Barack Obama Embraces IN-Tolerants

This past weekend, Senator and Democratic Presidential candidate, Barack Obama, campaigned in South Carolina -- on what was billed as his "Embrace the Change" gospel tour that included gospel singer and renowned homophobe, Donnie McClurkin.

Despite being informed about McClurkin's anti-gay rhetoric prior to his tour, Obama apparently weighed the pros and cons and determined that he needs the support of the bigots to offset Clinton's ever rising poll numbers.

In a recent Advocate article, Obama tried to justify his decision to campaign with McClurkin by first stating that he was only recently made aware of the singers homophobic sentiments and second, by claiming that he is not responsible for the comments and expressions of every celebrity who endorses him.

True 'nuff.

However, there are ways to get support for your cause without depending on those whose personal demons keep their minds and closets shut tight.

Many Christian groups and other organizations that promote Civil Rights for Black Americans and other People of Color also support rights for LGBTQ people.

But one poll shows that Obama's cowardly choice to stand on a stage with McClurkin may be strategically wise:

"...new data show that in the key Electoral College states the endorsement of gay rights groups hurts a candidate much more than it helps.

Quinnipiac University polls of voters in Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania -- the big three Electoral College swing states -- found voters by large margins more likely to see the endorsement of a gay rights group as a reason to vote against, rather than for, a candidate."

Still, it would be nice to see a candidate risk it all to stand up for what he or she believes is right. Maybe -- just maybe -- that person would be rewarded for their honesty.

Or NOT.