Blogger Debate On Obama Controversy

[illinoisprogressive]

Barack Obama's decision to include Grammy-award-winning anti-gay gospel singer Donnie McClurkin in his campaign has set off a firestorm of debate among bloggers on Obama's site, as well as across the wider blogosphere.08_obama_logo

The Obama campaign announced last Tuesday that a group of top gospel music artists plan on embarking on an "Embrace the Change" concert tour that will be part of Obama's South Carolina swing later this month.

In addition to his music, McClurkin is known for his publicly-disclosed struggles with homosexuality. And he's been bashed online for performing at the Republican National Convention in 2004. McClurkin defended himself in a Washington Post article by noting that he's also performed at a Democratic National Convention.

Bloggers and fundraisers writing on Obama's site sparred over the candidate's decision to include McClurkin. In the process, they opened a fascinating window into their fractious world.

"I'm tempted to ask Barack for my money back," wrote Peter from Portland, Ore. on Monday. "Having McClurkin headline is nothing but crass, base pandering. Barack should be ashamed."

But here's Michael from Tonawanda, New York:

I just want to put in my support for Senator Barack Obama. It is hypocritical of the far-left community to make such a noise about Donnie McClurkin, when they love to lambaste the Bush Administration and Republicans as the new "thought police." That attack is at times warranted, which makes it even more important that we are not hypocritical. I hope Senator Obama will keep the wonderful Donnie McClurkin on and use it to show how he will bring people together. That you don't need to agree on everything to work with someone.


http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2007/10/obama-blogger-d.html