing wealth disparity. To do it, he said, he'll ask many Americans to make sacrifices, like paying higher taxes"

Hillary2008!

Donnie McClurkin is not anti-"gay", he is anti-"sin". This man is a gospel singer, of course he is going to speak against sin, this is what Jesus died for to save man from sin. As a christian myself it is at the core that you have an intolerance for sin, not the person, but the sin in their life. Understand that no Christian should hate the gay person themself, but they should hate the sin that they commit. Yes, it is true that homosexuals are born that way, we are all born into a sinful flesh as a result of Adam's first sin, but it is Jesus that delivered on from that. If Obama does call himself a Christian, believe me politics is not the best profession choose. With politics it will always be necessary to compromise, as a Christian there is no compromise, you must remain steadfast to your beliefs.

First post ever, but had to comment.

Our nation is divided by so many different factions, so when someone actually risks their reputation when seeking to bring disparate groups together, in my view, this should be celebrated. Whether gays accept this or not, there are many people in this country, both black and white, that think that sexuality is a choice and this is 2007.

In discussion of these concerts I also wish that we could take race out of it – as I said there are plenty of people of all races that hold this view – for proof visit Anytown, USA in the interior of this country. Deeply held views take time to change and often quickens when one has an opportunity to learn more about the thing or person of which they were fearful. Rev. McClurkin does not hate gay people or think they are less human than him. He apparently has no problem socializing with them either as witnessed by him staying on the program when Rev. Andy Sidden was added. He just believes that with prayer all things can change.

To deny Rev. McClurkin an active role in Obama's campaign because of that would be akin to denying all Christians who believe the same a role in the campaign or in Democratic politics. And let me guarantee you, all the Democratic candidates have folks on their staffs and in their organizations that are gay and others who hold McClurkin's belief.

Actually many scientific studies have proven that homosexuality isnt a choice. Sexual orientaion is determined in the womb. Besides! Why the hell would someone "choose" to be gay in such a homophobic country like the US? Also not all gays are "bigoted against anyone who isnt gay"

Gays come from all sorts of family backrounds.

I think it's absurd that it's causing so much controvery. McClurkin isn't "anti-gay" or a "hate-monger". He just believes being gay is a choice. Sure, this isn't a popular view, but GUESS WHAT? You have to invite your enemy to dinner before you can have them sit down at the table. And then you have to have your enemies sit down at the table, before you can try and change their minds.

Certain gay groups need to get their priorities straight (no pun intended). You cannot insist on being at WAR with anyone who doesn't believe what you believe. You must TALK to your opponents to ever hope to change their minds. It's NOT us against them! We need a President who has this unique ability to accept people he disagrees with. A leader and a uniter doesn't cast away those with different opinions. They listen to them, and they talk to them, and eventually, they hope that those with different opinions may change their minds.

Bravo, Barack. Bravo.

Barrack Obama is a closet muslim, as Larry Craig is a closet gay!

Experience is overated….

Posted By Ren, Orlando,Fl : October 26, 2007 2:21 pm

I guess you try to find an excuse for obama that his inexperience is of little concern to the american voters.

If you beleive in that reasoning, you should ask your teenagers to make all household decisions. As Mark Twain once said, good judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement. In other words, without experience, obama will render bad judgement to be a president.

Obama has run a worse election campaign than hillary because obama has had no prior experience. Hillary and Bill ran this presidential election twice and they won them all, and that explains that their more effiicent (least $ spent on $ raised) and effective (higher poll standings)than obama.

Why can't Obama stick to his guns! "Homosexuality is WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!"

IT'S RUDY Vs HILLARY
The Clinton's have abandoned the Left of the Democratic Party, gone Pro-War. Thier position is "Im The One that can beat Hillary, I'm The One that can beat Rudy." Both are Blank Check writers of Bush. The Media has placed the Queens Crown on Hillary.
Very Respectfully,
D. L. Graham
El Cajon, San Diego, CT. CA.

I hope Barak doesn't cower under the pressure. Tolerance for the gay agenda is what is sending our country down the tubes morally. If someone like Rev. McClurkin doesn't speak out about what God clearly says, he's doing a grave disservice to his fellow man.

I wonder what the fuss is about Donnie McClurkin's comments. The last time I checked he was an American with the right to free speech. If he believes that Homosexuality is a choice then so be it! – That's his opinion, and so what??? If some tells me that being Hetersexual is a choice, I wouldn't care the least.

In reading some of the comments I'm at a loss. I don't understand what one man's testimony and belief system–that homosexuality is a choice translates into he hates gays. I'm sure he doesn't hate gays–acknowledging that he in fact was involved with homosexuality I would think he has a deeper understanding of the lifestyle than most. He just doesn't believe you are born that way. Does he not have the right to feel that way any more than a gay person has the right to claim it isn't a choice but a circumstance of birth. How can you silence a gospel singer without fairly silencing the GLBT community? Its this constant ridiculous battle of "I don't want to hear your views" NO–"I want to take away your right to have a view." I feel the GLBT community is hypocritical. They march and state thier views, villify anyone who disagrees. What is that?

Change for me involves taking religion out of politics. I am so sick of politians touting religion as part of their political career. Don't tell me what God you pray to, tell me what you plan on doing about the mess in Iraq. Don't tell me what church you go to, tell me you will be there when a national emergency such as Katrina hits our nation. Don't tell me about your family values, tell me what you plan on doing about the public education system in this country or the number of children in welfare homes. Don't tell me about your praying to God before going to war, tell me you will NEVER go to war unless all intelligence has been cleared and it is the last possible solution. Leave religion out of it.

Wow… for a country that tries to promote tolerance, why can't we let someone who has a different opinion than us speak? If I were gay and wanting to live in a more tolerant society, where freedom was embraced, I would be HAPPY that someone was questioning what I believed. We only grow when we are questioned, and as long as no one is being harmed in this matter, who cares?
I know plenty of women and men who have been gay and then decided that their faith path led them away from that lifestyle and some became celibate and other went straight. You each live your own life…. Obama will never please everyone, if he did… he would be a flip-flopping fish of a man that I would never vote for.

I think the lesson every candidate learned from the two Bush presidential campaigns is this:
"Must pander to religious fanatics…
Must pander to religious fanatics…
Must pander to religious fanatics…
Must pander to religious fanatics…"

It seems to me that every special interest group has this "all or nothing" mentality these days when it comes to political campaigns. The gay community is upset with Barack Obama because one person, Donnie McClurkin, is on record as denouncing homosexuality. Similarly, the evangelicals have their panties in a bunch because none of the Republican presidential hopefuls are completely in lockstep with their myopic world view.

There used to be this thing called concensus building and people like Barack Obama apparently still believe in it. It's unfortunate that the various gay and Christian activist groups haven't figured that out yet.

Mr. McClurkin spoke from his heart in stating what he believes was true. Personally, I disagree with that blanket statement however, I do believe that that is one of however many reasons (e.g., medical, anatomical, mental, etc.). He never once pronounced his view on homosexuality as emperical evidence. Yet, here we stand, a fractured unity of people all because of ones beliefs or viewpoint. For anyone to come out and call McClurkin an 'anti-gay bigot' is truly misguided and hateful. We are not all going to get along; that's a given. However, everyone should have the opportunity to express what they believe however uncomfortable it may be. I don't profess to know much about Mr. Obama, but it does seem that he truly cares about people. I have seen and been witness to the political lies that have overwhelmed our great nation; and to this day, people don't seem to remember the past, nor do their research into the present. Politicians, for the most part, are stage actors. They play to the theatre, avoiding controversy at all costs. I would rather walk a path knowing who is in front, beside and behind me, rather than amongst those who only tell you what you want to hear just for their own devious and manipulating agenda; your vote. As a people, Americans need to get their act together. The divisiveness in this country is unforgiving. We need to pray for our leaders and future leaders that they may have the courage, knowledge, commitment and discipline to confront and purge the evil that permeates this land.

Mr. Obama is not confused and I don't believe he is "sucking up" to far right evangelicals. He stands up for the things he believes in. The problem with politics today is that most Republicans alienate themselves from anyone who isn't Christian and Democrats act like religion isn't a real issue and are afraid of confronting it as such and therefore alienate themselves from people of faith. I don't believe in abortion, but after watching some of Barack's speeches, for the first time I understand why someone with faith like Barack would vote for the right to chose. Associating himself with Mr. McClurkin isn't alienating Mr. Obama from gay rights activists because he associates himself with them too. He is just proving once more to me that he is not afraid of bringing two groups of people with two extremely different ideas into dialogue with each other to actually get things accomplished in this country.

As a black man, I am insulted by Obama’s attempt to woo black people by going to black churches and preaching about change. Obama is playing politics. A black American who understands the change we NEED would not play politics with black Americans. A black American who speaks of change would know that whenever the reactionaries are in power, the black poor lose the most. Black people have 7.7 percent unemployed, which is higher than the national percentage. We are no more prone to criminal behavior than whites yet we get harsher penalties and the police just can’t stay out of our faces. No, we are all not poor, but in the eyes of law enforcement it just doesn’t matter. We need radical change, and a brother who wants our votes better be like W.E.B. Dubois and not like Booker T. Washington. A brother who wants the black vote better talk about how a conservative, right wing Supreme Court is only to our detriment. A brother who wants the black vote should sound radical in my opinion for as Malcolm once said, “We didn’t land on Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Rock landed on us.”

The change we NEED is within our reach. We must be smart at achieving the right change. We must first BEAT THE REPUBLICANS who smile in our faces and stab us in the backs. We then should teach our children to be tolerant of others and that being smart and learning science is not gay. Many poor black kids know the lyrics to rap music more than they know the English language. If Obama was more radical I might have considered supporting him. I’ll stick with Hillary Clinton because her candidacy has already been deemed radical by design. The right wingers are firing at Hillary because they see the end of their ideology fast approaching. That is the change we NEED. When Hillary speaks to black people she does not pander to them with false promises and she tells them of the perils that face them and what government can do to help.

Eventually we will see the day when the education gap is closed. We will see the day when jobs are more abundant and institutional racism is gone. We will see the day when there are more minority police officers in minority communities and the prison population will not consist of mostly black men, and when a brother don’t have to cop a plea. I don’t see this happening in an Obama Administration. Let's just stick with Hillary.

Here in lies the biggest problem with our society today. Everyone must be labeled some how. Also, if you are not for me you are against me. There is no way any candidate can appeal to every special interest group. People need to decide what is best for the majority and not their own special interests. They also need to quit condemning those who do not think like them. I think that is what this country was founded on. The last 40 years of politics STINK.

Jim, i think you need to seek therapy

Hey Ace:

You must so stupid to say something like "all african americans are homophobic against gays…"

You're a complete nutter. But I must say that I am not surprised. I've heard this before from the white gay community. Y'all never change; straight or gay. Your hate for people of all color is immense. It's palpable…one can almost taste it.

The last thing we need is another president who sees a complex world in simplistic, black and white terms.

Black and white thinking is a sign of unexceptional intelligence. Highly intelligent people can grasp complex concepts and tend to have more complex world-views.

I'm glad Barak sees opportunities to bring disparate groups together, rather than having a simplistic one-or-the-other view. Only a person with that type of thinking has any chance of bringing real change to Washington.

40+ years & Nothing Has Changed

the difference this time is that the "Discriminatees" of the 20th Century are the "Discriminators" of 21st.

You mean Obama in Anti-gay? Now I might vote for him!

Listen up folks!

You can please Some of the people Some of the time, but you can’t please ALL of the people All of the time”. Obama is CORRECT in attempting to allow his event to bring folks who do not think the same way on a top. To the LGBT Community. There is a time to fight issues, BUT this is not the time. This is an opportunity for the LGBT Community to practice what IT Preaches, TOLERANCE for individuals who have different views. The LGBT Community cannot require other Groups, Political Parties or individuals to allow the LGBT Community to have a seat at the table. But yet the LGBT Community wishes to deny others that same right. ALL should go and maybe get something spiritual and positive out of the event.

Hey David, New York, NY: Obama never had your vote. It amazes me how some people flip flop their support of candidates. If this issue changed your mind about voting for someone, then I guess you will not be voting for anyone.

As a gay person, Obama has just ensured that Hillary will get my vote. I don't understand how Obama can say homosexuality is not a choice and then have Donnie McClurkin stump for him. Who's going to stump for him next, the KKK?

Obama is a politician first second and third. You can't serve two masters. You will love one and hate the other. He will have to give an account for his compromise of the truth of God and that is like all of us sinners — gays need redemption from their sexual immorality and perversion.

Barack Hussein Obama and homosexuality.

Wonder what the Koran has to say about it.

I don't know about from the devil, but I can't understand how homosexual guys think guys are sexy. What is it about a dude that makes a homosexual dude turned on?

It sounds to me like McClurkin speaks for himself. All Obama has to do is state how his own views differ from McClurkin and that should be the end of it.

It's unfortunate that politics often devolves these days into purging and purification rituals. People just need to state their views and move on — no need to kick people out in order to make your point.

Them gay atheists needs to go to the land of fire and brimstone, where they belong. I believe gays were sent by the Devil to test the piety of men. Every time you vote democrat, you lose a part of your soul to satan, and every time you say it is ok to be gay, you are just giving into the lies of demons.

Posted By Jim Bob South Carolina : October 26, 2007 2:22 pm
_____
Hey Jim Bob, if your for real with that post, it must be way hot down there with all that fire and brim stone! Get a life! Gays are a creation of God, and a blessing to this Earth…for without us, there'd be no arts, fashion, and good sense.

Now anyone who disagrees with the gay life style is a bigot. I love how the liberal media continues to perpetuate the notion that being against sinful behavior makes one a homo-phobe. I guess that makes lots of people murder-phobes and stealing-phobes too.

As Mr. Obama was raised in Hawaii, a state symbolized by cultural diversity and tolerance, I am shocked that he would associate with someone like Donnie McClurkin who preaches intolerance and discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Interesting story. Horrible writing.

If the biased Clinton reporting from CNN doesn't highlight a need to change the back seat approach Democrats have to black issues, nothing will..

Less Government = More Freedom.
Vote policy, not personality. Vote Republican 08..

More Political Pandering.

What disgusts me is the false outrage. The singer is not "anti-gay" he is just a proponent of one of the two theories of causes of homosexuality. Neither of them have any credibility whatsoever, so the most logical of the two is actually that it is a choice. Until there is genetic evidence that it is not, these drama queens need to focus on really important things, like the guy was man enough to admit his own confusion about his sexuality. Fascism goes both ways, kids.

I think those of us pushing for equal rights should be affronted by this – not just that he has someone who pushes a hateful message participating in his campaign, but that Obama expects us to bow our heads to that hate for the sake of "unity."

I'm kind of amused at all the comments – both here and elsewhere – disparaging people like Aravosis for calling Obama out on this, as if it wasn't an issue for poor confused Obama until suddenly the rabid gays attacked. It's a story that was told many years ago down here in Mississippi – we didn't have a civil rights or race problem until those "uppity negroes" and Yankee students started causing havoc.

McClurkin has a commonly held viewpoint that homosexuality isn't genetic, but is rather social. This is the same point of view Freud had, and there are studies that show a correlation between family background and homosexuality. Regardless of whether this is right or wrong, his message is one of faith, reconciliation, and responsible living. He doesn't preach intolerance or hatred; he teaches love, support and kindness. To paint him as a bigot is wrong and narrow, but for a political candidate to try and force him to be quiet goes against the very ideals of free speech and religion.

This is ridiculous. The left wing is full of people who love diversity, except for the diversity they disagree with. Makes them no better than the gay-haters. Obama is better than that, and he's showing it here. He says he's inclusive and he means it. Keep it up Obama!

Obama here, Obama there, Obama everywhere……what does he truely believe in?

People can refer to the bible all they want but the fact of the matter is we are not a theocracy but have a very clear separation of church and state, so bible arguments won't work in promoting their discrimination. This country is made up of people from many different backgrounds some are religious and some aren't. Those that aren't or believe in a different type of religion should not be forced by law to live under a fundamentalist Christians beliefs. I suggest if people want to live somewhere their government is based on religion then move to Iran. Most would last there for about a day and come running back.

See Larry in Orlando, this kind of wild hyperbole and irrational hatred is exactly what needs to stop.

I mean equating this guy with the nazis or the KKK just because he personally believes homosexuality is a choice is ludicrous. He claims her personally changed his sexual orientation through religious devotion. Who are we to say he didn't? I don't think that means all homosexuality is a choice but you can certainly see why, from McClurkin's perspective, that would seem reasonable.

He's not executing people, he's not calling for genocide, he's not calling for persecution, I'm not sure he's even fighting homosexuality politically. He's only expressing his opinion. And you feel that because that opinion is different from yours (and mine) it shouldn't be heard by anyone and its not worth listening to or understanding. Whose the nazi again?

McClurkin's bold testimony is admirable, especially in light of Obama's unwillingness to make clear their stand on issues such as gay rights. This is a very simple matter for Obama – take a stand (like a true leader would) and either cow-tow to the gay rights advocates (and risk losing conservative support) or stand with those who believe that homosexuality is sexual sin (and risk losing the support of gay advocates). To lead sometimes means making an UN-popular decision… even a child knows that! The only thing that makes this difficult is if Obama has no real stand on the issue, and is wrestling with which scenario would cost him the most voters. This is leadership material? I think NOT.

Is this Jim Bob from South Carolina for real? I hope that comment is a joke. If it is, it's pretty funny. If not, it's really scary that there are still such hateful, unforgiving people , oh, I mean, good christians, in this world.

Obama was going to get my vote. But allowing Donnie McClurkin to perform with him. DON'T THINK SO!

MY VOTE GOES TO HILLARY ALL THE WAY…SHAME ON OBAMA TO ALLOW THIS LOSER TO BE PART OF THIS CAMPAIGN!

Due to the nature of our system, hardly any President has entered office qualified to run such a huge and complex government. If change is truly needed, it will never come from a Washington insider, and must come from a relatively less 'experienced' politician. Governing a State is not comparable to the US Governemt. Our only MBA President seems to best the worst ever in terms of budgeting. To enjoy change, new blood is required.

Jim Bob from South Carolina ,

Oh my god, you vote!? that's a very scary thought – if you want to live in a religous state, move to Iran Jimmy boy!

Disgusting…

I am gay, and I am deeply disappointed that the "gay community", such as it is, is fighting this fight. Is there any question that Obama as president would be a friend to GLBT people? Do we think that he can only be OUR friend and nobody else's? What will his friendship mean to us if he doesn't become President? And what will it mean to him if we make it every more difficult for him to achieve the office.

You may say that the time has come to stop pandering to the bigots, but as a 60 year old, I have seen more progress in the last 20 years than ever before. Keep moving forward and we will get our rights, but not by making it harder for our friends.

(Rolls eyes at Jim Bob's wacked out and laughable comments!)

I am gay, and I am deeply disappointed that the "gay community", such as it is, is fighting this fight. Is there any question that Obama as president would be a friend to GLBT people? Do we think that he can only be OUR friend and nobody else's?

So he tries to do something positive and open up dialogue about some of these issues like religion, tolerance, and sexual orientation, and everyone jumps on him. The special interest groups in both parties are what's making politics such a mess. Obama is making progress for tolerance and faith, but they aren't happy unless he aligns exactly with their agenda. Well if I wanted more of the same old democrat I'd just vote for Hillary or Edwards.

I wish people wouldn't look at the charisma of politicians and focus instead on qualifications.
Posted By Laura – Tulsa OK : October 26, 2007 1:58 pm

Oh really Laura; like the current occupant in the White House? And please, don't give me that nonsense that he was a Governor of a large state (Texas). Everyone knows that the executive there is legislatively 'weak', as set up by their state constitution.

Was Bob Dole ever an 'executive'?

This is the Problem with Americans, They preach freedon of speach, but are not ready to deal when that freedom is excercised, if america needs to retains its long lost Glory, then Obama is the Man,for the Job, otherwise Please Hurry up and Get Mrs Clinton in Office and it will be 10 yrs a go re-lived all over again, my 2cents

I think Obama made the ideal choice by balancing the perspective rather than breaking ties with McClurkin. I personally don't agree with McClurkin's statements, but this idea that we should fight to keep people with viewpoints different from ours from expressing themselves is really terrible and needs to stop.

I mean, he's probably not even going to be speaking on gay issues. What, just because he once made a statement that these groups don't personally agree with means that he should never have a public voice again? We have to be very careful to not let our penchant for progressivism and political correctness become fascism.

We can't heal the divide and the hatred in this country until we have dialog and understanding. Obama seems to me to be the only candidate right now whose really promoting that.

Since when was uniting people who should be voting together because they are universally denied the same civil rights given to straight, white Americans a bad thing? Calling Barak Obama "confused" is ridiculous when all he is trying to do is allow an open forum for various ideas (albeit some are much better than others). Why do the political parties in this country insist on pigeon-holing its populace into a set of prescribed ideas that often have nothing to do with how this government actually operates? I don't know who I'm voting for, but I do know that it's nice to see someone who is trying to unite voters instead of divide them.

This religious BS does not belong in politics. Politicans have no right to bring religion into politics…separation of church and state at all costs. Politicans need to stop pandering to religious sects in this country…people need to vote as individuals, not as religious brainwashed robots.

I think that Barack keeping Donnie in the line-up proves that he is not your typical politician that will "say anything" to get elected. Despite criticism from the gay community (which he hopes to win their votes), he is keeping someone opposed to homosexuality in the concert. On the other hand, he has added someone who is not only is an advocate of homosexuality…but openly participates in it. I believe that these are necessary steps to unite a divided America in order for us to stand and unanimously face our attackers who have manifested on the outside.

I was waiting for his response as soon as this issue came to light, and I am certainly happy that he is taking the high road on this one. Good call by the Obama campaign.

Them gay atheists needs to go to the land of fire and brimstone, where they belong. I believe gays were sent by the Devil to test the piety of men. Every time you vote democrat, you lose a part of your soul to satan, and every time you say it is ok to be gay, you are just giving into the lies of demons.

…bigotry is bigotry…Mr. Obama great political leaders stand up for what is right…Mr. McClurkin's views are not supported in fact or science and they are divisive…they are not, in fact, what the Democratic Party stands for…

Experience is overated. How many great presidents had loads of experience? How many horrible ones have had loads of experience? Great leaders are great leaders. Period. Everyone will mis-step…its how they recover that's worth watching as a true judge of their leadership ability and potential. Let's see how Obama fares in this one….

Why should Obama kick McClurkin off the tour? Any person he might pick to play would have some views that differentiated from that of the Obama campaign; does that mean that anyone who doesn't completely fall in line with Obama's political views should be isolated?

Also–it's important to note that McClurkin does not possess the "homophobia" to which Obama refers. Homophobia is "fear or antipathy" towards homosexuals. McClurkin, himself once a homosexual, is not afraid or hostile toward homosexuals; he simply has convictions that differ from those of homosexuals and is entitled to have them.

Let's see a story about the support that Hillary has from the anti-gay religious leaders in her camp and on her payroll.

Maybe you could do a story about South Carolina Senator Darrell Jackson, who denounces homosexuality and is paid $10 K per month to consult on the Clinton campaign.

Or maybe you could do a story about Reverend Mayberry of California, who endorsed Hillary, but also compares homosexuality to "thievery".

Maybe we could ignore the fact that the Obama campaign is working with leaders in both the religious and LGBT communities, in hopes to bring them together and begin to resolve the huge divide that has stood between them forever.

A president who brings people together to resolve longstanding differences and diffuse hate? What a novel idea.

Plus as a gay male myself trust me! You cannot change your orientation. You can choose to deny it and to live in the closet but ultimately its something your born with. Its part of your genetics. I would not be surprised if Rev McClurkin ended up in a Rev Ted Haggard like scandal.

Laura in Tulsa,

They keeep spouting about change because after their tax and spend ideas, that is all you will have left in your pocket!

This is an example of what happens when you try to be tolerant of all people. Obama would have the best chance of bringing people together than any other candidate. This is much more important than whether he has ever meet a payroll or run a budget. Our current "leader" knows nothing about balancing a budget.

Nothing is nastier than biting a hand offered in friendship. Now who's the bigots?

I heard on the radio that the Obama campaign has decided to balance this controversy out by allowing a gay minister to speak. To me this is unimaginable. That is like inviting a nazi and saying you are balancing it out by inviting a Rabi or a KKK member and balancing it out with a NAACP member. Can't anyone see the illogic in this? If this is how this man thinks I don't think he is qualified for my vote.

Sure seems queer to me that the gays seem to think it is okay to discriminate against everyone except the gays. I wish Obama had stood up to them instead of pandering. Obama may not think it is okay to discriminate against the gays, but if he is a professing Chistian, then he has taken a stance that homosexuality is a sin. The Bible is very clear. Stand tall or sit down.

Too harsh – he probably just told someone to sign up some gospel singers and had no idea one of them had issues.

We talk about wanting change – a different kind of politics – but we refuse to let it happen. Heaven forbid we allow a political official to let anybody in his/her midsts who disagrees with that politicians rhetoric. Here we have a guy willing to engage the other side in dialog and we trounce on him for associating with the other side. This is exactly what is wrong with US politics. We only accept those who surround themselves with "yes men" and then we wonder why the fight continues. Good for Barack for listening to anti-gay reasoning even though he disagrees with the rational.

Obama is doing the right thing. It is not something that the gospel singer said wrong, it is the problem with those who are gays. They can't stand any other people to make an oppion about something they have personally experenced. It is sad.

Senator Obama has the kind of values we need in the White House. I'm proud of him for inviting Rev. Andy Sidden to appear at the concerts.

Rev. Chuck Currie
http://www.chuckcurrie.com

I must say! I find it appauling how homophobic many African Americans can be. You would think that after all of the hatred and bigotry that they themselves have delt with for hundreds of years that they would have a different perspective. There are times when you would have Black religous leaders say things about gays, jews, hispanics exc exc that didnt sould all that different that what you would hear from a White neo-nazi.

One of the only reasons that I'm not a republican is because of the Republican party's sucking up to the far right evangelicals. Now that Obama is doing the same, looks like pretty soon I'll have to quit the Democratic party as well.

I am afraid Obama is going to extreme measures in trying to capture votes…black or white…shows that he is really in need of knowledge & experience…by having gospel sings to attract the black vote is silly. I am white but my black friends are not impressed with this method.

Laura, Tulsa, OK:

Hillary was on the Board of Directors for Wal-Mart. That seems to be quite a bit of executive experience in my opinion. Wal-Mart is the #1 retail business in the world. Board of Directors have quite a bit to do with the way a company is ran, especially running a budget. Check your facts before you post on here.

On Myspace, there is a page for GLBT Barack Obama supporters. It still has over 1,200 friends, despite this "controversy."

That is because Barack has a stronger record on gay equality than Hillary Clinton.

Barack opposed the anti-gay DOMA law of 1996. Mrs. Clinton approves of it and her husband signed it into law.

Barack talks about gay equality in front of mostly-straight audiences. Mrs. Clinton NEVER mentions gay rights unless she is talking to a gay audience.

Racism in the gay community has been well-documented. There's no doubt that anti-black gay people are rallying around Mrs. Clinton.

Well, I guess he lost my primary vote.

"My sense of Barack Obama is that he is someone with the capacity to bridge gaps, keep lines of communications open, and ultimately change hearts and minds. How he navigates this one will be a test of how good he is at this often incredibly difficult task."

This is only a sign of things to come if Obama succeeds in his odyssey. He is a very confused man. Comes to very confusing conclusions. Mis-reads sincere criticisms and his 'pandering' serves only to continue his conflicts with the folks. Heaven help should he have to 'act' on a global stage.

He and Hillary keep touting "change". Yet neither of them has executive experience that is required for the Presidency. Neither has governed or run a budget. I wish people wouldn't look at the charisma of politicians and focus instead on qualifications.