From Ben Smith:
Let me start by talking about my own views. I think that it is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans. It is something that I have been consistent on and something that I intend to continue to be consistent on during my presidency. What I’ve also said is that it is important for America to come together, even though we may have disagreements on certain social issues, and I would note that a couple of years ago, I was invited to Rick Warren’s church to speak despite his awareness that I held views that were entirely contrary to his when it came to gay and lesbian rights, when it came to issues like abortion. Nevertheless I had an opportunity to speak, and that dialogue I think is part of what my campaign’s been all about, that we’re not going to agree on every single issue, but what we have to do is to be able to create an atmosphere where we can disagree without being disagreeable, and then focus on those things that we hold in common as Americans.
Here are the official talking points of the transition team from the Huffington Post::
• This will be the most open, accessible, and inclusive Inauguration in American history.
• In keeping with the spirit of unity and common purpose this Inauguration will reflect, the President-elect and Vice President-elect have chosen some of the world's most gifted artists and people with broad appeal to participate in the inaugural ceremonies.
• Pastor Rick Warren has a long history of activism on behalf of the disadvantaged and the downtrodden. He's devoted his life to performing good works for the poor and leads the evangelical movement in addressing the global HIV/AIDS crisis. In fact, the President-elect recently addressed Rick Warren's Saddleback Civil Forum on Global Health to salute Warren's leadership in the struggle against HIV/AIDS and pledge his support to the effort in the years ahead.
• The President-elect disagrees with Pastor Warren on issues that affect the LGBT community. They disagree on other issues as well. But what's important is that they agree on many issues vital to the pursuit of social justice, including poverty relief and moving toward a sustainable planet; and they share a commitment to renewing America's promise by expanding opportunity at home and restoring our moral leadership abroad.
• As he's said again and again, the President-elect is committed to bringing together all sides of the faith discussion in search of common ground. That's the only way we'll be able to unite this country with the resolve and common purpose necessary to solve the challenges we face.
• The Inauguration will also involve Reverend Joseph Lowery, who will be delivering the official benediction at the Inauguration. Reverend Lowery is a giant of the civil rights movement who boasts a proudly progressive record on LGBT issues. He has been a leader in the struggle for civil rights for all Americans, gay or straight.
• And for the very first time, there will be a group representing the interests of LGBT Americans participating in the Inaugural Parade.
I'm torn on this one. One of the things I liked most about Obama during the campaign was his ability to disagree with people without being disagreeable (aka, an ass). I suppose had it been anyone but Rick Warren, I'd be more okay with it. My beef with Warren stems from the forum he did with Obama and McCain during the campaign where he lied about McCain being in the "cone of silence". While Obama did a great job at the forum, I felt like it was a set-up, and I don't like that. At the same time, the list of talking points here is a bit insulting to me. They are basically saying for everyone who doesn't like it to get over it. The funny thing is, people on the LEFT don't like this pick AND people on the RIGHT don't like this pick. So maybe they should just argue "hey, no one wants Warren to do it, so we are UNITING the country". If I were a lesbian, I'd be extremely upset about the Warren pick, and the statement/talking points would not make me feel any better about it. This man is essentially giving the opening prayer for Obama's term in office, not just the event of the inauguration.
I'm really starting to think that the Obama administration really doesn't care what the so called "far left" thinks anymore than they do what the "far right" thinks. We are the same people who's voices he said would not be drowned out by special interests, and now he's treating us like we are the special interests.
But there you have it, straight from the transition team and the President-Elect's mouth. He picked Warren, and he's going to stick with Warren (too bad he didn't have that much conviction when it came to letting Rev. Wright give the invocation at his initial announcement, they didn't agree on everything either, yet Rev. Wright got the axe).
In Addition: Many comments are asking this, but I thought I'd pose this question. Since we are expected to be so inclusive, where are the racists? Can we expect the KKK to have a role here since we are uniting the country? It's not just about a prayer. He's giving the invocation at Obama's inauguration. It's not some random event. It's the event where he will be installed as the President of the United States. Maybe everyone involved should agree in inclusiveness. When Obama went to Warren's forum, there were plenty of people here that were upset about it, but I thought it was good that Obama was willing to go and present his view, and I think people really listened to him. It's one thing to be going somewhere where you are having an ACTUAL discussion. It's another thing to have the man pray over your Presidency. Then to come out and say "well it's no secret I support GLBT rights" is insulting because Obama isn't really a "fierce advocate" he's said he thinks they should have the same "rights" as married couples, but he also said that doesn't necessarily mean they have the right to get "married". I even agree with the people who say there shouldn't even BE an invocation. I believe in God (I don't like to use the term "Christian" for my own reasons), but I also believe that religion shouldn't be forced on people. However, having invocations and benedictions are not something we are really going to be able to change. All we are asking is that an outright bigot not be put front and center.
With that being side, I have no problem discussing issues with people who don't have my position on that particular issue. I think most people on this site don't have a problem with DIALOGUE. But this is NOT a dialogue. He's giving Warren the national, hell INTERNATIONAL stage, to basically give his "blessing" to Obama. I just don't think it's a good idea to have Warren giving the invocation or the benediction regardless of who he has giving the benediction. This is not the same as calling Warren to get his opinion on something to hear all of the sides, so for that reason I don't think it's fair to compare people on this site (and those not on this site) who have a problem with Warren giving the invocation to agents of intolerance.
UPDATE Oh, this is rich:
Q: Your position has raised the specter that you are homophobic.
WARREN: Hahahah! [...]
Q: Are you homophobic?
WARREN: Of course not. I have always treated them with respect. When they come and wanna talk to me, I talk to 'em. When the protesters came, we served them water and donuts.