Barack Obama the Not Ready For Prime Time Player

Barack Obama wishing not to offend homophobic Christian blacks refuses to denounce Pastor Donnie McClurkin. The gospel singer was chosen to perform at a fundraiser for Obama. The Pastor has a history of homophobic remarks. Obama angered gay activists with his response to the controversy.

About 6:40 pm today, the Obama campaign issued a written statement from the candidate saying that he "strongly disagree(s)" with McClurkin's views. Still, a spokesman said McClurkin would remain part of the concert line-up.

"I have clearly stated my belief that gays and lesbians are our brothers and sisters and should be provided the respect, dignity, and rights of all other citizens. I have consistently spoken directly to African-American religious leaders about the need to overcome the homophobia that persists in some parts our community so that we can confront issues like HIV/AIDS and broaden the reach of equal rights in this country," Obama said in the written statement.

"I strongly believe that African Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin's views and will continue to fight for these rights as President of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division," the statement added.

My first thought is that the people running Obama's campaign are amazing incompetent. Obama should have never gotten into this decision to begin with. Now that he is he can't split the difference between the gay rights movement and black Christians. The letter Obama had gay activists sign is horrible PR, politics and shows he has no interest in gay rights. (Which doesn't surprise me.)

Pastor McClurkin believes and has stated things about sexual orientation that are deeply hurtful and offensive to many Americans, most especially to gay Americans. This cannot and should not be denied.

At the same time, a great many African Americans share Pastor McClurkin's beliefs. This also cannot be ignored.

So, he has to court the homophobic base because this "cannot be ignored." Obama is not ready for prime time. He kept saying that experience isn't a big deal. We don't see Hillary Clinton or John Edwards pitting two Democratic bases against each other.

Obama is not ready. His campaign has already been a joke. Now this.