On the surface, maybe so, but the right wing evangelicals won't take it that way. they certainly will never support Obama, but they will see this as a chink in the armour, and they'll see it as an opportunity, invitation, to ratchet up their anti-gay activities.

Joan that sums the entire thing up. We all know its politics, and politics is a double-edged sword...or should be. Obama is trying to reap some benefits by kissing up to this bigot. In doing so he's slapped a core group of the Democratic base in their collective face. Fine. So what do we get in return? My guess is nothing.

What I find most alarming is that it is just another insult in the long line of insults hurrled at the gay community. We're expendable. We can be effortlessly thrown under the bus with no sence of guilt or remorse. I wonder what would have happened if Obama had given the honor to a preacher with racist tendencies? in the name of "outreach" to the other side?

I think its time for the gay community to make like a little uncomfortable for Mr. President Elect and demand something in return...something very public, say in his innaugural address.

And just some advice to the next President, you're wasting your time time kissing evangelical asses. It just further empowers them, and they will NEVER support you.

When Obama spoke to the governors a few weeks ago as he was leaving the meeting they were lined up getting the hand-shake and back-pat from him. He walked right past Rod as though he wasn't there..

Daley can't stand him, either. The mayor acts like he doesn't exsist.

In 1981 U2 did a $3 WXRT Budget Show at Park West (a night club that holds about 750 people). Now tens of thousands claim to have been there.

I hope when the unedited recordings leak out we find out Rod really called him a "MOTHAFUKKAH!"

You know, Obama would have cemented a place in history if he had calmly said at his news conference, "I am absolutely certain my staff was not involved in any way with the governor's malfeasance. He called me a 'motherfucker.'"

I'm trying to imagine the stunned looks on the reporters' faces.

He might be happier over this turn of events than if he got the olympics.

No, please let him stay with us. He represents the vilest element the Republican Party desperately needs to separate themselves from. As long as he and Palin rear their ugly heads the GOP will have a fight on their hands for the control of the party. The country is moving away from Joe's brand of rancor. Is comments about John McCain were ugly, and I've never been a fan of McCain's.

Let them eat their own. I hope he sticks around for awhile.

I'm sure anyone who took the bait and was will to play along with rod's scheme can kiss their own political career goodbye. I think it will be entertaining to see if any of the big names being bandied about get caught up in this.

...and this one belongs in the hall of fanme. He's not just a crook, he's a stupid crook. And I hope Patti ends up in the slammer along with him. I'm tired of the families of these crooks living large and taking full advantage then playing the weepy victim. Throw her in the can along with him. And it will be 8 years before he can start begging Obama for a pardon.

Daley pretends like he doesn't even exsist.

I think they've been throwing in challenges like that right before the finish line to even the playing field so the physically dominant teams don't have an automatic "head start."

I think it was pretty obvious that Nick and Star were pretty far ahead, but they always try to make it look close. Personally, I liked what they did in the very first season (by far the best they've done) when you knew who was going to win, but they just let it play out naturally. The likable winners had no idea they were in first place untill the got to the finish line, the nasty couple in second place were convinced they had won until they got to the finish line and the evil Guidos got stuck in alaska. It was more interesting than an ending edited to look like a photo finish.

How many times on survivor doesn't some absolutely worthless, do-nothing sneak by to the finals. Is that woman even on the show or do they just bring her in to fill a space at Tribal Council? I'm rooting for bob, but I know there's no way to avoid a final three of Kenny, Suzie and sugar with suzie being one of the final two. This may be one of those seasons (like Fans vs Favorites) where I take a pass on the finale.

Amazing Race. I was really rooting for the mother and son team. I guess I don't hate the final three. I never like to see the "couples" win, so I'd prefer the brother/sister or nincompoop frat boys.

Top chef. Not their best season. Aside from Fabio there are no real characters or big talents. Like the last season Of runway I think they missed on the casting this time.

...Jason Statham is sex personified. That man is one mofo of a hot beast. Damn. I even go to see his reaaly bad movies.

Its nowhere near the bizarre genius that was Dark Shadows.

I thought it picked up as the season progressed, but Anna Paquin has to go. The acting was horrendous on Dark shadows, but it was great fun. Paquin is just mind-numbing.

I highly doubt Lafayette is dead, and if he is they'll defintely bring him back....how many times was Angelique killed off. She always came back, usually in a week.

...and stopped believing in Santa years ago.