McClurkin and Obama
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Rev. Donnie McClurkin, (left), and Barack Obama, (right)

News Headlines: Oct. 23, 2007

New York Times: Obama Criticized Over Ties to Singer — "Senator Barack Obama is drawing criticism for signing up a gospel singer with controversial views about gay men and lesbians for his campaign in South Carolina. The Obama campaign has recruited several gospel acts, including Donnie McClurkin, for a statewide tour to begin this week in Charleston."

This controversy was stoked by a Huffington Post op-ed written by Earl Ofari Hutchinson: Obama Should Cancel His Gay Bash Tour ... Now

In a written statement posted on his Web site, Obama says "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." Read it in its entirety.

Reaction:
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Should Obama cancel his planned tour with McClurkin? Will this help or hurt his campaign?

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