Is Obama moving too far to the right?

yes he has!!! this is akin to bo inviting david duke to speak! rick warren is a rabid vulgar gaybasher!!!!!!! why not joel olsteen, a much better pastor, speaker, and human who also WRONGLY does not condone gay marriage????? this is obama's second pimp slap in the faces of gay voters whom he no longer needs shame!!!!!!! in my book, this is obama's second strike. defending the demented gay donnie mcclurkin was his first. one more and i am done! he was my second choice for prez anyway and i am prouder of that fact daily alicia banks see more on this horridly indefensible wound to us gays: OUTLOOK http://aliciabanks.blogspot.com

Loves It! All you Obamaton robots who give Obama a pass at every turn....whaddaya think now? How many of you would have donated ONE DOLLAR to Obama if you knew this was coming? Change MY ASS! Suckers, all of you, SUCKERS

As I now see it as a Medical Proivder, If by chance Rev. Waren were to fall off the stage, broke his arm and then brought him in for me to provide medical attention, I can now say that out of my Conscious I can not proivde medical assitance to him. (Things that make you go HUMMM) The Bush administration yesterday granted sweeping new protections to health workers who refuse to provide care that violates their personal beliefs

This is no suprise. The fact is that he is like any person in politics. Politics first, country later. This decision will divide not unite the country. This is not about gays it is about division. Based on the logic employed by the Obama transition team, they should invite The Grand Wizard of the K.K.K. to speak so long as they invite Jesse Jackson on the same platform. Let's not be fooled, Obama is not the anti-politican, he is the ultimate politican with one eye on the swearing in and another on re-election.

I have to be the one to set the record stright because the first two hasen't. He is a president for the American people not blacks, hispanics, gays, lesbians, whites, etc. I have to admit, he could have chosen TD Jakes or someone like that but Warren Im not so sure of. However, Obama is trying to appeal to the ones that didn't vote for him. Majority of the Evangelical group didn't vote for him so I can see why he is doing that. Also, I think he is trying to create and start something the replublicans wouldn't know andy theing about.....Unity.

trj: i am absolutely certain that you would never sing such "we are the world" claims had bo chosen david duke to speak. this is why white gays CORRECTLY refer to gay as the new black. it is still ok to BOLDLY disrespect and abuse all gays. spare me the rainbow hypocrises! shame!!! ab

Why is there even a prayer at a governmental event?

PLEASE stop saying that, because Obama has invited Warren, he should invite members of the KKK and other racists, etc. The issue over the legal rights of people based on race and ethnicity IS a settled issue. Although there continue to be racists, it is settled law that people cannot be discriminated against based on race. So, Obama doesn't have to invite a racist, etc. to show that he's reaching out to all people if he's going to invite Warren. The issue of the status of people based on sexuality is NOT a settled issue. There are a myriad of views on same-sex marriage, discrimination based on declared sexuality, etc. Don't get me wrong, I believe in the equality of all people, but the issue over the rights afforded to people based on sexuality is relatively new and people in this country are beginning to fully grapple with this. I wouldn't have Warren 1,000 feet from me, but, hey, I understand what Obama is doing. Warren is praying at an event asking God to bless Obama and the country. That's striking: here we have a homophobe, right-wing preacher asking God to bless Obama, who is a leftist, agnostic (yes he is), gay-supporting politician (except for gay marriage). Hmmmmm.... Obama is going to continue to mix things up because he means what he says: it's time to move past partisanship and act like adults. It's time for dialogue on issues where we fundamentally disagree so we can figure out how to move forward. I don't know if it can work, but, heck, after the last 8 years of "we're the only ones that are right", I kinda find this refreshing.

Ron, you miss the point. I agree with you totally. Again, it is twisted logic for the Obama camp to say, as they have, that they have invited Lowery to give the benediction. Follow me now, this is as logical as saying that it would be o.k. to invite a racists so long as I invite one who is not.The REal Jay, you too miss the point. No one is suggesting that he not reach out. The question is why would one select a figure who is so controversial in teh name of trying to be inclusive. Nothing more, nothing less.

"It's time for dialogue on issues where we fundamentally disagree so we can figure out how to move forward. I don't know if it can work, but, heck, after the last 8 years of "we're the only ones that are right", I kinda find this refreshing." Lets hope you're right.

I did not vote for Obama for him to make conservative decisions. It's great that he wants to unite the Left and Right. He's currently getting more of the Right and fractioning off the Left--the people who gave him money and put his ass in office. If he wants to make good, he should have gay spiritual leaders and entertainers readily available at his inauguration activities.

I'm beginning to regret voting for Barack Obama. Atleast, I knew what to expect from John McCain. I guess I should have voted for the devil I knew rather than the latter. We'll all have to take a wait and see attitude. Obama has four years to do his thing. If not, he'll be voted out for sure.

Oh, now we have the crying that Obama is not who he said he was. SPARE ME!!!! He is doing EXACTLY what he ALWAYS said he would do. He ALWAYS said he was going to reach out to those with whom he disagreed and would even appoint many of these people in his cabinet, especially if he believed they can get the job done. And to poor ole Anonymous at the top, please explain where people feel in the least bit remorseful about voting for Obama? Currently his approval rating is 70-80% (that's a whole lotta kool-aid drinkers)! Please, the vast majority of people in this country are mighty happy with the way he has conducted himself since the election. While it's ok to criticize Obama, including his current decision to invite Warren, most folks haven't lost sight of what's most important. Obama has two missions his first term: get the economy going and install a competent government. He does that, he wins re-election in a landslide. I guess some of you forgot that we are marching to an economic precipice.

Yes. Way too far to the right. I think Obama might be a little pollyannish if he thinks that by giving these right wing kooks the opportunity to share the stage with him that they will suddenly fall in love and become liberal democrats. Since he has so many Clintonistas in his cabinet, he might want to ask them how that kissing up to the right crap worked out for Ole Bill--impeachment.

Too far to the right? Give me a break, this is and always has been a center right country, it has never been liberal nor progressive. The problem is that too many have him as some sort of saviour to all people, not going to happen. weait for 4 years and vote, work for and send in cash to Sarah Palin or Bobby Jindal to fill all the needs you are not getting from the one term Obama who so far has done a great job. And, odd hwo there is this huge uproar from the gay communtiy when less than 60% of them even bothered to vote for him.

While I'm disappointed in the selection of Rick Warren you are not going to see me go after Obama with a pitch fork anytime soon. Obama has always said from the beginning that he intends to reach out across the aisle. America is a center-right nation, there are a lot more conservatives than progressive liberals and yes say what you want but Obama is going to need everyone's support over the next 4 years. Obama is a "hands down" liberal and he will remain that way, but he needs people of different ideologies to carry about a progessive agenda i.e. end DADT,end the war in Iraqi, universal healthcare, energy independence, global warming and restoring America's image abroad. Obama has'nt even been sworn in yet some on the left are already squealing cry babies. Obama is presently the most popular prez-elect in over a generation so I guess he is doing something right? Apparently Obama is trying to pander to America's vast right of center population but personally I don't think they will ever support him. Despite his panderings which can be very annoying at times he is still a lot better than McCain/Palin.

Give President Elect Barack Hussein Obama a break. He hasn't even been sworn in yet and some of you are salivating at the mouth looking for failure. Throw some positive vibes out to the Universe for a change. Better yet, try another web site.

this is an outrage. Yes, it is the same as inviting the Grand Wizard of the KKK. why not invite Al Queda. This ia retorhic terroism. Warren equates being gay as the same as child molestation, pologemy and incest. This guy will have a platfrom to the world. I mean, come one, he is not my President anymore. I will not watch his inguration. I will be the first in line for his impeachment. I think he is a liar. I'm so deeply hurt by this, it makes me feel cold. I mean, why? i believed in him. As a black gay man I believed in him. I don't care what Warren's views are, because I read "The purpose Drive Life" and I think it's a good book. But the more i know abotu this guy, i know he is pure evil. He wants gay genocide. Warren is Anita Bryant revisted. As gay ppl of this site, go see the movie "Milk" and you will begin to understand. This is so dangerous. This is so dangerous. this isn't about politics. this is about soemthign so wrong, i will have to find another word for wrong. He has lost his base, Mr. Obama. I will never call you my president. I'm counting the days until he is out of office.

I am new to this post, but what I do know, is that the PRESIDENT ELECT is a very smart man, what kind of PRESIDENT would he be, if he would not attempt to bring a sense of unity in this country, remember MCCAIN PALIN? they exposed a side of AMERICA that was scary!! but in spite of what was revealed, BARACK won the election. and he received vote's from REPUBLICAN'S so what would it look like to have an all DEMOCRATIC ADMINISTRATION, would that be fair? well the answer is no. and beside's, why should GATE'S leave at this point, he has information that is needed for now, why should he put a DEMOCRAT in that position at a time like this, they would be walking into a mess, remember BUSH and his buddy's have caused this mess, so BARACK is going to make sure that GATE'S stay put, so he can help clean this mess up that was caused by his BOSS.

To The People, Barack Obama is too busy. First, he appears every other day at expensive and high profile press conferences to "announce" his administration appointments. Second, he provides way too much commentary on "this and that" and does so with the calm of a casanova. And have you noticed the daily and consistent stream of Obama coins, plates, and info-mercial-like kudos that parade him as an almost saint? Tell me, what is going on? While I have been around the block a couple of times, I have never seen this kind of hoopla around an incoming president. Grant it, Obama supposedly is to be the first Black president of the United States (although that designation can be disputed - do your homework 'cause I don't want to enable the lazy masses). But something else is being said; something that is quiet and dangerous. But I cannot quite put my hand on it. However, one thing is clear: Obama has asked the Rev. Rick Warren to pray for "us" at his inaugural bash come January 20, 2009. Rev. Warren, by the way, hates on people who are homosexual and rejects their admission to his California church if they do not reject and repent their sexual orientation. Yea, the messiah-like Obama, despite his stated compassion for homosexuals, selected the homophobic Rev. Warren to pray for America. This is the same Obama who lashed out and distanced himself from the Rev. Jeremiah Wright of Chicago. Mind you now, Rev. Wright's only "sin" (according to a lot of white people and a small group of passive Black people) was screaming and hollering about America's racist past and present. Rev. Wright's rants did not demonize or hate on individuals who enjoy love and sex with a consenting adult of their choice. You do the math: Rev. Wright was dissed by Obama for complaining about the deadly and murderous system of racism and white supremacy. And Rev. Warren is embraced by Obama, this despite Warren's concept that equates homosexuals with pedophiles and bestiality. The result of Obama's association with reverends, thus far, show that he ran away from a reverend who challenged the system of white supremacy, and he ran to a reverend who makes villains of those who cherishes the person of their choice. And Obama's response to Rev. Warren selection? Obama says we have to work with people of contrary views. O'k. And Obama's response to Rev. Wright? Obama ran away from him. Grant you, Obama did write and give an impressive speak on race in America. So, does not mean that Obama will give a comparable speak on sexual orientation in America? This is what we suggest: We strongly urge Obama to replace immediately Rev. Warren from his inaugural ceremonies. In addition, we strongly urge Obama to write and give a roaring and compassionate speak on sexuality including sexual orientation in America because if you have not noticed, America is as equally afraid of sex as they are of Black people. Fige Bornu Chairman Positive African Image Institute (Fige Bornu is an advocate for youth and elder justice and can be reached at figebonru@yahoo.com)

Wow, the pundits here really don't know a thing about how government works, they really need to start teaching civics in school again. While I don't care for Rick Warren and is dumb stand on gays, its not as if his being there is the end of the world as we know it. This country is facing major problems after 8 years of Bush, and, this is what has people outraged? Jobs, health care and homes being lost are far more important to the average voter. And, the bigger issue is that there should be no one preaching and praying at this event, it should not have any of the so called "faith" folks at any public swearing into office since by mature all of them are bigots on some level anyway. And, lastly, I guess those who are ready to impeach Obama would be happier if McCain/Palin were in office, just goes to show you, can't make some people happy no matter what you do.

marvella, the point is this inviting & embracing Rick Warren to take the stage and give a platform, featuring him, is not what was advertised. Obama is betraying his very theme and the basis in which he got many of us to take dollars out of our pocket and place them in his. Rick Warren is one of the very most divisive voices in America. It's one thing to hire all the ex-Clinton-ites and Hillary herself and bring a tone of "same old politics". This is outrageous. Reaching across the isle is when Obama last week angered all the environmental movement and placed a conservative environmentalist as head of that department. This is "co-signing" on Rick Warren as not only being credible but worthy and meritorious of a featured placing. There's a lot of "Same old Politics as Usual" with Obama. I am sure Barak Obama did this knowing with his coolness and smoothness and cult like status, he can do anything and be above criticism. Just look at all the gay and black people on this blog defending this outrage. It's sad. The unwillingness to come to terms and concede Barak Obama is acting contrary to what he advertised and sold. It's just too bad those of us that gave Obama money, can't now get a refund! Obama should just round up all the divisive public figures, Rick Warren, David Duke, every hate monger out there, why let Rick Warren steal the stage? C'mon Obama, spread the hate why don't you?

I'm disappointed at Obama's appointments and not surprised. Only color blinded individuals were able to ignore the class of folks who were responsible for carrying his appointment fwd. Yes, he had a ton of cash, but I think we all understand that if he would have ran with a wall of liberals and POC standing behind him, he wouldn't have made it. It was the centrist that took him where he is today. I can't believe that he felt he needed to bring Warren in, and I'm trusting that his speech will make up for it. Obama was also my second choice, Cynthia and Rosa ran a campaign that was more inline with my integrity and I'm willing to see what happens knowing that he never said he couldn't do it alone. If you don't like the Warren pick send in mail just like the right would do if he picked Wright. If you don't like the environmentalist pick - find the online petition or just send in mail - I did. If you can't understand how Hilliary can run a racist race then get a high seat in his office, send her a note and let her know you are paying attention and awaiting her apology. Obama never said he could do it alone. The right never, ever, ever leave their politicians alone. Our work didn't stop at voting. I think he will respond to the loudest voice, it's what politicians do. What happened with the banks is a total sham. I'm still pissed about it and I'm no where close to losing my home. I watching my back with Obama, but I'm watching his as well.

I am a white gay man and I am saddened by Obama's decision to give Rick Warren such prominence at his inaugerisation(?). We gay people were among Obama's biggest supporters and now, with no visibily gay people in his cabinet, his silence on the Prop. 8 issue and the Rick Warren thing, it's starting to feel really weird. Is Obama going to throw the gay community under the bus? I really hope he gets reminded over and over that gay people helped him get elected and he promised to be the President to all the people. On Rick Warren's church site it plainly states (I saw it on CNN) that "unrepentent gay people are not welcome as members of the church". As someone above stated, gay people are the last group that it's deemed okay to abuse like this. If Warren's churchsite had stated unrepentent blacks or jews or women or any other group, it would have been seen for the sheer bigotry it is. Let's all hope and pray that Obama's better nature takes hold of him and if he doesn't take back the Warren invitation, at least have a member of the LGBT spiritual community there as well. Please Obama. We believed in you. Believe in us as well.

Some of ya'll is still missing the point. HE IS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, NOT BLACK OR WHITE OR ANY OTHER STATES. Let's get it together people. He will need our help in making the country great.

Alisha banks, sorry if I sing we are the world. But, in the end Alisha we are the world. Only we can make things better for our selves and no one eles. I would like us to be united; is something wrong with that?

I've said this before elswhere and I'll say it again. This reminds me of our ex prime minister Tony Blair...(from the UK-just look him up)

@ The real Jay Where you not the one saying being gay 'is a choice'?? Being loathed, hated and beaten your whole life #is a choice'?

Well, Real jay, it is true, he is the president of all the people, not one group, and, while I don't agree with the warren guy as he is a homophobic bigot who does a few good deeds, it is funny that so many seem to feel as though the gay vote got Obama in, when no one even know's what their percentage of the population is. The outrage was not found when the white gay community was going off on all blacks with slurs as vile as those of Warren after prop 8, so, I for one don't see why anyone should care, other than the fact that Obama has made a choice that will haunt him by the far left for the next 4 years. And, the fact that religion has no place in government in 2009, keep it in their churches, not the public square and if anyone actually believes anyone running for public office is going to stand behind their words 24/7, I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell ya.

Is Obama moving too far to the Right? This depends on the agenda that one supports. The Left elected Obama as an alternative to the Radical Right policies that are morally bankrupting America plunging us into endless war and endless lies. Obama was our only option. In a polarized election there is plenty of fertile ground between the poles. Obama is moving to the Right because it would be stupid to leave this fertile ground unsettled. We want our 40 acres and a mule...Obama could be just the Donkey we need to get it. He is moving too far to the Right to avoid holding President Bush accountable. That's not good for America or the future. The truth shall make us free.

Jay you don't get it. I don't think many of black gays get it!!! This is more than unity. We are not unified anymore. I loathe Obama no. I see him on television and I roll my eyes. Of course i don't believe every politician will keep their word. They raise taxes. They don't fix the schools or roads. They may even take us to war. But this is the first persident since slavery that has someone outright that is a bigot, hater, and just a shady person. I suggest you go to youtube and see Rick Warren's point of views. I say watch the Larry King interview. He says the church was wrong for not accepting AIDS and helping in the begining and asked them to repent. What took them twenty years. What took the disease getting so out of control because the church turned it's back at the beginning. If the church is wrong one major issue, why can't it be wrong on other issues. Rick Warren says homosexuality is a crime when he compares it to pologamy, incest and child molestation. He wants to register all homosexuals as sex offenders. You may live in your "we are the world" bullshit, but this is real. This is the beginning of the holocust. If only they would've recognized Hitler in the beginning. they used to say, who cares, Jews only made up a small percentage of the population so they decided to exterminate that population. What if Lincoln would've said, many have different views, so let's talk about it instead of abolishing what was so obvious wrong? Why give that homophobe a national stage, a stage that will be in every home in america and on every channel. Imagine what that will do? Imagine the already homphobic black community getting the gasoline they need. Imagine the ignorant who gay bash getting a blessed invitation to do more harm to gays. Imagine, you will be hunted. This inguration is not unity, this is a nightmare.

Out singer Melissa Etheredge met with Rich Warren the other night and her wife Tammy had some interesting things to say about it on her blog. Anyone interested in reading about it can go to hollywoodfarmgirl.blogspot.com. It appears possible that Mr. Warren is not the antigay basher we fear. Time will tell.

By inviting Warren, a man who has compared gay marriage to pedophilia and claimed that clergymen would be subject to prosecution for hate crimes, is Obama moving too far to placate the right?

In an effort to reach across party/ideological lines and begin a dialogue of differences, would Obama invite Jeremiah Wright, a man who damned America for the atrocities it's committed abroad, to give the invocation at this historic event?

Obvious answer hunh?

This is the perfect opportunity for gays of all walks to unite around a specific issue. Regardless of Warren's religious convictions, his commentary has been offensive. I'm saddened that Obama would even consider this.

Read his book. Barack stated there that some of his supports are going to be disappointed. We have played us against them politics in the country for sometime without solving many problems. Barack H. Obama plans to solve problems and will find common ground with some people on some issues and disagree on others. How many of the people making comments believed that he could win two years ago? Probably good that he didn't take the advise of many people posting comments "YES WE CAN"

When you alienate any group, anything you say to that group falls on deaf ears. Maybe just maybe by sharing different views some people will change there views for the betterment of all people. I hope thats the goal here. Yes he has choosen more of the right compared to the left, but you have to know what you come from to know where your going. If anything corruption will be his biggest problem. Finding out whose real will be a challenge. Cant wait to see how all this turns out. Just cause he's black(biracial) doesnt mean he's not the same as the rest of the politicians, they all talk a good game!

IMHO, Obama is doing exactly what he has said.He is embracing those that do not agree with him.Please remember Obama represents the United States of America,not black,white,gay,straight,christian,non-christian America. I am proud of him because of his maturity level handling discontent among fellow Americans. One day people will start to look at the big picture.It is not about you.It is about millions of Americans losing jobs in record numbers,foreclosure rates increasing,major companies closing down,etc.

Get over yourselves. Rick Warren can exercise his freedom of speech and choice just like those of you who are "gay" or "progressive". So what he was instrumental in defeating gay marriages in California. I happen to agree with him. If President-elect Obama invited any minister who has not been compromised by this current culture, you all would be hollering about that person too. You're judging Obama on a personal choice issue rather than the real issues that affect us all. Will we continue to have jobs to go to everyday, can we send our kikds to college, can I afford healthcare. These are the issues most americans are concerned about, who gives a rats azz about whether gays can get married. Its just not that important.

Wakeup? Unless you are advocating that gays are a subhuman species, most thinking people would conclude that "gays" are a part of america. I'm not interested in smoking marijuana but I wouldn't tell a terminally ill person that their right to medicinal marijuana is 2nd to any other belief I have. They too, are american.

I can afford healthcare, my son has a college fund and I am ably employed. I could very easily "not care" about those issues because it doesn't personally affect me. However, being an american, I'm inclined to care about those issues that may not even directly affect me. Who gives a rats azz? I'm paid.

MidwestGuy, whatever. I am not advocating gays are subhuman. Those are your words. You are lucky you can affor healthcare and a college fund for you child and are employed. Hope things continue to be good for you. But there are millions of middle class americans who bought into the american dream only to have it ripped away. That was the point I was making. Sorry you missed it. In my opinion (I am entitled to have one) gay marriage is not a top of the list agenda item for an Inauguration, nor for immediate disussion for Obama's first 100 days. Rick Warren is not being named to a cabinent position or setting policy. So again, get over yourselves. Oh by the way MidwestGuy, I have family who are gay and I love them, I just don't agree with their lifestyle.

wakeupneo99: It's hardly gay marriage per-se which makes many Gays and Lesbians so disappointed with Obama's decision to honor the Rev. Mr. Warren. It's his refusing to appreciate the needless hurt and damage he’s caused, for us and for himself. Like Blacks, overwhelmingly, we volunteered, organized, fundraised and voted for a messenger of hope. Now, much as President Clinton did by rebuking Sista Souljah, Obama has made a calculated move to distance himself from us, it seems. Some say, this is mere symbol, not the substance of equal treatment that he offers. Others posit, who else do you guys have to go to, if not Obama? Seeking, he says, to create a new civic dialogue, to bring people together around common interest, the President-Elect goes about his mission in an odd way: heedless of offending some of his staunches supporters, he peruses some of his and their, most fervorent opponents? If inclusion is the operative word, where is a Gay or Lesbian cabinet member, clergyperson, choir or poet indicative of an unintentional affront? Inasmuch as something quite similar happened on the campaign trail it’s difficult indeed to pretend that Obama didn’t mean it.

You are lucky that you can legally marry the person you love. Hope things continue to be good for you. But there are thousands of others in California who bought into the american dream of equality and fairness only to have it ripped away. That's the point I'm making and I'm sorry you missed it.

The fact is that the only people making gay marriage an issue at the Inaguration are people like you. I have not seen anybody attempt to make the day about gay marriage nor suggest it should be up for immediate discussion for Obama's first 100 days in office. What I have seen is people wonder, why would Obama choose to share the stage with a man who very recently compared gay marriage to incest and child molestation.

Like you, Warren is entitled to his opinion. However, we've thought during the primary that Obama does not support divisive rhetoric. I guess we were bamboozled.

Oh by the way, whether or not you agree with their lifestyle is irrelevant.

Well, you wanted change, now you got it! But not the kind of change you thought you were going to get. I didn't trust the man, when I read his book, "Dreams of My Father", back in 90s.

See everyone Warren loves gay and straight people alike. Even if it was for the sake of the media. Its already starting. It has to rain for the flowers to grow.

Not surprised. Obama is just showing his true colors. I'm glad I voted for Cynthia McKinney.