Obama at Texas Rally: Not "Very Christian" to Criticize Gays

Sorry to be late on this one—don't forget we're tied up with a family situation out west—but here is another example of Barack Obama preaching LGBT tolerance to predominately black audiences. Ben Smith at The Politico is on the trail with the Democratic presidential front runner and relates an anecdote from a rally Thursday in Beuamont, Texas.

An interesting moment came when he was asked a question about LGBT rights and delivered an answer that seemed to suit the questioner, listing the various attributes—race, gender, etc.—that shouldn't trigger discrimination, to successive cheers. When he came to saying that gays and lesbians deserve equality, though, the crowd fell silent.

So he took a different tack:

"Now I’m a Christian, and I praise Jesus every Sunday," he said, to a sudden wave of noisy applause and cheers.

"I hear people saying things that I don’t think are very Christian with respect to people who are gay and lesbian," he said, and the crowd seemed to come along with him this time.

There are strong arguments to make for both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama since they are so close on  LGBT issues—that was the focus of our cover article last year  for The Advocate. (PDF) Clinton has a longer history of working with our groups and speaking with the gay press—for instance, she is interviewed today in two three of the same Ohio LGBT newspapers where Obama bought advertising.

On the other hand, Obama excels at "framing" LGBT issues for mainstream audiences, such as this example in Beaumont, or, telling Pat Roberston's "700 Club" that hospital visitation for gay couples is not a "special privilege". Since homophobia is a problem in the black community and church, it's wonderful that he can do this, because he has a background in the black church.

Progressive blogger Cliff Schecter gets it:  "Such a simple call, such an uphill battle. Sigh. Baby steps."

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Comments

[Andy in Seattle]

Yes, there are strong arguments for Obama and Hillary, but answer me this:

1) Why is Hillary only for PARTIAL repeal of DOMA, while Obama is for having it gone, completely? Has she said why? Has she said why in front of a gay group?

2) Has Hillary Clinton ever given a speech about homophobia or LGBT issues in front of a predominately non-gay crowd or an expectedly hostile group?

Preaching to the Human Rights Campaign Fund choir is one thing, going into the lion's den is another.

I'll vote for either of them, I'd love to vote for both, but there are interesting differences here.

[ATL Kid]

Andy, as far as I know, Obama has never "given a speech about homophobia" to a hostile group. On several occasions, he has mentioned gays and homophobia in front of church audiences and predominately black audiences. And Rod has always been among the first to report this and applaud. But, these were always asides and not the main focus of the speech.

A mention is far different from enacting policy. But if the gays want to get their panties wet every time Barack mentions "gay" ...

[ATL Kid]

One more thing. Go to the link of the Clinton interview. The reporters says the Obama campaign refused an interview.

This was a conference call with reporters at the same newspapers where Obama placed ads. Advertising is only a one-way message. Unless you'd rather a candidate with $50 million in the bank throw $1000 at the gay press, as opposed to taking an half an hour of their time to ask questions? Clinton is talking about DOMA to our reporters and journalists. I don't think Obama has.

[ca]

Can someone explain "DOMA".
TIA!

[brandon]

That's a good question. Can you explain the difference, Rod?

[anon]

I like them both, but, I will admit that Barack Obama "mentions" gay more often in his stump speeches.

[Andy in Seattle]

Honestly, I like them both, too, Anon, and I'll vote for whomever is the Democratic nominee in the fall.

[Andrew C]

"Preaching to the Human Rights Campaign Fund choir is one thing, going into the lion's den is another."

Amen to that.

[Brad]

So Christians are supposed to disregard the Bible in favor of an act that the Word of God says is a sin? Not me. You people are saying that it is wrong to follow the Bible and that it is right to follow you? That's the same as calling wrong right, and right wrong. Sin is sin. If you people are comfortable in your sin, then fine. But why the campaign against those who have faith enough in God to believe that His Word is true, correct, and infalliable? Why would I ever choose your side over God's side?

Additionally, Obama is just using you people for votes. He will not overturn DOMA. The House would go for it. But the political capital he would have to expend to get such a thing out of the Senate is too much. There would need to be some intervening event to change an established law; and I see none. And forgot that "gays serve openly in the military" non-sense. IF pulling troops out of Iraq ends up being his main priority, it's not feasible to also push a military policy change down the throats of career military generals. That would be a second term agenda item--if that. Because when it comes down to it, the perception of a Marine Corps with pink ribbons tied around their uniforms is too radical.

[Cadence]

ATL Kid, Obama has talked to the gay press. He did an interview with the advocate, and during one rally in NH he held a private meeting with a group of LGBT activist, where he had some interest things to say about Donnie McClurkin and the ex gay movement.