AMERICAblog: Obama: We'd always intended for HBO to broadcast Robinson
Roddy McCorley
· 1 year ago
As fine an example of irony as one could ask for...
TAprof
· 1 year ago
Seeing how HBO is acting like the gestapo to have youtube vids taken down of the events, I think it should be self-explanatory who is at fault. They didn't want to air him and one can only conclude one reason for this. Of course, none of this excuses Obama not having Robinson at the inaugural delivering the prayer, instead of the gays=pedophiles Warren, but HBO has lost my respect after this. Just a bunch of money grubbing wretches.
MarkPat
· 1 year ago
B.S.!!!!!
jeffg166
· 1 year ago
The right wing is never going to stop trying to manipulate the narrative. If it doesn't fit their agenda they will squash it.
Stiv Bator
· 1 year ago
On the positive side of that broadcast, how cool was it to see the president move so well during stevie wonders' higher ground?
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
John, can you find out from the Committee whether ANY professional video, filmed by ANYONE, exists, and whether it will be made available so that there is a high-quality historical record of this event?
That's the same old crappy cellphone-quality video I have been complaining about. Where is the PROFESSIONAL multi-camera HD video, with close-ups and all the bells and whistles? That is what we were looking for from HBO. As I have said before, there is better film of the Kennedy assassination than of this event.
Rev CSmith
· 1 year ago
Bp Robinson's prayer was on the jumbotron screens in the background while Wolf Blitzer & Co. blathered on about all the stars who were going to perform. HBO had cameras on him but forgot (?) to put it on the air. I say boycott the DVD if it's not included.
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 1 year ago
B.S. Obama didn't show up for the event until AFTER Robinson did his thing. That was on the schedule.
He wasn't scheduled to be within Robinson's presence. Since ER is a pariah who could be silenced by the Inauguration Committee once they got a gander at his hard-hitting prayer.
But, he'll be there tomorrow for Fatso, you can bet the farm on that.
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
Is that true? Wow, yet another slap in the face.
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 1 year ago
It's on the HBO broadcast. All the "pre-show" was done before the Obamas and Biden made their entrance.
barbwire
· 1 year ago
Why would the event's invocation be considered part of the "pre-show"? Will Warren's invocation at the inaugural be considered part of the pre-show and fail to be televised?
Maybe they should have left out those disturbing shots of tethered bald eagles flapping and trying to fly and included Robinson. Just a thought.
shanobama
· 1 year ago
Dont bet on it. warren is scheduled for 10 am. Obama takes the oath of office at noon. I doubt they will be out for two hours ahead of time.
I cannot stand teh fundies so hope warren is shut out too. He may be ignored by the msm as it stands.
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 1 year ago
Earnest knows he is lying: no one, away from the stage (on which the Bidens and Obamas were absent) heard ER, because of the. . . technology malfunction.
twalldallas
· 1 year ago
How are they explaning the lack of audio available or the lack of presence by the PE-Obama and VPE-Biden? The lack of mention of Robinsons mention in the program.
Right........they won't because it's bullshit. They can play the blame HBO, HBO blame Inaugural Comm. until they are blue in the face. It doesn't change the fact that it's bullshit.
mj171976
· 1 year ago
That's not true. I saw Obama hugging Bishop Robinson at the end of the concert. Also, Obama was not present for the invocation that was read at Grant Park, nor was he present when the invocation was given prior to his speech at the train ride stop in Baltimore .
Lolis
· 1 year ago
during the convention he was also not present for the invocation or closing prayers
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
Was the hug broadcast on HBO, or anywhere?
mj171976
· 1 year ago
I don't think it was on the HBO broadcast. But I definitely saw the hug on CNN. They broadcast Obama and his family going down the line and speaking with each of the people who contributed to the event.
The fact remains he made his entrance before most of the program, just not for Robinson. And this event was different than those cited -- it was a set of performances FOR Obama's enjoyment.
mj171976
· 1 year ago
I don't agree. Bishop Robinson wasn't performing FOR anyone's benefit. He was merely blessing the event. So I don't think it is appropriate to group him in with the performers.
Moreover, Obama was also absent during the pledge of allegiance. The pledge is obviously important to many Americans. But I don't think it would be fair to read anything into his absence from that moment either.
barbwire
· 1 year ago
Folks can keep trying to make excuses for Obama but I'm through. Don't worry, your pet cause may well be next.
RainbowPhoenix
· 1 year ago
A question for the ages: who is more trustworthy, the politician, or the corporation? The world may never know.
nicho
· 1 year ago
Trick question -- there is no difference between the two.
mirth
· 1 year ago
I agree that this is BS. CYA. Else Obama and Biden would have been present for Bishop Robinson's invocation.
Obama, you can make this semi-right. If replacing Warren with Robinson cannot be done, then Robinson and his beautiful prayer must be included in tomorrow's inauguration.
MVC
· 1 year ago
The Obama team is known for its attention to even the smallest detail. The press release for the Obama group smells in my opinion.
liberaldemdave
· 1 year ago
here, here!
it smacks of "check's in the mail" or "i promise not to c*m in your mouth".
Lolis
· 1 year ago
But it doesn't make sense to invite Robinson and then come up with some grand conspiracy to censor him, either. I also doubt anyone knew what his prayer would say, last I heard nobody in the Obama camp was screening the words of the pastors or the inaugural poet.
I don't see why the Obama people would do this on the purpose. There is simply no benefit and Obama and Robinson have a personal friendship. This seems a case of poor planning and the prayer was fairly long, maybe that was an issue.
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
It is either incompetence or triangulation. Either way it sucks.
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 1 year ago
The text of the prayer pulls no punches about AIDS, poverty, sexual minorities, sexual violence, and the possibility of Obama's assassination.
THAT's why ER was silenced.
Lolis
· 1 year ago
Well, the Obama people are rebroadcasting the prayer tomorrow so it is pretty likely it will be picked up by local channels who will be covering the day non-stop. It might get millions of viewers so your theory doesn't seem accurate to me.
nicho
· 1 year ago
Re-read the story. They are going to replay it on the Jumbotrons to "entertain the crowd." I will give you a quarter if they networks carry it or even make a passing reference to it. It's just background noise for the crowd to keep them entertained while they stand in the freezing cold for four hours waiting for something to happen. Robinson will be squeezed in between Stevie Wonder and Hootie and the Blowfish.
nicho
· 1 year ago
It makes all the sense in the world. Team Obama is pandering to the religious right. That's why Warren got a headliner spot. Then, the outcry from us "drama queens getting our panties in a bunch and having hissy fits" (or however the homophobes put it) made them reconsider. So, they stuck Robinson in at the last minute to shut us up.
However, the religious right doesn't see it as "just a two minute prayer -- no big deal" (as the Obama apologists say about Warren). The religious right is in full battle gear over Robinson's inclusion -- claiming that Obama is forcing Christians to abandon their religious principles if they watch the event on TV.
The Flamboyant Homosexual Inaugural
Barack Obama's inauguration will have the dubious distinction of being the most perverted in our nation's history. Obama is not being subtle about either. One of America's most radical and destructive homosexual activists, "Bishop" Vickie Eugene Robinson of New Hampshire, in official inaugural activities will be offering the invocation at the Lincoln Memorial.
Robinson will be appearing with the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington D. C. which forces all Christians around the world to compromise their character if they want to watch the inauguration.
So, it never got on TV. Can't have the Christians abandoning their religious principles by watching an Episcopal bishop give an invocation.
This way, Obama can claim he included Robinson, but he doesn't risk offending the right-wing Christians. At least now we know who he's more afraid of and willing to cave in to.
catdance
· 1 year ago
Right on the money. Obama's camp planned it exactly this way. I grow more and more disillusioned with him every day... and he hasn't even been sworn in yet. So sad.
barbwire
· 1 year ago
I think it's so that Obama can have it both ways. Oh, he WANTED to have Robinson included in the telecast -- see, Obama is a good guy -- but he was left out so the right could be placated. Oh wait, that's called post-partisanship, not placation!
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
Exactly. It is that reputation for meticulousness that makes all of their actions on this issue so perplexing. Something is definitely rotten in Denmark.
Hendrix Student
· 1 year ago
HBO is a commercial entity. They are latching onto their footage, but they have no history of anti-homosexual programming or policies. Showing Robinson wouldn't have cost them anything. If someone specifically intended to censor him, it would seem like the motivation would be political rather than commerical.
Mike Burke
· 1 year ago
Dr. King warned us to beware "the tranqulizing drug of gradualism." How sad that Barack and Michelle can celebrate their 17th wedding anniversary this coming year but my partner and I, who have been together for 17 years, cannot -- because gay marriage is against the law. Now is the time, indeed -- and the new Obama Administration must do more, much more, to ensure equal opportunity for all Americans and to end discrimination against gay Americans. Obama's selection of Rick Warren was an insult. Cutting Reverend Robinson from the HBO broadcast was equally repugnant. This is not "change." This is just more of the same old, same old. I'll believe in change when I see it.
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 1 year ago
It's not just the fact that ER was cut from the broadcast; it's that his invocation was performed in Obama's absence.
Whereas tomorrow Obama will be present for his new BFF's invocation.
One would think MLK would be rolling in his grave, but apparently the organizers of the event have no shame.
Butch1
· 1 year ago
It will be twenty-eight years with my partner and our state will not allow marriage. ;-(
ShirleyGoodnessanMercy
· 1 year ago
"....hundreds of thousands of people who gathered on the mall heard his eloquent prayer" ??????
I heard that there was a microphone malfunction and only the front rows of the audience heard it. Not so?
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 1 year ago
By all accounts, ER was NOT heard by anybody out of earshot of the stage.
Sherlock
· 1 year ago
From a first in the nation supporter...
Not good enough, Josh. What do you intend to do about it?
sherifffruitfly
· 1 year ago
Now let's all call Obama a liar.
Hai
· 1 year ago
Yes, and next up: crook.
Hendrix Student
· 1 year ago
Not a liar, just too willing to pander to prejudice.
Hai
· 1 year ago
Sure, because you just know Barack Obama gets intimately involved in decisions at this level, being a hands-on kinda guy.
I agree this is maddening, but at this point I hear reactions to rumors, acceptance of HBO line of crap (when did an organization with the Weinsteins as part of its public face become so ubercredible?), and "oh what a bastard Obama is" coloring a lot of the reaction to this thing that is maddening.
Hendrix Student
· 1 year ago
I still see no reason why HBO would purposefully censor Robinson's speech. If the Obama team is responsible for this incident (assuming that it was not a completely innocent mistake), I think it is unlikely that Obama was personally involved. And Barack Obama is certainly not a bastard. I am still a firm supporter of his administration. Nonetheless, he and his team have distanced themselves from the gay community. The support of the gay community should be earned. Liberal politicians shouldn't be able to count on it without actually working for it. Warren was a slap in the face and Robinson was a feeble attempt to make amends.
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 1 year ago
We all need to learn more about a certain Joshua DuBois.
If Robinson got thrown under the bus, DuBois is the driver.
nicho
· 1 year ago
You mean Mr. I was for same-sex marriage before I was against it? That guy? Mr. Toss Jeremiah wright under the bus to get a few votes? That guy? No -- he'd never do anything like that.
David Hart
· 1 year ago
Were that the case then the invocation would not have been delivered in Obama's absence. Futhermore, it would not have been scheduled at 2:220 with the video stream scheduled for 2:30.
Bullshit. Then let Josh Earnest come forward and explain exactly what was the "error" that prevented them from executing this plan... And how much do you want to bet the same "error" doesn't get made tomorrow with Warren?
Meanwhile, if it really was just a question of timing and HBO not wanting to carry ten minutes of dead air, why didn't they edit the prayer in for the re-broadcasts? And why doesn't Mr. Earnest publicly insist to HBO that they include it on any future DVDs or rebroadcasts??
Again, I repeat: Bullshit. Robinson was thrown in at the last minute to make us all quiet down and be good. They just didn't even care enough to do it right.
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
Amen. My thoughts exactly.
Akaison
· 1 year ago
Yeah, I have to agree. Thinking about it. Logistics wise- how do you not know this?
chowderSF
· 1 year ago
Thank you....
cowboyneok
· 1 year ago
Yep.
barbwire
· 1 year ago
I'm sure Obama is pleased with the success of his political calculations. Clearly, Americans, Dems and even those who cal themselves liberals are pleased as punch about Warren's invocation:
This sounds like the two side screwed up about what was going to happen.
At this point, my problem with Obama's team is that they keep making these kinds of mistakes.
Why did they not check when HBO would be filming? this is rookie level screw ups.
I work in film. I can't imagine anyone not knowing this information and coordinating it. Bizare type of comunication team he has.
barbwire
· 1 year ago
After all the exploding criticism about the choice of Warren, you'd think Obama would be extra careful about the Robinson appearance. He and his team are either lying or we'd better start preparing for a team as incompetent as the Bush bunch. Add in their complete shambles of a response to Roland Burris' appointment to the Senate and it's truly cringeworthy what's going on of late.
gymnjim
· 1 year ago
Flat out lying. You put the guy on stage 10 minutes before it starts. You intended him to be on TV as much as you intended the Mic Check to be on TV.
Hey but lots of gays believed all his other sorry excuses, so of course they knew they could get away with this.
Akaison
· 1 year ago
I think what is more likely is that they did this as a half as response to Warren because the MSM was buying the "wait, so you are saying you would also put a KKK member on stage" argument. Ultimately, according to Amy Sullivan, there is a little bit of naivette and rookie mistakes goin gon here. ie, He choose warren not knowing warren had said or done some really nasty things regarding gays. Apparently he did not even hear fo the comments about gays being like pedophilles and gay marriage like incest. Unlike Bush they try to correct their mistakes , but unfortunately their first instinct and that of the more ardent supporters is always to circle the wagons, smear the crticizer etc. Not a good start so far, but nothing like bush because they do learn from their mistakes.
Indigo
· 1 year ago
Yeah, sure.
paul94611
· 1 year ago
There is little with respect to the public face of team Obama that is not carefully thought out and executed, Given this fact and the fact that this specific issue had received an abnormal amount of internal consideration I cannot but come to the conclusion that this event happened precisely as planned. What we are confronted with a simple political calculation that surmised it was better for team Obama to fully support Pastor Warren/Yes on 8 and kick Bishop Robinson and by extension the LGBT community to the curb.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. At least the LGBT community has the opportunity to learn early what kind of new president we have...
Christine
· 1 year ago
HBO is not the culprit! Saying it is is taking BHO off the hook. HE was not seated when Bishop Robinson gave the prayer. This is THE problem, not a scheduling mishap. If BHO was late, they should have delayed the whole show for few minutes. Everything was working perfcetly well, to the second! I am really pissed. Yes, now we know and we need to act. No more sleeping while another Proposition 8 is voted in.
We'll see if tomorrow's can even begin to compare.
IAmATVJunkie
· 1 year ago
I don't believe either of them.
I would bet it was a mutual decision.
I will be watching Obama like a hawk. No more bus tire tracks on my back from getting run over by the incoming admin, whoever it is.
cowboyneok
· 1 year ago
I am channel surfing and noticed Norah O'Donnell discussing Michelle O'Bama's fashion sense. How about instead of focusing on what she wears, how about noting she is an Amazon! She stands at 5'11" and is the picture of athleticism. She has a GREAT body, not to mention a beautiful face. Now lets compare that to the other first ladies instead of, yawn, discussing Jabba the Hut's (Barbara Bush's) signature three strands of pearls. I'm really sick and tired of hearing about the Bush's... I know Norah is disappointed McThesuleh didn't get elected but she needs to just move on.
ChesterPA
· 1 year ago
I don't believe Team Obama.
McClurkin, Warren, too much precedent. Liars.
nicho
· 1 year ago
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice -- can't get fooled again. And don't forget that Obama used to be in favor of same-sex marriage before he was against it. Now, he's for separate, but equal -- sort of like separate but equal schools and water fountains.
barbwire
· 1 year ago
Clearly he's for what he considers to be politically expedient. Hmm, haven't we seen that movie before?
cowboyneok
· 1 year ago
Okay, but I'm not going to sit still if we hear:
"We wanted to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act but..." "We wanted to pass a hate crimes bill that included LGBT but..." "We wanted to end Don't Ask / Don't Tell but..."
We are watching VERY closely. Justice delayed is unacceptable.
"We've got to give them hope." - Harvey Milk
nicho
· 1 year ago
Just a question -- at what point do you pull the chain. We've heard people explain away McClurkin. We've heard people explain away Warren. We've heard people explain away the Fisa vote. We've heard people explain away keeping Gates at DoD. We've heard people explain away -- you name it.
At exactly what point do we say -- that's enough? The problem with this is that the longer you let it go on, the harder it becomes to say "This is the last straw" because you've let so much else go by. Anything can be explained away as a "silly issue" not worth getting upset over.
For the record, he crossed the line with me already. I've taken my name off all Dem mailing lists and donation lists. And, unless I see some serious forward movement, he'd better hope the right wing opens their wallets to Dems in 2010, or he;ll be spending his last two years as president with a GOP congress.
cowboyneok
· 1 year ago
For me, I haven't pulled the chain because Bush has been in charge. The Obama Administration promised to end "Don't Ask / Don't Tell" and reiterated that support so I'm going to pulling the chain on that one if that promise goes unanswered. It should be done as soon as possible because the American people are READY for this change. If I'm going to organize something like a hunger strike, though, it has to be sincere, the press needs to be notified and there has to be some kind of positive change we demand to see through our efforts. I'm concentrating on the LGBT issues and my patience is not limitless. I won't start non-violent resistance unless there is a chance our efforts can have a positive, measurable outcome. Otherwise, it is a waste of time and energy. For me, its all about giving hope to the next generation of LGBT Americans. I'm tired of seeing my little LGBT brothers and sisters being treated so badly they even consider suicide to escape the evil and hate society shoves on them.
"You gotta give them hope." - Harvey Milk (my hero)
I took my name off all Democratic mailing + donation lists when he chose Rahm Emanuel as CoS. And let them know why.
Add to that the slap in the face they gave Howard Dean, and no Democratic Party organization is going to get one thin dime from me. I can donate directly, via ActBlue, or any of several other groups.
The Democratic Party needs to start looking at who put them into office -- and they have to stop taking us for granted. They can't assume they're our only choice anymore.
Butch1
· 1 year ago
I, as well.
mamazboy
· 1 year ago
Well said, Nicho - totally agree. Enough of this shit. No more $$$ for these do-nothing (or worse) Dems.
cowboyneok
· 1 year ago
This is funny. Bush's original farewell speech leaked to press:
I beenz Precedent of The United over 8 to 10 yearz gone bye. I haz fun to be Precedent of y'all, even immegrantz, but not gayz. I am done now with itz. Here is my list of favorites, all favoritez, for you:
- I gotz wear pilot costoom suit on big boat. BIG BOAT! - My house haz bowling amy for bowling ballz. Me and Karl play. Karl iz fat. - Mister Chainy gave me cake for me only me because I go get him ...."
RitornaVincitor
· 1 year ago
I started readin' that and, uh, ya know, kind of like when they - it reminded me of that old, uh - we got a sayin' down here - maybe you got it too - fool me once, shame on, uh....
Anthony Look
· 1 year ago
I hope the fervor and dedication that the response of Prop 8 had on consolidating the gay community extends to HBO. The hate state Utah is not our only obstacle. I have cancelled my subscription.
RainbowPhoenix
· 1 year ago
I'm not going to give up hope that we'll be able to work with Obama on many of the issues that matter to us, but it's becoming increasingly apparent that we'll have to treat him as an adversary. I'm having to remind myself more and more often what our other option was.
barbwire
· 1 year ago
On this issue, and many others from what his advisors and cabinet picks have been saying and leaking.
ToutWest
· 1 year ago
Nothing but lame lip service from Obama and his team (this from a man who donated money to his campaign and volunteered for same). I will be canceling my HBO subscription.
The actions of P.I.C. and the Obama team offer one message: It's still ok to dump on the gay community.
debbie
· 1 year ago
Watch the policies of the Obama administration and stop all this attention to prayers. Obama has talked more positively about gay rights than any other president. And he will take more positive steps than any other.
RitornaVincitor
· 1 year ago
I know what you are talking about, Debbie, and agree with you. But I can't help but notice that his policies thus far have been to include McClurkin and Warren, and accidentally black out Robinson. So I'm watching both what he will do and what he has already done.
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
The proof is in the pudding, Debbie. We will wait and see, but this is not an auspicious start.
barbwire
· 1 year ago
What a lame excuse by Obama. If you believe it, I've got a bridge to sell you....
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
Breaking: Politico reports that tomorrow's Jumbotron replay will include Robinson. No word yet on whether HBO rebroadcasts will do the same:
thanks for posting this. i was just about to. now robinson and warren will be on the same day. it'll be interesting to hear the contrast.
BloggerDave
· 1 year ago
Does anyone know what HBO's excuse is for not identifying the Gay Men's Chorus singing behind Josh Grobin?
RainbowPhoenix
· 1 year ago
The navy chorus was the only one they identified.
RitornaVincitor
· 1 year ago
I'm glad the Obama team weighed in. I'm glad they also clarified that it was their error. Now it's time for them to stop the "errors".
Nigel Elliott
· 1 year ago
Does anyone here have HBO? While I am against having a public event copyrighted by HBO, the cable network is not anti-gay at all. Some of HBO's top shows have prominent gay characters and themes. Obama is not anti-gay either. People here assumed Robinson was only there to balance out Warren, so after a glitch of Robinson's prayer, which actually praised Obama, people here think that either HBO or BHO took a swipe at gays. WTF??? That's pretty jaded thinking. Please don't be blinded by your anger.
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
I had HBO for years. Until today.
chowderSF
· 1 year ago
I canceled today, was waiting for a good reason,,,,Bill Maher was the only reason I still had it....as for HBO being gay friendly.....debatable....it is obviously not only gays who watch those gay-positive shows....oh, and its not anger for me, mostly disappointment,,,,mixed with a little anger....
Paul Matthews
· 1 year ago
McLean, Virginia -- This is far from making the situation better; it only makes the whole screaming insult more severe.
I cannot accept such a wimpy statement as "We had always intended and planned for Rt. Rev. Robinson’s invocation to be included in the televised portion of yesterday’s program."
At this point, only a carefully worded abject apology, followed by a firm rejection of all the hate and vile language in "Rev." Martin's excessive diatribes would begin to address this mess.
I wonder how many more unwise blunders President-Elect Barack Obama will make now?
Paul Matthews
Dan
· 1 year ago
Terribly, terribly disappointing. First they invite Warren, and then they insist that Robinson was invited the whole time, but they merely forgot to mention it. Heavens, no! It couldn't be damage control. What a silly implication!
And then this. Very, very disappointing.
RitornaVincitor
· 1 year ago
Agreed. I was a Hillary supporter now turned Obama supporter, and I'll be the first to admit that Hillary's team made a lot of mistakes. Obama's team doesn't strike me as mistake prone.
Eric
· 1 year ago
I have been told by a person who talked with Gene today that Gene was aware yesterday that he would be going on stage before the broadcast went live. It is my understanding he has decided not make an issue of it publicly. This is in character with how he approaches these things. It does seem suspicious that one of the sound towers went defunct during Gene's appearance, but I will refrain from any conspiracy theories on that. I was also told that Gene shared a "green room" tent with Tiger Woods. As for the identification the Gay Men's Chorus - it was my observation that only the principal performers were given captions. Tiger Woods in his introductory remarks annouced the presence of the Naval Academy Glee Club; but again HBO did not caption their appearance. In general I would have liked to known who all the choirs were; but overall thought that HBO did a good job of the actual production given the difficult environment they working in.
Dan
· 1 year ago
I was lucky enough to actually attend Gene's consecration ceremony as Bishop of New Hampshire, and he was utterly gracious to those in the Episcopal Church that opposed his becoming a bishop. It is entirely in character for him to be gracious at this time.
I, however, as a gay layman that wore out plenty of shoe leather and spent plenty of days off making calls for Obama, expect better than mealy-mouthed non-apologies and equivocations.
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
Eric = Robinson PR flak. What happened to that God of anger that he invoked?
timncguy
· 1 year ago
That CAN'T be true because Obama's team just said today that they planned all along for Bishop Robinson to be on the HBO broadcast. And we know that the Obama team wouldn't LIE to us.
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
I know. The Obama team are SO honest! They would never, ever lie to us! I am sure it was just technical difficulties that prevented them from announcing the long-planned Robinson decision long before Warren was selected. Oooooopsie!
Michelle777
· 1 year ago
Try to contact Joshua DuBois, Obama's director of Faith. I guarantee he is behind the Robinson snub. Something like this doesn't just occur as some random mistake. EVERY MINUTE OF THE DAY WAS PLANNED OUT weeks in advance.
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
Amen.
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 1 year ago
I am persuaded you are right. The WSJ profiled DuBois, approvingly.
I'll say it again: Obama is a smart guy in the real world; he is a dumb guy when it comes to religion. And he chooses stupid, retrograde people for his advisors on matters pertaining to religion.
Paul
· 1 year ago
Exactly. To try and pass this off as accidental, when every MINUTE of that show was choreographed down to the last detail, is simply ridiculous!
Please Obama - let's not start out with Bush-style lies. Let's keep things above board and honest. AND QUIT FUCKING DISRESPECTING THE GAY COMMUNITY!
timncguy
· 1 year ago
MOST of the day was planned out weeks in advance.
Don't you suppose the REAL reason that Bishop Robinson was scheduled 5 minutes BEFORE HBO went live was because he was an ADD-ON from last week to try to appease teh gays?
You didn't actually believe the story the Obama team gave last week that they had planned all along to have Bishop Robinson on Sunday and just forgot to mention it did you?
Milli
· 1 year ago
Why did Obama LET HBO have control of this thing anyway??? A subscription channel??
Michelle777
· 1 year ago
For what it's worth, Josh Groban was on MSNBC about 15 minutes ago and made a point of thanking the gay men's choir. Groban even mentioned that the gay community is fighting their own civil rights battle too. It was amazing for Groban to step out like that.
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
That is awesome. What a sweetie! (Or else someone who knows who buys his records.)
ShirleyGoodnessanMercy
· 1 year ago
Josh Groban rules!!
Nigel Elliott
· 1 year ago
Just heard HBO will rebroadcast entire Robinson prayer tomorrow.
Where did you here that? HBO has said no such thing since Robinson spoke BEFORE the show began and required to leave the area before Obama even arrived.
Dan
· 1 year ago
He was in no way required to leave the area. He was in the line-up of celebrities that came out on stage at the end. I saw Obama hug him as he went down the line with my own two eyes.
nicho
· 1 year ago
Oh No -- why did he go down the line with your eyes? Did he give them back?
mirth
· 1 year ago
Oh thank you, nicho.
I bet everyone needs a laugh as much as I do.
Dan
· 1 year ago
Thank God for my braille keyboard and blog-reading helper monkey.
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
There is nothing like that on the site to which you link. What is the source for what you "heard"?
There is nothing in this post that says HBO will broadcast Robinson. If they do, I will happily watch. Please tell me when this will happen.
Robert Croan
· 1 year ago
?The important issue at this point is: Just how will the PIC compensate the LGBT community for this egregious oversight.
Michelle777
· 1 year ago
Since it was obviously intentional and there were no repercussions, there will be NO compensation.
nicho
· 1 year ago
I hear they're going to let gay people wait on tables at the inaugural balls.
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
yeah, they might even let them do Michelle's hair.
Michelle777
· 1 year ago
Rev Robinson himself is now refuting the talking point that there was a 10 minute break: "A little later in the morning I happened to see a schedule," and it showed him giving the invocation at 2:25 and HBO cameras going live at 2:30 p.m."
Shame on HBO and the Inauguration Committee. I hope that all LGBT subscribers to HBO will boycott the cable network.
nicho
· 1 year ago
I get HBO for free -- it's part of my HOA cable package -- but I pretty much boycott it because they just show the same shit over and over and over and over.
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
How many times can you watch the same old bad movie? Cancel, cancel, cancel!
Paul
· 1 year ago
So can they please not televise douchebag Rick Warren's invocation as well?
nicho
· 1 year ago
The fundie nuts aren't as restrained as teh gays. They would rip the place to shreds if their front man didn't get the spotlight. And, Obama is afraid of them. He's not afraid of teh gays.
Webster
· 1 year ago
He's not afraid ... yet.
voyagerx
· 1 year ago
Josh Earnest??? You just know you can't believe a guy named Earnest. Just ask Oscar Wilde.
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
It is important to be earnest.
chowderSF
· 1 year ago
Oh, that reminds me, I have some bunburying to get to....off I go.....
The Rev. Jim Littrell
· 1 year ago
Thing is...hundreds of thousands didn't hear it, because the PIC controlled mic and speaker towers on the Mall--functioning perfectly just before Bsp. Robinson began and Elmo was speaking, suddenly "failed." Soon as he finished, the mics and speakers worked again. As far as I could tell, the only other failure was when Pete Seeger's mic failed, preventing him from singing out what I suppose PIC and HBO thought just might have been troublesome lyrics to This Land is Your Land. Oddly, Springsteen's mic worked fine. I guess this land really isn't some of our land, yet and still.
Michelle777
· 1 year ago
I noticed the same thing. Pete Seeger spoke on a documentary about how some of the real lyrics have been traditionally cut from the song because of their controversial nature. I was surprised to hear them finally appear on Sunday and then saddened to hear HBO cut the mic.
wmforr
· 1 year ago
Can you tell us what the troublesome lyrics were?
Older_Wiser
· 1 year ago
I totally understand what the brouhaha is all about and appreciate the comments, but let me say this:
All that prayin' and religiosity at a govt event just turns this atheist off, anyway. Let's get religion OUT of govt. Pray in one hand and protest in the other. See what kind of results you get for both. My bet is on protesting...it's always produced better results as far as I've experienced.
You ought to hear the gasp when people "affirm" rather than swear to "god" in court. All of a sudden, you're suspect as a witness. That's how pervasive supersitition still is.
Joel
· 1 year ago
I understand, the praying business is about as useless as it gets. Yet, as long as you have a President who seriously beleives in God and a public who thinks their President should beleive in God, then this pray thing is going to happen.
I think Obama truly buys this religion stuff and as he has said many times, the religion stuff is what informs his opinion about gay men and women. Consequently, when Obama pulls stuff like this, it should be taken seriously.
falloch
· 1 year ago
You neverknow - there might be someone on Tuesday - a broadcasting sound person or someone - who will inadvertently, accidentally, whatever you call it - PULL THE PLUG ON 'REV'D' WARREN'S MIC a nano-second before he's about to give the nation some ear-abuse. Even if not, could AmBlog please link the whole text of Robinson's invocation so it can be sent far and wide. It was great, and needs repetition again and again.
Ellen was on the Jumbotron yesterday, bet you didn't know about that right? The reason is because hardly anyone pays attention to the filler played on the tv's before the live event starts. Face it, Robinson was successfully cut out because they view him as another Jeremiah Wright.
ChrisSF
· 1 year ago
And will it be broadcast on HBO or any other media outlet?
PreacherMan
· 1 year ago
I suspect we'll be hearing apologies like this for the next 8 years. He talks a big game, but does NOTHING for gays. NOTHING!!!
silas150
· 1 year ago
Yeah, right. Like he really cares.
whomod
· 1 year ago
Ah, I see the usual anti-Obama histrionics continues on here on this thread by the militant wing of the AmericaBlog posters.
Carry on the drama then.
monitor
· 1 year ago
Separating sincere Ab commenters from the phony trolls trying to stir up discord can be fun. :)
Garygw
· 1 year ago
I guess anyone who now questions Obama is . .oh . thanks moderator. ..never mind
Dissappointed
· 1 year ago
Hopefully they will "forget" to televise Rick Warren too.
willnyc
· 1 year ago
Let's all take a moment to thank John A (who has a crappy flu) for giving us this venue to bang this out and reach, if not a consensus, then maybe an appreciation for the nuances of being PROGRESSIVE and what that means. Something we can all be proud of tomorrow. Thanks, John Aravosis!
Sarah
· 1 year ago
According to friends who were on the mall, there was no sound on the big television screens during Bishop Robinson's prayer. So I guess Mr. Aravosis is wrong when he says that hundreds of thousands of people present heard the prayer. What a stupid mistake.
mirth
· 1 year ago
Ms. Sarah needs to read the post before she gets all up in his face because Mr. Aravosis did not say that "hundreds of thousands of people" present heard Robinson's prayer. Obama's PIC communications director Josh Earnest said it.
Troy3
· 1 year ago
nice to hear HBO zis to rebroadcast it (even if it happens, it still stinks) but what about the DC gay men's chior who never got introduced? what, are they going to do the whole show again?
nah, this still smacks of an full-on "oh yeah, the fags are here , too"
ass clowns
Marc
· 1 year ago
I waited yesterday to hear what the Rev said...didn't happen...I was going to stay home tomorrow to watch the inauguration...will go to work instead. Same old thing - Obama used us fags to help - I feel used and want my support money back...seen this before...empty promises and feeling used. Good luck Obama - you fooled me - equality isn't here yet. Thought you cared - obviously you don't.
tlsintx
· 1 year ago
Bishop Robinson was on NPR today...the Obamas and the Bidens thanked him for being there - he wasn't taking this as an affront by them...all Robinson could conclude was that HBO is into entertainment and didn't think a prayer fit the bill...
if it was just a thoughtless oversight, it's become bigger than life now...good. thanks HBO.
You realize you're insane and weakening our party for making a big deal out of this. Seriously. And you made John Cole cry.
sab
· 1 year ago
I'm an Episcopalian in a church with difficulties because it wants to accept all it's members as God made them, and I was thrilled when Bishop Robinson was selected to give the prayer. Then I turned on the coverage and zero/zip/nada. I'm very relieved that the Obama administration is quick to recognize and deal with the oversight. I'm willing to accept it as such , because I can't believe that HBO would intentionally insult the gay community.
Stephen
· 1 year ago
Face it gay community you have been "Topped" by the chosen one. This was not a mistake everything Obama and his minions do is calculated. They knew very well that the Reverend would be a problem so they made him vanish. You have supported a black man who plays the "down low" game with with the gay community. He likes to meet you in the dark and then ignore you in the daylight. You have been dupped!
Stephen
· 1 year ago
It was not HBO's fault it was the PIC who made the call. Face it gay community you have been used. Now you are not needed any more and I am willing to bet dollars to doughnuts ( what does that mean anyway) that don't ask don't tell will not I repeat NOT be reversed. Obama will give some lame excuse force fed to him by the DoD and he will say all the typical stuff .....moral of the fighting men blah blah blah. Any way good luck to all of us I know we are going to need it no matter who is in charge.
LisaSmall
· 1 year ago
"Dollars to doughnuts" is an old saying from the days when you could get two donuts for a nickel. It means paying off at twenty to one, or similarly huge odds.
"Don't Ask Don't Tell" will not be reversed by Obama's signature - which he COULD do. Instead, he is choosing to have Congress do it, in order to show that there is national consensus that the policy is worthless. This way, he can't be accused of forcing his personal will upon the country. It is a delay, and I hate that - but it is a good strategic move. Not only will Congressional action show national consensus, it makes it harder for the next Republican president to overturn.
wmforr
· 1 year ago
Hmm. there are twenty nickels in a dollar, so two donuts for a nickel would be forty to one. (But that's not important right now.)
Tom
· 1 year ago
How nice that "hundreds of thousands of people who gathered on the mall heard [Rt. Rev. Robinson’s] eloquent prayer for our nation that was a fitting start to our event." Pity that the tens of millions that will hear Rick Warren won't be privy to the prayer. I don't buy it. Robinson was an afterthought anyway to get us f*gs off Obama's back.They cut Robinson because this inaugeration address is a bow to the religionists, and Obama, having garnered the votes of the majority of us f*gs, doesn't need us anymore. Very, very angry.
Richard
· 1 year ago
Surely Obama will affirm his committment to LGBT people IN HIS SPEECH today. We have never heard an Inauguration Speech of an incoming U.S. President pledge support to further Civil RIghts and Protections for this Minority Group. But hopefully we will today. We better !
Katy
· 1 year ago
I don't believe that it was unintended. The broadcast was scheduled for 2:30. Bishop Robinson was scheduled for 2:25, and the schedule was set by PIC. Explanation not accepted.
Riley Harris
· 1 year ago
Why would an invocation prayer be scheduled BEFORE the guests of honor (first fmilies) even enter the venue.
WAKE UP PEOPLE- Bihop Robinson's speech was never meant to be seen or heard on a national or grand level. Even the speakers at the mall were turned off for the first 3 out of 4 minutes of his speech!
Just beacuse Pres Obama said the word "gay" in a few speeches doesn't automatically mean he will champion gay rights. After all Clinton gave us DOMA and Don't Ask Don't Tell! And Pres Obama in 1996 was unequivocally in support of legalizing same-sex marriage and in 2008, Yes on 8 sent robocalls to MILLIONS of Californians of Obama's voice saying marriage should only be between a man and a woman.
We have EVERY right to be vigilant and cautious. SILENCE=DEATH!
rjones2818
· 1 year ago
And we believe him because...?
Just another lying politician. Period.
spiritualseeker
· 1 year ago
Just a note in response to all who are ready to dump Obama and the Dems because you're assuming what happened with Robinson was an afterthought... Here is Bishop Gene Robinson speaking with Jon Stewart after the Inauguration: http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?v...
As a lesbian, I understand that we want and need to have changes. But good grief, cut the Pres. a little slack! His message is inclusive, even if he picked Warren (the pompous ass) to give the opening prayer. The Rev. Joseph Lowery who gave the benediction is a very progressive United Methodist Clergy, which seems to have gone unnoticed. While I disagree tremendously with Warren, I am forced to agree that there must be room for him too. It's a big country, a big world, with many diverse opinions, and even those whom I consider wrong still have the right to be heard and even represented in some fashion. We do need to have our rights guaranteed, and will have to keep working on that, but other opinions like Warren's are only that. (I know they have power with some people, but the tide is turning.)
Let's give Obama our support, and keep up the hard and good work of being visible and engaged in the changes we want to see in the world.
All Comments
He wasn't scheduled to be within Robinson's presence. Since ER is a pariah who could be silenced by the Inauguration Committee once they got a gander at his hard-hitting prayer.
But, he'll be there tomorrow for Fatso, you can bet the farm on that.
Maybe they should have left out those disturbing shots of tethered bald eagles flapping and trying to fly and included Robinson. Just a thought.
warren is scheduled for 10 am.
Obama takes the oath of office at noon. I doubt they will be out for two hours ahead of time.
I cannot stand teh fundies so hope warren is shut out too. He may be ignored by the msm as it stands.
Right........they won't because it's bullshit. They can play the blame HBO, HBO blame Inaugural Comm. until they are blue in the face. It doesn't change the fact that it's bullshit.
Moreover, Obama was also absent during the pledge of allegiance. The pledge is obviously important to many Americans. But I don't think it would be fair to read anything into his absence from that moment either.
Obama, you can make this semi-right. If replacing Warren with Robinson cannot be done, then Robinson and his beautiful prayer must be included in tomorrow's inauguration.
it smacks of "check's in the mail" or "i promise not to c*m in your mouth".
I don't see why the Obama people would do this on the purpose. There is simply no benefit and Obama and Robinson have a personal friendship. This seems a case of poor planning and the prayer was fairly long, maybe that was an issue.
THAT's why ER was silenced.
However, the religious right doesn't see it as "just a two minute prayer -- no big deal" (as the Obama apologists say about Warren). The religious right is in full battle gear over Robinson's inclusion -- claiming that Obama is forcing Christians to abandon their religious principles if they watch the event on TV.
The Flamboyant Homosexual Inaugural
Barack Obama's inauguration will have the dubious distinction of being the most perverted in our nation's history. Obama is not being subtle about either. One of America's most radical and destructive homosexual activists, "Bishop" Vickie Eugene Robinson of New Hampshire, in official inaugural activities will be offering the invocation at the Lincoln Memorial.
Robinson will be appearing with the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington D. C. which forces all Christians around the world to compromise their character if they want to watch the inauguration.
So, it never got on TV. Can't have the Christians abandoning their religious principles by watching an Episcopal bishop give an invocation.
This way, Obama can claim he included Robinson, but he doesn't risk offending the right-wing Christians. At least now we know who he's more afraid of and willing to cave in to.
So sad.
Whereas tomorrow Obama will be present for his new BFF's invocation.
THAT'S the insult.
One would think MLK would be rolling in his grave, but apparently the organizers of the event have no shame.
I heard that there was a microphone malfunction and only the front rows of the audience heard it. Not so?
Not good enough, Josh. What do you intend to do about it?
I agree this is maddening, but at this point I hear reactions to rumors, acceptance of HBO line of crap (when did an organization with the Weinsteins as part of its public face become so ubercredible?), and "oh what a bastard Obama is" coloring a lot of the reaction to this thing that is maddening.
If Robinson got thrown under the bus, DuBois is the driver.
http://www.tips-q.com/content/we-are-minus-one
Meanwhile, if it really was just a question of timing and HBO not wanting to carry ten minutes of dead air, why didn't they edit the prayer in for the re-broadcasts? And why doesn't Mr. Earnest publicly insist to HBO that they include it on any future DVDs or rebroadcasts??
Again, I repeat: Bullshit. Robinson was thrown in at the last minute to make us all quiet down and be good. They just didn't even care enough to do it right.
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/polltracker/2009/01...
At this point, my problem with Obama's team is that they keep making these kinds of mistakes.
Why did they not check when HBO would be filming? this is rookie level screw ups.
I work in film. I can't imagine anyone not knowing this information and coordinating it. Bizare type of comunication team he has.
Hey but lots of gays believed all his other sorry excuses, so of course they knew they could get away with this.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. At least the LGBT community has the opportunity to learn early what kind of new president we have...
I am really pissed. Yes, now we know and we need to act. No more sleeping while another Proposition 8 is voted in.
NOW
pass it on - do some things...
Thank You for Your E-mail to,
www.OneGlobalCommunity.com
or RogerART.com
OGC Staff reads all E-mails
And staff@OneGlobalCommunity.com
Will respond as soon as possible.
I would bet it was a mutual decision.
I will be watching Obama like a hawk. No more bus tire tracks on my back from getting run over by the incoming admin, whoever it is.
McClurkin, Warren, too much precedent. Liars.
"We wanted to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act but..."
"We wanted to pass a hate crimes bill that included LGBT but..."
"We wanted to end Don't Ask / Don't Tell but..."
We are watching VERY closely. Justice delayed is unacceptable.
"We've got to give them hope." - Harvey Milk
At exactly what point do we say -- that's enough? The problem with this is that the longer you let it go on, the harder it becomes to say "This is the last straw" because you've let so much else go by. Anything can be explained away as a "silly issue" not worth getting upset over.
For the record, he crossed the line with me already. I've taken my name off all Dem mailing lists and donation lists. And, unless I see some serious forward movement, he'd better hope the right wing opens their wallets to Dems in 2010, or he;ll be spending his last two years as president with a GOP congress.
"You gotta give them hope." - Harvey Milk (my hero)
http://www.hillaryis44.com/
Add to that the slap in the face they gave Howard Dean, and no Democratic Party organization is going to get one thin dime from me. I can donate directly, via ActBlue, or any of several other groups.
The Democratic Party needs to start looking at who put them into office -- and they have to stop taking us for granted. They can't assume they're our only choice anymore.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lee-camp/bushs-or...
"Dear America States -
I beenz Precedent of The United over 8 to 10 yearz gone bye. I haz fun to be Precedent of y'all, even immegrantz, but not gayz. I am done now with itz. Here is my list of favorites, all favoritez, for you:
- I gotz wear pilot costoom suit on big boat. BIG BOAT!
- My house haz bowling amy for bowling ballz. Me and Karl play. Karl iz fat.
- Mister Chainy gave me cake for me only me because I go get him ...."
I have cancelled my subscription.
The actions of P.I.C. and the Obama team offer one message: It's still ok to dump on the gay community.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0109/Ina...
I cannot accept such a wimpy statement as "We had always intended and planned for Rt. Rev. Robinson’s invocation to be included in the televised portion of yesterday’s program."
At this point, only a carefully worded abject apology, followed by a firm rejection of all the hate and vile language in "Rev." Martin's excessive diatribes would begin to address this mess.
I wonder how many more unwise blunders President-Elect Barack Obama will make now?
Paul Matthews
And then this. Very, very disappointing.
I, however, as a gay layman that wore out plenty of shoe leather and spent plenty of days off making calls for Obama, expect better than mealy-mouthed non-apologies and equivocations.
I'll say it again: Obama is a smart guy in the real world; he is a dumb guy when it comes to religion. And he chooses stupid, retrograde people for his advisors on matters pertaining to religion.
Please Obama - let's not start out with Bush-style lies. Let's keep things above board and honest. AND QUIT FUCKING DISRESPECTING THE GAY COMMUNITY!
Don't you suppose the REAL reason that Bishop Robinson was scheduled 5 minutes BEFORE HBO went live was because he was an ADD-ON from last week to try to appease teh gays?
You didn't actually believe the story the Obama team gave last week that they had planned all along to have Bishop Robinson on Sunday and just forgot to mention it did you?
Video: Bishop Robinson's Invocation that You Didn't See on HBO
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/1/19/155652/...
I bet everyone needs a laugh as much as I do.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0109/Ina...
From the Kansas City Star: http://blogs.kansascity.com/tvbarn/2009/01/why-...
All that prayin' and religiosity at a govt event just turns this atheist off, anyway. Let's get religion OUT of govt. Pray in one hand and protest in the other. See what kind of results you get for both. My bet is on protesting...it's always produced better results as far as I've experienced.
You ought to hear the gasp when people "affirm" rather than swear to "god" in court. All of a sudden, you're suspect as a witness. That's how pervasive supersitition still is.
I think Obama truly buys this religion stuff and as he has said many times, the religion stuff is what informs his opinion about gay men and women. Consequently, when Obama pulls stuff like this, it should be taken seriously.
http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/20...
think someone got their a$$ chewed...ya think?
Carry on the drama then.
:)
Thanks, John Aravosis!
(even if it happens, it still stinks)
but what about the DC gay men's chior who never got introduced?
what, are they going to do the whole show again?
nah, this still smacks of an full-on "oh yeah, the fags are here , too"
ass clowns
if it was just a thoughtless oversight, it's become bigger than life now...good.
thanks HBO.
here's a good round-up from thinkprogress:
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/01/19/robinson-in...
, because I can't believe that HBO would intentionally insult the gay community.
"Don't Ask Don't Tell" will not be reversed by Obama's signature - which he COULD do. Instead, he is choosing to have Congress do it, in order to show that there is national consensus that the policy is worthless. This way, he can't be accused of forcing his personal will upon the country. It is a delay, and I hate that - but it is a good strategic move. Not only will Congressional action show national consensus, it makes it harder for the next Republican president to overturn.
WAKE UP PEOPLE- Bihop Robinson's speech was never meant to be seen or heard on a national or grand level. Even the speakers at the mall were turned off for the first 3 out of 4 minutes of his speech!
Just beacuse Pres Obama said the word "gay" in a few speeches doesn't automatically mean he will champion gay rights. After all Clinton gave us DOMA and Don't Ask Don't Tell! And Pres Obama in 1996 was unequivocally in support of legalizing same-sex marriage and in 2008, Yes on 8 sent robocalls to MILLIONS of Californians of Obama's voice saying marriage should only be between a man and a woman.
We have EVERY right to be vigilant and cautious. SILENCE=DEATH!
Just another lying politician. Period.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?v...
As a lesbian, I understand that we want and need to have changes. But good grief, cut the Pres. a little slack! His message is inclusive, even if he picked Warren (the pompous ass) to give the opening prayer. The Rev. Joseph Lowery who gave the benediction is a very progressive United Methodist Clergy, which seems to have gone unnoticed. While I disagree tremendously with Warren, I am forced to agree that there must be room for him too. It's a big country, a big world, with many diverse opinions, and even those whom I consider wrong still have the right to be heard and even represented in some fashion. We do need to have our rights guaranteed, and will have to keep working on that, but other opinions like Warren's are only that. (I know they have power with some people, but the tide is turning.)
Let's give Obama our support, and keep up the hard and good work of being visible and engaged in the changes we want to see in the world.
Peace!