Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama sat down the Pat “Rudy Lover” Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network last week to talk about two controversial political issues” abortion and gay marriage.
Obama says that he understands abortion is a moral issue, but trusts women to be responsible, a responsibility learned through all-encompassing sex education. With regard to gay marriage, Obama says, “My belief is that a public official, my role is to make sure everybody is treated fairly and everybody has equal rights. I know that sometimes in this debate there is talk about,
Well, we don’t meaning gays and lesbians equal rights, but not special rights. “Well, the fact is that right now many gay couples, for example, can’t visit each other in the hospital. And when I sit down and read scripture, I think, “How would Jesus feel about somebody not being able to visit somebody they love when they’re sick?” I conclude that that is something that is important. Certainly as a public official, it’s important for me to make sure that those basic rights, that basic equality is available. On these issues, I think we can disagree respectfully…My hope is – I understand there are gonna be some people who can’t vote for me because of a couple of these positions. I just want them to know that there are not issues that I take lightly…
And, of course, he must know that many of CBN’s viewers don’t take him lightly, if you know what we mean…
Obama also told a San Fransisco rally that when he’s president he will protect America’s gay “brothers and sisters”. [Queer comments start around 9:16 mark.]
hisurfer
Gah I can’t believe how much I used to support this man. There’s not much beyond contempt left. I don’t give a fuck what any politician thinks “Jesus would do” – for the simple fact that Jesus, if he even existed, would not be running for political office. I’ve read the book and seen the movie, and in every version J. gives up all his money & worldly possessions and wanders the world relying on alms.
Fucking Obama. If he believes his own rhetoric he’s turned into a simpleton, and if not he’s pandering to the masses.
brohoebabyy
this is fukkin ridiclous! how dare he bring god into this discussion when fukkin religion is the main reason we are fighting for our fukkin rights. what a fukkin dipshit
im heated
=l
ProfessorVP
Brilliant strategy. Court the rube vote, and piss off your base.
John Muller
Those who left negative comment about Obama are ridiculous. I commend O’Bama for not flip-flopping like Kerry, Clinton and others when pandering the religious right. He was speaking to Christian Broadcast Network explaining why he supports gay rights. He is a true ally and I have gained so much respect for him.
GEM
I support Obama and will continue to do so. The negative comments here are too hate filled for me. In Abraham Lincoln’s day, at one point, he supported a proposition to free negro slaves and send them out of the country to start life on an island somewhere. That was his mis-understanding (however misguided) on trying to find the right thing to do during that period in our history. But he still stuck to his beliefs, in an extremely divided country and used his power to change our history forever. I agree that abortion rights is a very difficult question and that gay marriages are not easy for mainstream America to embrace, so we’re still not where we need to be yet. But I believe Obama is a sincere and honest man and I’m glad he still purports “disagreeing without being disagreeable”. There is much more work to be done in achieving equality for all, but being angry and hateful towards someone who is sincerely working to unify this nation doesn’t help.
hisurfer
The right wing has done so much damage to our nation in the past decade that I just want them gone – out of Washington and out of our lives. I want to kick their collective asses to the curb.
All politicians court the middle, and all adjust their comments based on their audience. I understand this. But Obama alone of the democrats seems to be courting the anti-gay vote as well as the gay vote. He can’t have both. We’d be shocked if he met with survivalists and klansmen while telling ethnic minorities to “disagree without being disagreeable.” Let’s be equally shocked at this.
My comments aren’t hate-filled. They’re anger-filled. There is a difference. And though my radical years are decades behind me I still think that, sometimes, ya need to be disagreeable to get your message out.
Dale in SF
I’ve never been more behind Obama than I am after reading this. You folks who are all bent out of shape about it: he invokes God here simply because he is talking to a Christian audience. The way I see it he is forthrightly addressing a specific group of people within the context which they view everything. I’m thrilled that he tells them flat out we deserve equal rights, and before they can argue he tells them he believes Jesus would want us to have equal rights too. This goes right to the heart of the argument Christian meanies use when they pull God/Jesus out against gay rights. It boggles me that you don’t see that, and instead think he’s horrible for this. I guess there is just no pleasing some people who are determined to bitch about things.
Dale in SF
Incredeible. To some it’s “trying to have it both ways” and it’s disgusting. You know what? To me it’s trying to find middle ground and hopefully move forward, together, united, rather than keep up the same, tired old crap of red vs. blue. Is that so bad? I’m inspired by Obama and have never felt this hopeful for our country before. Really, I just can’t understand how his messages can get twisted into something so far from what they are.
maverick69
After we get stuck with whom ever will be the C.I.C. and thrown under the bus, Everyone will then see exactly what O-Babmi was saying.
Don’t know if he’ll be our next President, I keep all hope, He’ll run again.
Good Luck to you Senator Barrack Obama
Bill Perdue
John Muller, you said “I commend O’Bama for not flip-flopping like Kerry, Clinton and others when pandering the religious right.”
I agree that virtually all the Democrats who matter pander to bigots but are you saying that you LIKE Obama for not ‘flip-flopping’ on his pigheaded opposition to samesex marriage and getting into bed with ex-gay hate filled bigots like Donnie McClurkin? Obama condescends to ‘grant’ us the right to visit hospitals but not to marry, and you LIKE him for it?
Sometimes Republicans and Democrats are clueless -when they go all out to campaign for Obama, Giuliani, Clinton or whoever they leave their brains at home. They’re futilely projecting what they want and hope for onto frauds who don’t give a rat’s ass about GLBT folk. All these candidates want is votes and money and they’ll say anything or do anything short of embracing full equality to get them.
When Democrats Frank and Pelosi, joined by their Republicans cousins across the aisle rammed through their toothless version of ENDA they woke up a lot of people to the inherent folly of supporting either of the twin parties of war, union busting and bigotry.
The 366 organizations and thousands of activists supporting UnitedENDA are now hard at work to reintroduce an ENDA that will protect us in court and hope that everyone Democrats in spite of their illusions about this or that candidate will join in the fight.
hisurfer
OK, Dale, please explain to me what the “middle ground” is on civil rights. We get some of our rights, and the anti-gay forces get to keep some of their discriminatory laws?
Look, we all know that Hillary plays politics. She’s good at it. Some of it pisses me off. Barney Frank and Nancy Pelosi let me down on ENDA. Clinton’s husband passes some horrific laws. A big difference, though, is that none of them are up there trying to tell me that each is all peace and love and innocence – or that I shouldn’t be angry.
I’ve defended religion on this forum before. However, I am extremely uncomfortable with any politician who tries to base secular policy on personal religious beliefs. When the right says “God hates homos” I don’t want a president who will respond with “No, God loves homos.” I want a president who is brave enough to say: God didn’t write the Constitution.
Dale in SF
Man, where is all the sarcasm and anger on the board coming from? I want all the same rights you do. However, my belief on how we get them is different. One way, which has its time and place but is proving to have limited success, is to demand 100% now, in language only heard by people who don’t need convincing anyway because they’re already on our side. The entire red, conservative, idiot population doesn’t listen or budge, and you end up doing little more than perpetuating an “us vs. them” battle. I don’t accept that that’s the only way to get what we want. A lot of conservatives who oppose gay rights can be brought around if you sit and talk with them, seeking mutual understanding, rather than only yell at them. Doing so doesn’t necessarily mean you’re pandering or compromising. It can also mean you’re trying a different approach that you think will work better, and trying to move toward the big goal one step at a time. Others don’t have to believe in Obama or his approach, but I do and it would be nice if the ones who don’t would stop hollering and carrying on as if those of us who “get” Obama are clueless.
hisurfer
We’re talking about two different things. My main criticism isn’t for Obama’s approach to gay rights. None of the main candidates shine here.
I’m criticizing him for the level at which he is bringing religion into politics. For me this is an issue that transcends gay rights, or this silly red/blue idea. It’s quite simple: I believe in a secular government. I don’t like that Bush has blurred the boundaries between religion and state, and I no longer trust Obama to undo this. My fear is that he will continue the process, albeit from a bit more liberal perspective.
On a final note – I never called you clueless, and Bill Perdue thinks we are all clueless, so please don’t try to play the victim here, k?
ProfessorVP
Keep in mind that Obama, whose last name is dangerously close to Osama, and whose middle name is Hussein, feels compelled to trot out his Christian credentials every chance he gets. If that means throwing LBGTs under the bus occasionally, he clearly has no problem with it. I don’t find him immoral like, say, Bush-Cheney. Just amoral, like the Clintons.
OneWay
What’s everybody griping about? We’ve got a candidate who is walking into Pat Robertson’s lions den and speaks up for the dignity of gay people, but noooooooo — not good enough. Puh-leaze!
Not all people who watch the 700 Club are anti-gay bigots. Many — including dozens from my family alone — have openly gay family members (i.e., me) but still don’t get it that my partner is family.
Bravo to Obama for helping to make the case to these decent — if not exceptionally enlightened — people.
When’s the last time Hillary spoke up for gays to a nominally anti-gay (or even “non-gay”) audience?
unclemike
“Certainly as a public official, it’s important for me to make sure that those basic rights, that basic equality is available.”
Is this statement “throwing LGBT’s under the bus?” Sorry, I don’t see it. It actually seems like a smart way to remind Xtians (in name only) just who it is they supposedly follow.
As a gay atheist, I can appreciate what he’s doing.
ProfessorVP
What he’s doing is appealing to rubes with his ol’ time religion, while trying to cling to his gay supporters who- quite rightfully- don’t trust Hillary.
hisurfer
Sadly, one of the things I originally liked about him was his refusal to appear on FOX news. I”m not sure what happened to the man of only three months ago.
I’m missing how Obama brings hope for change. The original Obama, the one who took tough and idealistic stands? That I could see. That guy excited me. This latest Obama doesn’t work for me.
Dale in SF
hisurfer: why the hostile attitude? I never said you called me clueless, I’m not a victim, and we’re all crystal clear that you don’t like Obama. Calm down.
hisurfer
That last post wasn’t hostile – I was just trying to explain my disappointment better, and note that there were things that I once did like about him.
Bitch Republic
Obama needs to be bitch-slapped.
http://www.BitchRepublic.net
underbear1
hillary, obama….what’s behind curtain #3
Jessica
Yes, it is religion that has made the fight for gay rights so damn difficult.
However, how you can say that Obama’s mention of religion anything but appropriate is beyond me.
He obviously recognizes the difference between being a right wing christian and being what many would call being a real christian.
And at this point in our fight, who the hell cares WHY he supports gay marriage, as long as he does?!?!?
If only we could be so lucky with Hillary.
Jessica
And hisurfer, I understand your dillemma/disappointment with Obama’s religious appeal. I’ve been struggling with that myself, because, as a purely secular human being, that not only does not appeal to me but turns me off completely to someone who may want my vote. However, it’s so hard to find a candidate in either party that will be what we need for president. We need someone that has at least some KNOWLEDGE about military affairs…John McCain would present himself as a strong leader for other countries…but his ideologies SUCK.
Obama has a good amount of the ideologies we need, but hasn’t got the experience to really portray himself as a strong leader, especially in foreign affairs.
I don’t know. If there’s someone that has a good formula for figuring out which candidate is the best, please let me know. Otherwise, google and youtube seem to be my only sources.
shalie
i think he is very correct in standing for what he believes in…
if hes a christian and this is america he has the right!!! dont hate on obama for nothin….
Timaria
I believe that religion should not be based on any decision thought to be a law. I feel everything should be equal as far as gay/lesbian marriages. I also feel that abortions should be one’s choice due to what they believe. A president should not dispute a law because of what he/she believes is right due to their religion. We are a diverse country and many religions are visible and respected. You cannot base laws on what your religious beliefs are because that is not equal and as many politics say, “we are all created equally”! So why not have equal rights in everything? Let the Homosexuals get married and have the same rights as Heterosexuals and let the woman decide if she wants to terminate a baby. It’s all determined on one’s belief and their faith or higher power.
H. Campbell
I cannot bring myself to be quiet about all the fuss that is being made about religion.
The purpose of seperation of church and state is to prevent lawmakers from imposing their religious views on the country’s people. It is not meant to be used for the purpose of shutting someone up simply for expressing his/her religious views or making a religious comment. Obama’s mention of Jesus is his right (remember a little thing called Freedom Of Speech and Expression, anyone?); if a person does not believe in Jesus, that person is free to dismiss such mentions, but is absolutely overstepping his/her bounds by attempting to eliminate such mentions altogether.
For those who may think that Obama is pushing his beliefs, consider this: if his intention was to push Christianity upon the American people, he would not be supporting gay rights.
juanita
If the Bible was not true it would not have lasted over 2,000 yrs.If you will read the Bible you would know that the USA is going to fall.God destroyed Sodom and Gomara beause they were so many homosexuals.Read the New Testament how many times it tells us about what happens to homosexuals.No Jesus would not allow these abnormal people to visit each other.If thsy get saved they will change their ways and yes Jesus id very real!IKf he ever speaks to you there will not be a doubt in your mind.Murder is a sin.Abortion is murder.You better quit supporting Obama he talks crazy and does not really give any answers he skirts around issues.Lets use some wisdom we certainly didn’t when we elected Bush.I am a minister who will pray for you and my prayers are for our country it is in real trouble Mcaine is just another Bush.We are doomed.Prayer is all that can help.if not for prayers we would have already been destroyed.When you see little kids starving until they look like these we see on tv and we are being blown up or weapons of mass destruction used on us then you will believe.I feel sorry for the USA and pray Go9d takes my whole family home real fast.U don’t want to see these things but Obama will see them and so will most of the people on here unless they fall to their knees pretty soon and pray for forgiveness.You will remeber this when you are suffering and know hell will be even worse.Then there will be no way out and no relief.
ashley ballz
OBAMA ROX!!!!!!!!!
KEEP IT UP DUDEZ……..
bt if yur against him, u better hav a damn gud reason….. ggrrrr!!!!!!!!
EL
He didn’t answer if Jesus wanted me to visit my gay life partner in the hospital or not…
LMFAO
LaShonda Ravenell
GO OBAMA! I agree with him all the way…I am so glad that I voted for him and I chose him. He will be great for PRESIDENCY!!! All you other people who are talking crap about him can SHUTUP AND KICK ROCKS….
iraqi gay
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iraqi gay
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sukmydikhomophobs
u guyz cud kis5 obama’s as5 fukin hatterrrzzzzzzz!
CHJ
homosexuality is pure sin..one day..every one of you wil bow the kneww to King Jesus..and every Christ rejector wil be thrown inot fiery hell…at that point..all …ALL..of your arrogance wil be gone 🙂
CHJ
Now..go read Genesis 18-19, Romans 1: 18-26 and ude verse 7…YOU ..that means YOU…have been warned…YOU need to very humbly accept this LORD named Jesus…
CHJ
JUDE verse 7..read it
wesley
Ok listen up, even if the Bible didn’t exist the(GLUTEUS MAXIMUS) is designed for the body to dispose of human waste. It is not a reproduction organ, so if everyone was gay how would man reproduce. Scientifically it is impossible, therefor man would cease to exist. Scientist have come to the conclusion that there is no (Homosexual) gay cell only that male gets one x-chromosome from the mother and one y-chromosome from the father and girls gets two x’s chromosome from each parent. Thus ruleing out any other cell that makes up both male and female. Some say well animals are gay, here’s a theory animals are not known to be gay in there surrounding habitat when in heat both male and female seek out others of the opposite sex to mate, but if you take out only the male specis and place two males together in a lock enviroment it is possible that when in heat they will seek out each other. It is only natural for male specis to act on there instinct to mate when in heat,in the animal kingdom animals only mate to reproduce.
wesley
@iraqi gay: Come to America to make a better life for yourself with education and hard work, mabe someday you can start a business but not to come over here to have sex with american men that is the most ridiculous thing i have ever heard. Do you know how many people from third world countries would love to come to America so they can take advantage of the American dream, and you would waste that just to come have sex with american men, what a waste of life???