Reply #42: Actually, yes Obama could have fired him...

[Solon]

It was in his power to kick McClurkin off the concert tour, he chose not to do so. In addition to this, their influence on the electorate may, or may not, be equal. The fact is that McClurkin IS popular among some segments of the population, and therefore exerts some influence, otherwise he wouldn't have been chosen for the tour at all in the first place. In addition, I don't CARE about his "electoral" influence, I care about his cultural influence, which is more damaging, in my opinion. McClurkin claims to be "ex-gay", and GLBT teens and their parents listen to that message of false hope, and who knows how many GLBT people who are miserable will try drastic measures to try to change themselves to be acceptable in our culture of intolerance. Or even the measures some of their parents will take to try to change them.

That is what is so upsetting about the whole thing, it can lead to real life or death consequences, the fact that Obama gave this guy a scintilla of credibility by inviting him to not only perform, but speak, is inexcusable.