I'm disappointed McClurkin was the MC of the event but I'm shocked only 24 protesters showed up

[wndycty]

-snip-
An hour earlier, outside the concert venue, about two dozen gay and lesbian group supporters marched and carried a rainbow flag.
-snip-

Obama did not attend the event, but in a video played for more than 2,000 at the Township Auditorium he called the evening's acts "inspirational talent" that were among his favorites.
-snip-

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071029/ap_on_el_pr/obama_gospel_singer_2

First let me start of by saying might does not make right, and the number of protesters that showed should not diminish their cause however given the relatively small amount of media coverage this whole controversy received and the measly turn out of protesters might this issue only have a life in hard core activist/netroots community?

Again I will state the whole McClurkin incident disturbed me and I expressed my disappointment to a number of people I know in the Obama camp and other supporters, but I'm baffled by two things 1) why this thing was not a bigger story; and 2) why only 24 protesters showed up.

[dsc]

1. It is South Carolina after all

a state with no protections whatsoever for gays. Columbia isn't a known gay area by any means. Myrtle Beach or Greenville would have been more condusive to protestors showing up.

[wndycty]

2. Are you happy with the response of HRC and other gay leaders?

It seems to me they expressed their outrage but might feel in the long run Obama will be good on the issues impacting the gay community.

[dsc]

4. I understand why they are on the fence here

though I do wonder if they were told the same stuff we were told here. If that is the case, there may be a much different reaction tomorrow.

[Rowdyboy]

3. The whole thing is just sad....I had high hopes for the future of Barack Obama

and this is a severe letdown.

[sandnsea]

5. Lots of religious people are homophobes

Most people can't figure out why this is a problem in the gay community, but meetings with Catholics or Hillary's homophobe senators, isn't. Singling out this one gospel singer smacks of racism and typical Clinton political opportunism. That's why it isn't a bigger story.

[dsc]

6. two things

One, We did criticise Hillary for the prayer meetings. Second, I am sick to death of hearing religion used as an excuse for hate. Your candidate flat out lied here. We were repeatedly told this man wouldn't take a big role but he was the flipping MC. Let me be first to assure you that if Hillary pulls a stunt like this I will be the first to post here about it.

[Solon]

8. I just hate how these fuckers keep trying to spin this as Hillary vs. Obama...

To be frank, at this point I don't give a flying fuck about Obama or Hillary. They are both full of shit panderers who would sell out anyone for a vote.

[cuke]

9. And when I see it, I'll be the first to k&r it

All the Hillary Haters can bookmark this if they wish and call me on it.

[ruggerson]

7. The average catholic is not a leader in the "ex-gay" movement

so your analogy is full of shit.

[Bluebear]

10. So you are highlighting, literally, TWO DOZEN vs. TWO THOUSAND

Woo hoo!! Majority rule!!!!11 Gospel won out over the gay!!

[IndianaJones]

11. this is crap. nt.