Obama HQ on the McClurkin strategy

[denem]

" ...while Obama has said that he "strongly disagrees" with Pastor McClurkin's comments, he will not exclude from his campaign the many Americans including many in the African American community who believe the same as Pastor McClurkin.

We believe Barack Obama is constructing a tent big enough for gay Americans who know that their sexual orientation is an innate part of their being, and for African American ministers and citizens who have deep theological concerns with homosexuality. And if we are to confront our shared challenges we have to join together, build on common ground, and engage in a civil dialogue even when we disagree.

We also ask Senator Obama’s critics to consider the alternatives. Would we prefer a candidate who ignores the realities in the African American community and cuts off millions of Blacks who believe things offensive to many Americans? Or a panderer who tells African Americans what they want to hear, at the expense of our gay brothers and sisters? Or would we rather stand with Barack Obama, who speaks truth in love to both sides, pulling no punches but foreclosing no opportunities to engage?"

This is no rookie mistake. It's quite deliberate. And who would have guessed? :sarcasm:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2164910

[sandnsea]

1. SC Clinton Co-chairs voted to ban gay marriage

John Matthews and Linda Short, they voted for the state constitutional amendment that banned gay marriage.

Now this really is about votes because it's these folks' job to get votes.

And yet, not a peep about it from HRC or any other gay rights group, certainly nothing at DU.

[Ninja Jordan]

2. Obama has done nothing wrong.

[Name removed]

4. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[BridgeTheGap]

3. In a civilized society, gays would be accepted as equals

Those who pander to those who think being gay is evil/sinful, are doing a great disservice to the cause of a civil society.
If a candidate needs to appeal to people who have such beliefs, appeal to them about something else that you may agree about. "Honoring" their ill informed beliefs only takes us backward.

Should John Edwards invite racial bigots onto the stage to "honor" their beliefs about race?

[jmp]

5. "civil dialogue"

Hate speech = civil dialog? :eyes:

[mondo joe]

6. Obama should tour with Michael Richards and have him do the stand up act

that got him into trouble -- you know, so as to include that demographic in his campaign.