A lot is being made in pundit-land about the selection of conservative super church Pastor Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at Barack Obama's Inauguration. But the move has sparked a furor in the gay community, who overwhelmingly voted for Obama. This is also a community that is pissed off and ready to fight after their Proposition 8 loss -- a measure that Warren endorsed.
Obama's selection of Warren absolutely reflects Obama's lofty intention to govern in a less partisan, less divisive way -- to disagree without being disagreeable. To be inclusive and be every one's president. A conciliatory gesture to evangelicals for taking an ass whuppin' at the polls. Fair enough, if that was the only goal.
But I also think Warren's selection is also very much a purely political calculation. Triangulation, folks, pure and simple. Obama needs to show that he's not beholden to any of the special interests that aided his election. Trust me, right now, Emanuel, Plouffe company are loving the controversy, because it shows the nation that Obama is not simply going to cave to a liberal agenda or special interests groups. It will not be the last time he appears less than sensitive to a key constituency -- in fact, he'll throw folks under the bus if he has to -- the only question is -- which group will be next, and on what issue?
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Friday, December 19, 2008
The Zaftig Redhead's Considered Opinion on the Selection of Rick Warren to Deliver Inauguration Invocation
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3 comments:
I dunno if throwing someone under the bus is accurate, here, Zaffy.
I don't think that Rick Warren's inaugural invocation means that Obama is sending the "F*** You" signal to the gay community.
I think it means exactly what you said: A demonstration of his will to lead the entire nation, not just part of it.... but, what do I know? I'm just some guy with guns and a computer.
Sorry if I wasn't clear, GF. I don't equate this particular incident as the equivalent of throwing someone under the bus -- I just meant that such a situation is going to happen again, and the importance of the issues where it happens will likely escalate beyond who's chosen to make a speech.
OK< sorry for the misinterpretation... we are in agreement.
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