For me, that's the end of this rather dumb political episode. But a quick memo to the junior Senator from Illinois: This is presidential politics dude. Learn how to play the game! Thinking on it, I believe your campaign should never have asked McClurkin to appear. A debate? Sure. A townhall meeting to discuss gay issues and homophobia? You bet. But not a campaign appearance.
Update: It seems Andy Towle still has his panties in a bunch:
So, I guess the question is, does adding a voice of tolerance negate the hater on the other end of the scale, which is what Obama's intention seems to be with this move? If a candidate's tour included Fred Phelps but he or she decided to suddenly "balance it out" at the last minute by adding Judy Shepard, what kind of message does that send?Correct me if I'm wrong, but McClurkin hasn't picketed the funerals of gay Americans, nor has he picketed the funerals of Iraq War casualties under the guise of America's moral decline. Fred Phelps is bat-shit looney and not even the christian right take him seriously. Obviously, McClurkin needs a swift kick in the ass - and a lot of what he has said is indefensible - but he's not Phelps.
