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Huckabee "Jokes" to NRA of Gun "Aimed at" Barack Obama

Mike Huckabee, the former Republican presidential candidate and poster boy for social conservative causes, makes a truly tasteless joke at the annual convention of the National Rifle Association. After the former Arkansas governor was interrupted by a loud crash backstage, he "joked" the noise was Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama falling "off a chair" as he dodged a "gun" aimed at him.

"That was Barack Obama," Huckabee said to audience laughter. "He just tripped off a chair. He was getting ready to speak and somebody aimed a gun at him, and he dove for the floor," Huckabee told the NRA convention in Louisville, Kentucky, in comments that aired on CNN."

Watch Huckabee's "joke":

The clip was broadcast in the "Strategy Session" of CNN's "The Situation Room" with Wolf Blitzer.  "I’m sure the Secret Service wouldn’t be happy with those jokes either," Blitzer said. Both of the strategists present—including Republican Leslie Sanchez—agreed Huckabee's comments were offensive. "Not in good taste.  I don't think I would—I'm not going to defend that one," Sanchez remarked. 

Democratic front-runner Obama would be the first black U.S. presidential nominee or president. Many people have been concerned about his safety, and, as Rod 2.0 reported in May 2007, after numerous threats on his life, Obama began receiving Secret Service protection. This was "18 months before the general election and the earliest a presidential candidate has received protection."

Huckabee jokes to NRA of gun aimed at Obama [Reuters]

Did You Read ... ?
Clinton and Obama Targeted by Death Threats 

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Profits Are Up, Scantily Clad Male Models Pays Off for Abercrombie

Marketing scantily-clad male models and quasi porn catalogs are paying off for mall merchandiser Abercrombie & Fitch. While many clothing brands and specialty stores are feeling the pains of the recession, the gay-vague retailer announces a modest profit. The Wall Street Journal:

"Abercrombie & Fitch Co.'s fiscal first-quarter net income increased 3% amid rising margins as the company announced it will ease back on store-opening plans this year. For the period ended May 3, the clothing retailer posted net income of $62.1 million, or 69 cents a share, up from $60.1 million, or 65 cents a share, a year earlier....

Last week, the company said revenue climbed 8% to $800.2 million, while same-store sales—considered a key indicator—dropped 3%."

The normally staid financial pages of The Journal described the retailer as "known for its risque catalogs and promotional photography featuring scantily clothed models." The infamous Aberzombie catalog has now become even more risque and features models wearing absolutely nothing—but you will have to cross the pond to find it.

The new A&F Quarterly "hit shelves exclusively in the company’s London store earlier this month, there is no plan to revive the catalog here in the States. As you might expect, it features loads of pictures of chiseled young folk in various suggestive poses photographed by Bruce Weber. The cover painting depicts young men rowing in the nude. The implication of the Europe-only release is that Americans aren’t quite sophisticated enough to view a nipple or butt crack without creating a dizzying controversy."

Abercrombie Posts Slight Rise in Net [WSJ]
Hop the Pond to Get That New A&F Catalog [TOP]

Did You Read ... ?
T-Shirts in the Spin Cycle [R20]
Abercrombie: The New Black [R20]

Clinton and Obama Issue Bland Statements on CA Marriage Ruling

The Democratic presidential candidates release bland responses to the landmark ruling on same sex marriage by the California Supreme Court.  Neither Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama spoke on the subject at  their press availability or issued direct statements. Both of the statements were released by spokespersons and leave much to be desired.

First, the lukewarm response from the Clinton campaign:

Hillary Clinton believes that gay and lesbian couples in committed relationships should have the same rights and responsibilities as all Americans and believes that civil unions are the best way to achieve this goal.

As President, Hillary Clinton will work to ensure that same sex couples have access to these rights and responsibilities at the federal level. She has said and continues to believe that the issue of marriage should be left to the states.

And the tepid response from the Obama campaign:

Barack Obama has always believed that same-sex couples should enjoy equal rights under the law, and he will continue to fight for civil unions as President. He respects the decision of the California Supreme Court, and continues to believe that states should make their own decisions when it comes to the issue of marriage.

On the issue of constitutional amendments, Senator Obama has been on record for some time: He opposes all divisive and discriminatory constitutional amendments, state or federal. That includes the proposed amendments in California and Florida.

Both of the Democratic candidates have equally strong records on gay and lesbian issues (PDF). It's too bad neither campaign could offer congratulations or issue a preemptive warning to the Republicans against using the marriage ruling as a wedge issue.

Presumptive Republican nominee John McCain is also avoiding the subject and "did not mention it in a speech he gave Thursday outlining what he wanted to do as president," notes The New York Times. McCain "is at a point in his campaign now where he is seeking to appeal to moderates and Democrats uncomfortable with Mr. Obama [and] emphasizing social issues would repel those groups."

"This year, the decision in California could at the very least have resonance with socially conservative voters in places like Ohio and Pennsylvania. Even if Mr. McCain does not wield it as part of his fall campaign—and his political associates said he almost certainly would not—history suggests that independent conservative advocacy groups would seize on the ruling to try to define Mr. Obama and his party as culturally out-of-step."

Ruling May Revive Gay Marriage Issue in Campaign [NYT]
Dems Offer Lackluster Marriage Remarks [Queerty]

More POLITICS
More OBAMA
More HILLARY CLINTON

Did You Read ... ?
CA Supreme Court Overturns Marriage Ban [R20]
Behind the Gay-Friendly Faces [The Advocate + PDF]
A Tale of Two Cities [The Advocate]
I Have a Dream ... Ticket [The Advocate] 
Democratic Debate Addresses Homopohobia, Race [R20]
Obama Snubs Clinton at SOTU [R20]
The Advocate: Clinton vs Obama [R20]
Obama Addresses Homophobia and Anti-Semitism [R20]
HRC/Logo Forum: Obama Conference Call [R20]
HRC/Logo Forum: Morning After [R20]
Obama Meets the Press to Discuss Gays [R20]
Obama on McClurkin to "The Advocate" [R20]
Hillary: The Advocate Interview [R20]
Obama Talks to "The Advocate" [R20]
Obama's "A More Perfect Union" Speech [R20]
Guest Commentary: Rod McCullom [Logo]
The Advocate: Clinton vs Obama [R20]
YearlyKos Day 3: Hillary Clinton [R20] 
Democrats Debate Homopohobia, Racism,HIV [R20]
Democratic Candidates Debate Gay Issues [R20]
Clinton Names Prominent Gay Supporters [R20]
Clinton, Edwards Oppose Surgeon General Nominee [R20]
Clinton Camp Targets Gay and Lesbian Donors [R20]
Obama: Not "Very Christian" to Criticize Gays [R20]
Obama Buys Ads in Gay Newspapers in TX, OH [R20]
Obama: Hospital Visitation for Gay Couples is "Not a Special Privilege" [R20]
Right-Wing Townhall.com: "Obama Would Be First Gay President!" [R20]

California Supreme Court Overturns Same Sex Marriage Ban

A landmark victory for gay rights. The California Supreme Court rules same sex marriage is a basic civil right and cannot be prohibited in the nation's largest state.

The justices' 4-3 decision Thursday says domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage. Chief Justice Ron George wrote the opinion.

The city of San Francisco, two dozen gay and lesbian couples and gay rights groups sued in March 2004 after the court halted San Francisco's monthlong same-sex wedding march.

The case before the court involved a series of lawsuits seeking to overturn a voter-approved law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

California would become the second state after Massachusetts where gay and lesbian residents can legally marry.

The California Legislature "has twice passed bills to authorize gay marriage. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed both." However, the governor issues a statement today that says he will "respect the Court’s decision and as Governor, I will uphold its ruling.  Also, as I have said in the past, I will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this state Supreme Court ruling."

The proposed constitutional amendment referred is being promoted on the November ballot by a coalition of religious and social conservative groups.

The California Supreme Court is considered conservative. Six of the seven justices were appointed by Republican governors and the ruling (PDF) by "the Republican-dominated court affects more than 100,000 same-sex couples in the state, about a quarter of whom have children, according to U.S. census figures."

The full opinion (PDF)

California Supreme Court overturns gay marriage ban [LAT]
California Supreme Court overturns gay marriage ban [AP]

Back on Thursday

Thanks for being patient during our absence. We're trying to get back up to speed and should resume light posting early Thursday afternoon.

Kennedy Dismisses "Dream Ticket"

Democratic icon Ted Kennedy has done some great things in the Senate. On the other hand, he and John Kerry continue to demonstrate why they remain among the most divisive of the Democratic presidential losers.

Barack Obama isn't likely to pick rival Hillary Clinton as a running mate, according to one of his most prominent supporters. "I don't think it's possible," Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy said in an interview on Bloomberg Television's "Political Capital With Al Hunt," airing this weekend.

Kennedy, 76, without naming names, said Obama should pick someone who "is in tune with his appeal for the nobler aspirations of the American people. If we had real leadership—as we do with Barack Obama—in the No. 2 spot as well, it'd be enormously helpful," Kennedy said.

Our last column in The Advocate strongly promoted the idea of the so-called "Dream Ticket", but, by now its clearly obvious this will never happen. If anything, the "dream" would be a nightmare. Obama is the likely nominee and should be free to choose a running mate who fit his style and agenda. Clinton on the ticket will not help the Obama brand. What would be the point? Obama boasted he "could get her voters" and she "couldn't" get his, but, as we said yesterday, his campaign and the media's dismissing of Clinton, her supporters, and, one half of the Democratic Party will only hurt Obama's chances in November—that is, assuming Kennedy, Kerry, Pelosi, Dean etc. actually want a Democrat to win the White House in November.

Oh, and Teddy lecturing on party unity is very amusing.

UPDATE: McCAIN!! and top surrogates now criticizing Obama campaign on "sexist" and "offensive" remarks toward Clinton. McCain surrogates also on CNN defending Clinton.

Obama Unlikely to Pick Clinton as Running Mate, Kennedy Says [Bloomberg]

More POLITICS
More OBAMA
More HILLARY CLINTON

Did You Read ... ?
Hillary Clinton's Next Step? [R20]
PA Primary Live Blog [R20]
PA Debate: Meltdown and the Morning After [R20]
Behind the Gay-Friendly Faces [The Advocate + PDF]
A Tale of Two Cities [The Advocate]
I Have a Dream ... Ticket [The Advocate]
Gallup: Clinton and Obama Now Tied [R20]
Gallup: Clintons Leads Obama 49 to 42 [R20]
Hillary Clinton's Big Night, Wins TX, OH and RI [R20]
Explaining Clinton's New Hampshire Victory [R20]
Super Tuesday Analysis [R20]
Ten Things Obama Can Do to Win Pennsylvania [HuffPo]
Yes, Virginia, There is Such a Thing as Post Racial Politics [Daily Voice]
Clinton and Obama Debate: "Meet Me in Ohio!" [R20]
Clinton Raises $35 Million, Debuts Security Ad [R20]
Explaining Clinton's New Hampshire Victory [R20]
Behind the Gay-Friendly Faces [Advocate + PDF]
Paging John Edwards and Barack Obama [HuffPo]
Barack Obama Should Tell Bob Novak... [HuffPo]
Welcome to the Campaign, Barack [HuffPo]
Rove on Obama: "Lazy" and "Basketball Playing" [R20]
The Advocate: Clinton vs Obama [R20]
Democratic Debate Addresses Homopohobia, Race [R20]
Obama Snubs Clinton at SOTU [R20]
The Advocate: Clinton vs Obama [R20]
Super Tuesday Analysis [R20]

Nothing Like Fresh Squeezed (Orange) Juice From Flo Rida

Blender, the sylish and newish magazine devoted to all things music, publishes an eye-catching full-page photo essay on how to make fresh squeezed orange juice. Flo Rida, the babydaddylicious Sunshine State rapper born Tramar Dillard, demonstrates the proper squeezing technique.

Flo Rida's description of Step 2 is quite interesting. "Soften the oranges by squeezing them a little. Halve them, remove the seeds and—here is where the muscles come in—squeeze all the juice out. If a young lady's around and sees Flo Rida's muscles bulge, she might stick around for a cup."

See a little more of "Flo Rida's muscles bulge" at his MySpace.

Jamaica Gleaner Applauds Red Stripe's Stand on "Murder Music"

More positive updates from Jamaica on the fight against so-called  "murder music" , the subgenre of dancehall and reggae that advocates violence and death for gays and lesbians. A popular op-ed contributor to the Jamaica Gleaner, the island's largest newspaper, applauds the recent decision by the iconic Red Stripe brewing label to withdraw sponsorship from the popular "Reggae Sumfest."

Dennie Quill writes: "I have decided to purchase a few cases of Red Stripe beer.  As of now all visitors to my home will be having beer, like it or not. Why? This is my way of applauding the brewing giant for taking the bold decision to withdraw sponsorship of local concerts which feature filthy, violent lyrics from artistes who spew hatred and slackness from the stage. ...

"Some of the artistes have reacted with outrage and are seemingly taking the fight to Red Stripe. They say Red Stripe's decision is influenced by its European owners who have been stung by the anti-gay lyrics of the dancehall. That might very well be so, and no country in the world will tolerate lyrics that call for obliteration of any group. How is this different from sanctioning lynching?"

The Jamaica Gleaner is slowly making progress. Once known for publishing ridiculously homophobic stories such as "High School Girls Gone Gay", the editorials and op-eds are slowly taking a more progressive tone and in February 2007 an editorial urged the legislature to end restrictions on sodomy and gay rights.

Meanwhile, the fight against "murder music" continues to hit reggae artists in their checkbook. Recently, anti-gay  reggae singer Bounty Killer was banned from Guyana and British authorities canceled two of his concerts.

Hooray for Red Stripe [JA Gleaner]

More JAMAICA
 

Did You Read? ...
Guyana Will Ban Anti-Gay Bounty Killer [R20]
Financial Probs for Anti-Gay Bounty Killer [R20]
iTunes Canada Pulls Anti-Gay "Murder Music" [R20]
Buju Banton Concert Cancelled [Club Rimshot]
Buju Banton Busted By The Bay [Keith Boykin]
Buju Banton Pro/Con [R20]
Beenie Man and Buju Banton Cancelled [R20]
JA Gays Oppose Boycott Over "Murder Music" [R20]
Church: "Ludicrous" to Condemn Anti-Gay Violence [R20]
JA Gay Activist Attacked by Mob Seeks Asylum [R20]
JA Mob Attacks Two Gay Men [R20]
Angry Mob of 2,000 Jamaicans Attack Gays [R20]
Did Jamaican Cops "Rescue" Gays? [R20]
JA Leading Newspaper Demands Equal Rights [R20]
Justice, Jamaican Style [R20]
Bloodlust at UWI [R20]
"One Gay is Dead, What's the Difference?" [R20]
"Jamaica, Island of Hate" [R20]
Justice, Jamaican Style [R20]
Jamaican Newspaper Criticizes Anti-Gay Laws [R20]
"Gay Panic" Defense in Brutal Slaying [R20]
Who Killed Ambassador Peter King? [R20]
"Gay Panic" in Killing of Popular Priest [R20]
"Flaunting Sexual Preference May Incite Violence" [R20]

McCain Remains Silent on Hagee's Outrageous Homophobic Slurs

While much of the recent media attention on the outrageous Rev. John Hagee has focused on his right-wing Christian Zionist views and "militantly anti-Catholic rants", there has been relative silence on his anti-gay sermons and homophobia.  Hagee has endorsed Sen. John McCain and few have pressed McCain on Hagee's anti-gay zealotry.

To his credit, last night on FOX News' The O'Reilly Factor, host Bill O'Reilly asked McCain about the "bad things" Hagee says "about Catholics and gays and other things like that." The Republican presidential candidate "rejected" Hagee's extensive anti-Catholic history and said nothing about "gays and other things like that." Transcript at Think Progress and YouTube below.

O’REILLY: OK. John Hagee is a guy…
MCCAIN: Yes.
O’REILLY: …that you sought his endorsement in San Antonio, Texas. He said bad things about Catholics and gays and other things like that. And your opponents are saying, hey, you know, McCain hangs around with Hagee. Obama hangs around Wright. No difference.
MCCAIN: I do not embrace a view that he stated about the Catholic church. I steadfastly reject it and repudiate it. I’ve never been in Pastor Hagee’s church. I know him, but the fact is that I accept his endorsement.

Only this week, Hagee reiterated his outlandish claims that Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans because it was "planning a sinful" "homosexual rally." Newsweek reports McCain sought Hagee’s endorsement "for more than a year." Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor and social conservative Republican presidential candidate, campaigned at Hagee's Texas mega-church and reportedly raised money by passing the collection plate.

Some Background ...
Huckabee Will Speak at Anti-Gay, "Anti-Catholic" Texas Mega-Church [R20]

Black University Administrator Suspended for Anti-Gay Column

A University of Toledo administrator is on paid leave following the publication of a column she wrote opposing gay rights and same sex marriage in the local Toledo Free Press. The column raised more than a few eyebrows because the writer is the university's top human resources officer and is charged with promoting equality and diversity in the university community.

Associate Vice President of Human Resources Crystal Dixon wrote: "As a Black woman who happens to be an alumnus of the University of Toledo’s Graduate School, an employee and business owner, I take great umbrage at the notion that those choosing the homosexual lifestyle are ‘civil rights victims.’ Here’s why. I cannot wake up tomorrow and not be a Black woman. I am genetically and biologically a Black woman and very pleased to be so as my Creator intended. Daily, thousands of homosexuals make a life decision to leave the gay lifestyle...."

As "evidence", the university administrator cited "irrefutable economic data", biblical passages, ex-gay groups and praised Charlene E. Cothran, the former black lesbian publisher of Venus Magazine, as "an aggressive, strategic supporter of gay rights and a practicing lesbian for 29 years, before she renounced her sexuality and gave Jesus Christ stewardship of her life."

Just as an fyi, the right-wing Family Research Council is now taking up Dixon's cause, those right-wing Christians are always pleased to use the "ex-gay" myth as a wedge issue for blacks. This should be good for their fundraising.

Robert Salem, a board member of Equality Toldeo and a clinical professor of law at the university, says he and other gay professors were "disappointed and stunned" that a senior university official could espouse "such ignorant views."

When Equity Official Takes Anti-Gay Stance [IHE]
Gay Rights and Wrongs: Another Perspective [TFP]
Univ. Employee Suspended Over 'Anti-Gay' Column [CP]
Interview: Black Ex-Lesbian Charlene Cothran [Jas Cannick]

Hillary Clinton's Next Step?

Hillary should do whatever she wants. She has earned it.

After Tuesday's night's resounding and racially polarized win in North Carolina, the Democratic presidential nomination is within the grasp of Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton was hoping for a "game changer" on Tuesday, a strong win in Indiana and a tighter result in North Carolina, and, just the opposite happened. The huge popular vote margin Clinton earned in Pennsylvania was wiped out by Obama's win in North Carolina. Clinton is behind in almost metric and her path to the nomination, which once seemed a foregone conclusion, has become a cliffwalk that almost defies gravity.

"The math" is not in Clinton's favor. So be it. There are only three remaining weeks in the primary roster and Clinton will continue to compete. Good for her. That tenacity is probably one of her Bill and Hillary Clinton's best qualities and this explains why so many Democratic presidential losers—Hart, Kerry, Kennedy, Dukakis, Richardson, Dodd, Dukakis!—have come out against them. Particularly amusing is George McGovern's "advice" for Clinton to drop out. Thankfully, this is not the tone adopted by Obama, who recognizes Clinton is favored to win West Virginia, Kentucky and Puerto Rico by sizable margins, and, apparently does not want to marginalize Clinton or the 16 million plus voters who supported her. Bravo. Obama is willing to wait three or four weeks and let the process play out. So should everyone else.

 

Most of the shrill and faux calls for "unity" and for Clinton to "drop out" are coming from the same repeat offenders who have threatened a race riot and engaged in a relentless smear campaign. Special mention goes to "progressive" bloggers, fellow "Democrats", cable "news" network MSNBC and black talk radio. They have perpetuated a breathtaking and fantastic virtual gangbang, a daily exercise in ridiculous racebaiting, lies, doctored videos, edited audio tapes, name-calling, offensive sexist jokes and double standards. Many of these "progressives" have  used discredited right-wing sources such as Bob Novak, headline writer Matt Drudge and anti-gay racist Rush Limbaugh as their assignment editors. Trash is trash, no matter who sweeps it up. If "bloggers" or "news" sources "report" doctored videos, blatant lies, inaccurate information, then everything they "report" is likely to be doctored, lies or inaccurate. It's called credibility, and, sadly, many self-described "progressives" and "Democrats" no longer have any.

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama waged historic candidacies for the Democratic nomination. Only one of them could emerge as the winner. In the final weeks of the Democratic presidential primary, Clinton and her historic campaign should be allowed to continue its run, and, if needed, develop a graceful exit strategy. The same consideration would be given if she were ahead and Obama were behind. It's about fairness, its about decency, and, most of all, it's about respect.

More POLITICS
More HILLARY CLINTON

Did You Read ... ?
PA Primary Live Blog [R20]
PA Debate: Meltdown and the Morning After [R20]
Behind the Gay-Friendly Faces [The Advocate + PDF]
A Tale of Two Cities [The Advocate]
I Have a Dream ... Ticket [The Advocate]
Gallup: Clinton and Obama Now Tied [R20]
Gallup: Clintons Leads Obama 49 to 42 [R20]
Hillary Clinton's Big Night, Wins TX, OH and RI [R20]
Explaining Clinton's New Hampshire Victory [R20]
Super Tuesday Analysis [R20]
Ten Things Obama Can Do to Win Pennsylvania [HuffPo]
Yes, Virginia, There is Such a Thing as Post Racial Politics [Daily Voice]
Clinton and Obama Debate: "Meet Me in Ohio!" [R20]
Clinton Raises $35 Million, Debuts Security Ad [R20]
Explaining Clinton's New Hampshire Victory [R20]
Behind the Gay-Friendly Faces [Advocate + PDF]
Paging John Edwards and Barack Obama [HuffPo]
Barack Obama Should Tell Bob Novak... [HuffPo]
Welcome to the Campaign, Barack [HuffPo]
Rove on Obama: "Lazy" and "Basketball Playing" [R20]
The Advocate: Clinton vs Obama [R20]
Democratic Debate Addresses Homopohobia, Race [R20]
Obama Snubs Clinton at SOTU [R20]
The Advocate: Clinton vs Obama [R20]
Super Tuesday Analysis [R20]

 

John Amaechi: Black Gay Athletes Face a "Double Prejudice"

John Amaechi is back in the news. The handsome and articulate former NBA player came out of the closet in February 2007 and became a media sensation—as well as the target for ugly homophobic rants and jokes. Amaechi talks to The Voice, Britain's largest black newspaper, about his own coming out process and reflects on the life and death of another black gay athlete—Justin Fashanu, the football star who came out in 1990, suffered vile homophobic abuse from football fans and players, and, tragically took his own life ten years ago this week, on May 2, 1998.

Amaechi "paid tribute to the bravery of Fashanu and admitted he took note of the former footballer’s negative experiences before making his own decision to come out.

" 'I don’t think you can take anything away from the abject bravery of what he did. I just think that he entered the storm completely alone. I looked at his experience as a bench mark for how bad it could get, because it wasn’t just the fans - a lot of what went on was the absolutely abominable news coverage.' "

Last year, Amaechi said the response he has received from the community has been "overwhelmingly supportive and positive." The former professional basketball player also talks about the hyper-masculinity template applied to black men and black athletes, and, says black gay athletes face a "double prejudice."

"The juxtaposition of being gay and black in sports is especially powerful. Because if people were to guess who the gay people in sport were, they’d pick the white folk.

The bad part about that is it leads to a double prejudice. So you’ve got the black people stereotype - that black people are strong, can jump high, are really quick and very masculine.

"Then because you’ve got this one stereotype of black people, that automatically means they can’t be gay, because you’ve got a stereotype about what gay people are, which is absurd."

One of the most publicized, visceral reactions to Amaechi's coming out process was from former NBA player Tim Hardaway, whose on-air, anti-gay and homophobic rants cost him endorsement deals and a commentary slot with the NBVA All-Star Game.

Amaechi comes out again [Voice]

You May Want to Read ...
Amaechi on Coming Out [R20]
Amaechi Shines, Tim Learns the Hardaway [R20]
Inside the Locker Room [R20]
NBA Reprimands Hardaway [R20]
Nelson George on Evan Ross [R20]
Shaq and Wade Defend Gays [R20]
No Coming Out Party for Amaechi [R20]
"Tired of Having to Pretend" [R20]
Black Gay British Leaders [R20]

New Record for Oil: $124/Barrel

Another day and another world record for the price of crude oil. Today's record high nears $124 a barrel "as traders weighed a rise in the dollar to a two-month high against news of a fall in U.S. diesel stockpiles." The price has "climbed by about $13 over the last week in a rally" blamed upon the declining dollar.

Meanwhile, the Iranian oil minister says crude prices can conceivably hit $200/bbl within six months, which would translate into about $7 a gallon at the pump. Ouch.

The escalating fuel prices are triggering higher costs in the transportation, food and energy sectors. Delta Airlines has announced a series of fuel "surcharges" including adding "$110 on its Los Angeles-Honolulu roundtrip flights."

Oil hovers at $123 [Reuters]
Delta Adds $110 Fuel Surcharge on LAX-HON [RO]

Lawrence Webb Becomes Virginia's First Black Gay Elected Official

While much of the nation's attention was focused on the historic race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in Indiana and North Carolina, another black man was quietly making history in Virginia. According to The Victory Fund: "In his first bid for elected office, Lawrence Webb won a seat on the Falls Church City Council by a margin of 39 votes. He joins two other candidates on the City Council: Nader Baroukh and Robin S. Gardner."

“I am grateful that the citizens of Falls Church have entrusted me with the responsibility to help guide the direction of our city’s future, and I thank them. I look forward to working with Council to make Falls Church an even better city than it is now,” Webb said.

Lawrence Webb, who is a Democrat, is currently the assistant dean of admissions at the University of Mary Washington. He was appointed by former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner to the board of the Department of Correctional Education.

Earlier this year, Connecticut State Rep. Jason Bartlett became the first openly gay black state legislator in the nation.

Webb becomes Virginia’s first openly gay African-American elected official [Gay Politics]

You May Want to Read ...
CT Lawmaker First Out Black LGBT Legislator [R20]

The Hottest Models Come "Out"

Make sure you run and don't walk to the bookstore for the special June/July double issue of Out. The magazine's annual "Hot List" features "Sex and the City" creator Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, iconic designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, and, black lesbian hip-hop duo KIN.

That is only the appetizer. The main course is heavy on the beefcake and is found on the cover and in the 12-page editorial by noted fashion photographer Richard Phibbs. This is the same photographer who lensed those delicious images of Nigerian model Kwame, and, in the new Out, Phibbs creates a vintage sports gear-themed fantasy. The editorial includes the top male models from six of the world's leading agencies, including cover boys Oraine Barrett, who is a native of Jamaica, and Kerry Degman. 

Oraine and Kerry are represented by Major Models, who also reps Rod 2.0 fave Chad White.

Another hot new face (and body) from Major is also seen here, biracial hotness Joshua Sarrazola, recently seen in the commercial for Disaronno.

There are also some online goodies. Out.com's Popnography has some background and outtakes with new model Terrence with Ford, and, Out.com offers a a gallery slideshow, which includes fashion from Prada, and Diesel, and, Polaroids and Q&A with some of themodels. What better way to start off the spring than obsessing over fashion and a new model crush?

Vs. [Out]
Behind the Scenes with Vs Model Terrence [Popnography]

You May Want to Read ...
Joshua Sarrazola in Disaronno Commercial [R20]

Indiana and North Carolina Primary Live Blog

UPDATE: Having problems with connection

The first polls are closing in Indiana. Live blog begins.

The AP publishes the first exit polls.

CNN's Bill Schneider with exit polls on voters who say economy is important. In Indiana, Clinton leads with those voters 54% to 45%. In North Carolina, Obama leads with those voters, 52% to 44%.

18:15 CNN has first raw vote totals. Only 1% of the vote, Clinton leading by a hair, 64% to 36%, or 4048 to 2073, but no idea where these votes are from.

18:30 Live results from the Indiana Secretary of State.

Wolf Blitzer introduces "the best political team on TV," Jack Cafferty, Gloria Borger and Jeff Toobin. On the back bench, Republican strategist and gambling junkie Bill Bennett and "neutral" political analysts Donna Brazile and Roland Martin. This should be a fun night.

18:57 38,076 to 25,447 for Clinton. The polls are closing in Indiana Central Time counties. This includes NW Indiana, which is where Obama will have strong support.

Lou Dobbs now talking to "the best political team on tv." Roland Martin and Gloria Borger are discussing "the math" and "the rules."

19:15 Brazile: "If Obama survives tonight, he has weathered the storm," Brazille suggests. "If he can survive at least one state, he still wins." Martin also says that although Indiana is adjacent to Illinos, it is "overwhelmingly" and "white and blue collar" so an Obama loss is expected. Interesting,

19:32 No surprise. CNN PROJECTS OBAMA WINS NORTH CAROLINA

20:40 UPDATE NC Obama leads 63%, 330,000 to 194,000

20:45 63% of Indiana pcts. Clinton leads 419,000 to 360,000.

21:00 CBS NEWS PROJECTS CLINTON WINS INDIANA

21:08 Lake County (Gary, Hammond, etc) and Porter (Valpo) are not in yet. CBS has called IN for Clinton, and the returns are tightening (53-47), but these counties will probably have big totals for Obama. That might be a problem.

21:10 Barack and Michelle Obama walking into rally in Raleigh.

McCain Blasts "Activist Judges", Praises Roberts, Alito, Rehnquist

Republican presidential heir apparent Sen. John McCain offers an olive branch to the Christian right. Speaking at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, the Arizona Republican blasted Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama for not voting for the confirmation of John Roberts to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

"Obama likes to talk up his background...as someone who can work across the aisle to get things done. But when Judge Roberts was nominated, it seemed to bring out more the lecturer in Senator Obama than it did the guy who can get things done. He went right along with the partisan crowd, and was among the 22 senators to vote against this highly qualified nominee," McCain said.

"Apparently, nobody quite fits the bill for an elite group of activist judges, lawyers, and law professors who think they know wisdom when they see it—and they see it only in each other," McCain.

The Arizona Republican indicted the entire federal court system for he sees as its embrace of judicial activism ..  citing a Missouri death penalty case, an eminent domain case in Connecticut, and a case which challenged the words "Under God" in the pledge of allegiance", and, to remedy this, he said he would appoint jurists such as Roberts, Alito, and "my friend, the late [former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court] William Rehnquist."

McCain contrasted Obama's vote with his own history, noting that when President Bill Clinton nominated  Justices Stephen Breyer and Ruth Bader Ginsberg he "voted for their confirmation" because "it would have been petty, and partisan, and disingenuous to insist otherwise." McCain's revisionist history neglected to mention the Republican Senate's history of holding Clinton's judicial nominees hostage, but, oh well.

Sen. Hillary Clinton also voted against Roberts, although McCain focused his criticism on Obama.

Criticizing "activist judges" is red meat for the right wing base. The Arizona Republican has always had problems with the Christian right and needs to energize them for his nomination. These talking points will probably score him a few points from the evangelicals. There are three SCOTUS justices who are more than 80-years-old, all were appointed by Democrats, and, all will probably step down soon. However, if McCain were to get elected, he'd have to contend with a likely Democratic majority in the Senate.

McCain Criticizes 'Activist Judges'  [ABC News]

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Preview: NC and IN Primaries

The polls are open in Indiana and North Carolina on this mini Super Tuesday. At stake are a total of 187 pledged delegates—115 in North Carolina and 72 in Indiana. CNN and cable "news" network MSNBC have been hyping these contests as "close", but, according to the trends we reported for two weeks, tonights likely outcome should come as no surprise, ie Hillary Clinton holds her Election Night rally in Indianapolis, while Barack Obama holds his in Raleigh. Clinton says tonight could be a "game changer" and she could be right if one candidate significantly exceeds expectations.

Given the demographics of the North Carolina Democratic electorate—one third black, disproportionately younger, many students, well educated liberal voters in the Research Triangle—the state is tailor made for an Obama victory. If Obama can hold his onto his coalition with a strong win, he will breath a sigh of relief. On the other hand, Clinton has made a strong push in small towns and for the NASCAR dads and, it will should be  interesting to see tonight's electoral maps. Previous polls showed Obama with a 20 to 25 point lead. Obama will probably finish with ten or more. Less than that will cause some handwringing.

There are also a gubernatorial contest in North Carlina. The state's Republican party has run an ugly ad linking both Democratic candidates, who support Obama, to Rev. Jeremiah Wright and and his incendiary sermons. Jim Neal, an openly gay candidate, is also running in the Democratic primary for the US Senate. 

The real contest will be in Indiana, which Obama recently called the "tie breaker.". Earlier this year, the Obama campaign forecast a 7 percent victory in Indiana. That will not happen and should cause some concern. Northwestern Indiana is adjacent to Chicago and is practically a suburb, and, a quarter of the state's Democratic electorate is in the Chicago media market. These people know Obama very well (plus) but they have been over-saturated with nonstop Rev. Jeremiah Wright coverage (negative) from local television. Obama should do quite well in counties with high numbers of black voters (Indianapolis, Lake, etc) and university towns (Bloomington) but will have to show strength with white voters and across the state. Since Wisconsin and Virginia in February, the Illinois senator has not won significant numbers of white voters, and, as we have mentioned many times, remains the key test of his candidacy. Clinton will probably finish in the high single digits.

Ibrahim Baaith Flaunts It

Last week, we previewed American Idol 6's Jenry Bejarano in the latest issue of Flaunt, the edgy Los Angeles-based fashion bible whose almost-monthly editorials featuring black and Latino models and actors have become required reading. Here is one more preview of the new issue: New York City-based model Ibrahim Baaith in a luxe editorial for the iconic haute couture designer Valentino.

The actual star of the five-page editorial is actress Anita Brem, seen in The Tudors as Jane Seymour. It's a stunning layout, juxtaposing bright colors against an pitch-black background.

Fashion photographer and Flaunt veteran Nicolas Wagner lenses the editorial. Wagner also captured Shemar Moore, Nick Cannon and that fierce editorial with January Jones flanked by "it boys" Zack Clark and Manuel Ramos. Long Nguyen who styled the Jenry Bejarano, Haaz Sleiman and the go-go god editorials, is the writer and returns as style director.

Ibrahim Baaith is represented by RedNYC. The model was recently seen in Paper in the Barack Obama-inspired fashion editorial and in Sean John's historic all-black fashion show that ended Fashion Week.  More photos on the newsstand.

Thanks to Flaunt's NYC office.

Photographer: Nicolas Wagner.
Style Director: Long Nguyen.

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