Gays Partisans Remain Engaged in Political Banter

I remain somewhat disconnected from the political back and forth between New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama last week due to my vacation in the Dominican Republic, but last night's election results proved yet again this election cycle remains historic.

A number of gay sources told me today they feel LGBT voters -- especially those in Ohio and Texas -- played an important role in Clinton's victory in those two states last night. Others used their interviews as an opportunity to portray their respective candidate in a favorable light (or to criticize their opposing White House hopeful). Journalists are certainly a cynical lot, I confess the continued partisan banter among pundits and political operatives in our community provides at least this reporter with a plethora of good sound bites and story ideas about which he can write.

The Pennsylvania primary is more than six weeks away, but this historic exercise in American democracy will certainly continue as the Democrats battle it out over they hope is the best candidate to lead their party into the November general election. LGBT partisans will certainly continue their partisan brinkmanship as they make the case for their respective candidate. Let the games continue!

Obama Controversy Continues...

Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's "Embrace the Change" tour of South Carolina has come and gone but the controversy surrounding the inclusion of self-described "ex-gay" gospel singer Donnie McClurkin continues among Boy in Bushwick readers and activists alike.

More than one source or contact flat out dismissed those who have described Obama as anti-LGBT for this (and other) rather public PR disasters. They are quick to point out Obama's extensive legal advocacy and his continued evolution on LGBT issues during his political (and arguably personal) life. This controversy arguably suggests otherwise. He can choose an openly gay singer to headline the tour as a last minute attempt to deflect controversy. But his actions will speak much louder than mere sound bites and strategic headliners. Let's hope he takes this lesson to account as the primary and caucus campaign heads into the final stretch.

Obama's Anti-Gay Alliance?

The Human Rights Campaign, the National Black Justice Coalition and other LGBT organizations and activists have blasted U.S. Sen. Barack Obama [D-Ill.] for including a so-called 'ex-gay' gospel singer in his weekend gospel tour in South Carolina.

Gospel singer Donnie McClurkin, who claims God allegedly turned him away from homosexuality, is among those scheduled to perform in Obama's "Embrace the Change" tour. The Democratic presidential hopeful announced late yesterday that he added a gay minister to the tour in an apparent response to this criticism. This move is nothing more than an attempt to pander to a base of potentially influential voters who remain somewhat skeptical of Obama's sincerity with regards to LGBT issues.

The Rev. Irene Monroe has repeatedly blasted Obama's opposition to marriage for same-sex couples because of his religious convictions. Openly gay New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson has backed his campaign. Others remain somewhat skeptical. Obama is certainly charismatic with all of the right talking points and sound bites to energize a Democratic base which has clearly grown tired of the Bush administration. The question remains: Does Obama have experience (and frankly the credibility) to successfully court LGBT voters ahead of the primaries and caucuses. The answer to this question remains in doubt as this latest controversy has arguably shown.