Reply #28: No, the campaign had ALREADY invited this popular gospel singer -- [View All]

[cloudythescribbler]

and as a subsequent interview with Obama (I think it was in the ADVOCATE) made clear, McClurkin had NOT been fully vetted politically before the invitation, as he was not a 'spokesperson'.

Once the issue was raised, Obama (not unreasonably, in my arrogant opinion) decided to be INCLUSIVE rather than EXCLUSIVE, inviting a gay pastor and reiterating his support for gay rights.

I don't get this -- is someone's image tainted by the views of everyone supporting them who has ANY sort of appearance? Should the history, say of Sen Byrd or even the gaffes of Biden somehow disqualify any Democratic candidate on whose podium (or at whose convention) they appear. That just is an unreal standard.