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Obama vs. The Left: A Fight He Wants?
December 18, 2008 11:34 AM
ABC News’ Rick Klein Reports: President-elect Barack Obama’s selection of Pastor Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at his inauguration has ignited a firestorm of criticism from the gay-rights community, where Warren is considered something of a sworn enemy.
Yet Obama’s response to a question about his selection of Warren seems to confirm one perception: that this is a fight that the president-elect isn’t necessarily sorry to be having.
“It is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans,” Obama said Thursday at a press conference in Chicago. “What I've also said is that it is important for America to come together, even though we may have disagreements on certain social issues. . . . That's how it should be, because that's what America is about.”
The fight is an offshoot of a continuing struggle Obama has had with his left flank. His relationship with liberals in the Democratic Party has long stopped just this side of adulation, and some prominent gay-rights leaders have been skeptical about how aggressively he’s committed to their agenda.
Still, from an incoming administration that seems very much committed to governing from the center, could it be that this is a fight that is welcomed?
The battle comes at a time where the gay-rights community is particularly energized and ready for a fight, in the wake of the California ballot initiative that passed -- with Warren’s support -- banning gay marriage.
But to a centrist audience, including social conservatives, the choice of Warren could be perceived as a conciliatory gesture -- Obama making good on his promises to reach across the aisle.
December 18, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (747)
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Do gay have their own Pastor to represent them?? Of course not.
Pastor Rick Warren will be there for a day and you can still continue fighting for your rights.
Please be tolerant and do not course misunderstanding for nothing!
Posted by: FM | Dec 18, 2008 12:06:16 PM
Turn Your Backs on Bigots
My suggestion for those attending the inauguration ceremonies in D.C. who do not agree with Pastor Warren's religious bigotry is for them to turn their backs to the podium when he delivers the invocation. He may represent the opinions of the right-wing evangelicals, but he certainly doesn't represent mine.
Posted by: Etbrand9 | Dec 18, 2008 12:06:41 PM
It is ONE prayer!
Come on people, get over it already.
Obama is not going to please all the people all the time.
If the idea of having Rick Warren give one prayer is so worthy of such scorn, I can't imagine how bad the manufactured 'outrage' will be when he makes a choice that REALLY crosses them.
A good politician SHOULD honor all opinions her citizenry expouse- not just the 'ruling' party opinions. Just becasue that is how Bush and the Right have done things, doesn't make it correct.
I'm happy to see Obama being inclusive , it is refreshing change.
Posted by: S. Golden | Dec 18, 2008 12:07:20 PM
You libs are sooo funny. You are just now figuring out that you have been scammed by Obama??? I find it hard to believe that so many libs are so gullible, he used you and now that he is elected you are being thrown under the bus, just like he has done with so many others. Very funny.
Posted by: billy bob | Dec 18, 2008 12:07:45 PM
To the disappointed Obama Robots out there. This is what happens when you elect a man you know nothing about!!!
I, who have been screaming this from the rooftops, have been shouted down, spat upon, denegrated and been called every bad name you can possibly think of.....I shout the obvious fact NOT because I dont want to see an african american as president or I somehow support the disasterous Bush presidency or am hot for Sarah Palin but because the Truth is the Truth.
And the Truth here is that we are going to learn about BO as we go along....
God help us all....
Posted by: opedanderson | Dec 18, 2008 12:07:54 PM
I don't agree with the mythology of the Jesus-ass-kissers who spout the terror tactics of Christianity: "your with Jesus or against him...good vs evil...or Jesus will skewer you on Satan's pitch fork and you'll be BBQ'd over the coals for eternity."
Oh well, add a little BBQ sauce and invite the nation. I agree it's best to engage those who you oppose than to shut them out. Hopefully this inclusive attitude wilextend to international affairs.
Posted by: Arnie | Dec 18, 2008 12:08:31 PM
Obama just lost my respect.
Posted by: Susan | Dec 18, 2008 12:09:46 PM
Obama is displaying the same tolerance he is asking of all Americans - and which we need now more than ever! If liberals on the far left cannot be more tolerant, what hope is there that those on the far right will tolerate an Obama administration? Folks need to SHUT UP already! This administration is demonstrating the inclusiveness which America needs to heal and move forward!!
Posted by: Deborah from NC | Dec 18, 2008 12:09:47 PM
I think Obama is keeping his promise of uniting America and including Americans of the entire spectrum. The extreme left and the extreme right need to come to the center to deal with the external and internal demons and challenges. Well done Obama. Keep those surprises coming. We don't mind controversies we welcome them. Shake up America and cleanse it of the swindlers, thieves, hate and fear mongers.
Posted by: gjkotw01 | Dec 18, 2008 12:10:58 PM
I guess it's ok for gays to hate Christians. FYI, no one cares who you sleep with so stop shoving it down everyone's throat.
Posted by: Discreettool | Dec 18, 2008 12:11:47 PM
The Far Left is outraged because they are anti-Christ.
Their idea of a perfect invocation would have been from L. Ron Hubbard.
Posted by: donbl1 | Dec 18, 2008 12:11:49 PM
People, this has nothing to do with inclusion. Rick Warren is a man who has painted the gay community in a very ugly light. How would blacks or Jews or Catholics or Hispanics feel if Obama had chosen someone who equated them with pedophiles or incest abusers?
Posted by: Steve | Dec 18, 2008 12:12:08 PM
Will you please stop trying to force gay rights down our throats. Just because you have accepted an "alternative life style" doesn’t mean the reset of the world has to appease your conscience by excepting it as well.
Posted by: Irritated | Dec 18, 2008 12:12:30 PM
The problem with the ultra-left is they want it all their way - they don't bend.
Obama is president to all people and
this proves it. Because he picked this
person to swear him in doesn't mean he
is against gays. That's rediculous.
Posted by: Kathy | Dec 18, 2008 12:12:51 PM
Susan,
Shows how "tolerant" you are. Go figure.
Posted by: mm | Dec 18, 2008 12:13:20 PM
Rick Warren is an awesome choice. Mr. Warren did not write the bible. People are upset with him because he preaches and teaches God's word! LOL..When will we get it together. I don't hate homosexuals. I do hate the sin as the bible tells us.We are to love each other regardless of our life situations. We all know it's a sin. We all sin. We are not perfect people. We know not to commit the sin again and move on. It's more to it then that but I do not want to go into all of it. people are going to be mad at me for writiing this little piece....lol We all know God made Adam and Eve.Case closed. God is Good!
Posted by: Shirl | Dec 18, 2008 12:13:22 PM
OBAMA WILL BE GREAT, JUST WAIT AND SEE
Posted by: TRACY | Dec 18, 2008 12:13:26 PM
How can gays and lesbians expect tolerance when they are so intolerant. Just as Christian's do not want the gay and lesbian life style forced on them --the gay and lesbians should not expect to force the acceptance of their lifestyle on others. It is clear that gays and lesbians do not accept the 'straight" lifestyle of true christians--therefore if they want tolerance they need to extend tolerance.
Posted by: silverlady | Dec 18, 2008 12:14:14 PM
I think gay marriage is disgusting....these people should be put banned to a desolate island somewhere.....
not for being gay....but for wanting to get MARRIED!!!!
Posted by: opedanderson | Dec 18, 2008 12:15:29 PM
Steve,
The gay community is to blame for being placed in a poor light. Their behavior following the passage of Prop 8 is despicable. They are burning crosses, crashing Church services and chanting for Christians to go to hell. These people would be dead if they lived in Iran or Saudi Arabia. The gays themselves are to blame for the poor light that most of America has towards them. They should be thankful that they live in America. They care for noone but themselves. Typical of liberals.
Posted by: mm | Dec 18, 2008 12:16:32 PM
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