NPR: Obama Holds Gospel Series; McClurkin Strikes Back

Obama Holds Gospel Series; McClurkin Strikes Back

Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) speaks at the 2007 National Summit on Agriculture and Rural Life at Iowa State University.

David Lienemann, Getty Images

News Headlines: Oct. 29, 2007

Washington Post: In S.C., Obama Seeks a Spiritual Reawakening -- "The Democratic presidential candidate from Illinois -- hoping his campaign can recapture some of that old-time religious fervor -- launched a three-city gospel concert series over the weekend across the state, in North Charleston, Greenwood and Columbia."

More: McClurkin Strikes Back at Critics -- "Don't call me a bigot or anti-gay, when I have been touched by the same feelings."

Plus: Clinton, Romney lead in Iowa

More Headlines:
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ABC News: Genarlow Wilson: Freedom and New Prospects

Washington Post: U.S. Guns Behind Cartel Killings in Mexico

MSNBC: Subprime Crisis Seals O'Neal's Fate at Merrill

TIME: Why FEMA Fakes it With the Press

New York Times: One Big American TV Audience

Science Daily: Ethnic Differences In Sleep Quality And Blood Pressure

USA Today: For Many Kids, Lead Threat Is In Their Own Homes

Chicago Sun Times: Army: Toss Black GIs' Convictions for WWII Riot

Geoffrey Bennett

Tags: Barack Obama | Donnie McClurkin | Oprah Winfrey | presidential race

11:36 AM ET | 10-29-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

I'm glad Donnie McClurkin finally spoke up to defend his views. I think this story was blown so out of proportion. Too bad Earl Ofari Hutchinson and John Ridley, two brothers I highly respect their point of views led the charge.

Sent by Moji | 2:56 PM ET | 10-29-2007

I'm done with Obama. Looking for visionary innovative thinking and getting the same ole same ole. Too many northeastern beltway type handlers giving him the wrong advice. Seen it before, been there done that. Get religion OUT OF POLITICS. How much simpler could it get? It's really getting harder and harder to have a rational conversation these day with all the invocations of God or Jesus. If you don't know the difference between faith (which is personal and should be kept that way) and fact then you are not very smart, extremely annoying and quite foolish. And most of all, you need to do whatever you can to join the modern world.
Democrats and 'The Black church' a hustle if their ever was one, pulease! That fact that anyone Black & under 50 still falls for that charade anymore is laughable until you realize how backwards it is. In a post modern global world if your leaders are clergy; you are far far behind and in deep trouble too foolish to know you're in trouble. Just put it in the lawds hand huh? Yeah right.

Sent by jjeter | 8:09 PM ET | 10-29-2007

I am also glad that Pastor McClurin spoke up to defend his views. I know him personally and I know him to be a compassionate person who boldly speaks up for truth. Shame on Senator Obama for folding to pressures from the homosexual community of bullies. It amazes me that Christians are not entitled to our own views without being called bigots. Has anyone read the Bible lately? The Democratic party will lose the African American vote if it continues down this road.

Sent by Pamela | 3:00 PM ET | 10-30-2007

My sentiments exactly, jjeter. The time is long overdue to inject the black community with rational discourse. Enough with the placating messages and religious nonsense. I am disappointed that none of the candidates are willing to effectively separate religion from politics in their campaigning. As this article seems to point out, playing the bible card may impress the elders, but the young people are savvy enough to see religion for what it is - crippling. Perhaps the voter apathy we see in the young people is more a recoiling response to the foolishness of this sort of campaigning. Save your prayers. Save the bible thumping and hymn singing. Wishful thinking will not improve the real world realities of black life in much of the US. It has proven to be a costly form of escapism.

Sent by MJones | 9:16 AM ET | 11-01-2007

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