Obama's Inauguration Olive Branch to LGBT Communities?

by Michael Jones · 2008-12-23 07:08:00 UTC
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Tammy BaldwinP.E. Obama continues to receive flak for his choice of Rick Warren to lead the invocation at his inauguration, with Rep. Barney Frank telling Wolf Blitzer's audience this weekend that Warren is an "offensive" choice.  Perhaps looking to quell the anger within LGBT circles over the Warren choice, Obama has named openly gay Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) to co-chair his Inauguration Day festivities.

Apparently Baldwin was asked to co-chair the festivities a few weeks ago, but the timing of the announcement certainly makes this seem like it's a reaction to the Warren controversy.  Not that I'm making any accusations here; I'm just saying that Obama is pretty gifted when it comes to public relations.

Baldwin will join inaugural co-chairs that include former Presidents Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter, as well as relatives of Obama and VP Joe Biden.  Here's Baldwin's official statement on the matter: "It's a great honor to be named an honorary co-chair of the presidential inauguration. Every inauguration holds special significance, but the swearing-in of Barack Obama as president marks a turning point in American history."

Baldwin declined to comment on Rick Warren's appearance.  But here's a question...is Tammy Baldwin's selection to co-chair the Inauguration, as well as the appearance of the Lesbian and Gay Band Association in the inaugural parade enough of an olive branch to LGBT communities to start looking beyond the Warren debacle?

Michael Jones is a Change.org Editor. He has worked in the field of human rights communications for a decade, most recently for Harvard Law School.
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