Out With the Old

What's that about a picture -- or video frame capture --saying a thousand words? Here's Bush and House Republican Leader John Boehner, moments before Bush was relinquished of his powers, with Cheney being wheeled away in the background.

Rick Warren Booed

Was it just me or did you hear the boos -- and mild applause -- when Warren's name was announced?

Will We See Gene Robinson?

Since last night there's been lots of fingerpointing between HBO and the Obama transition team about who axed Rev. Gene Robinson from the Lincoln Memorial concert broadcast. The Obama team is now apologizing, and is reportedly going to air it tomorrow during the inaugural itself. I'll believe it when I see it.

Inauguration Day Coverage

Took off today, MLK Day, from the show and from the blog, gearing up for tomorrow's big day. We're back on the show tomorrow with all the coverage of the historic inauguration of Barack Obama. I'll be interviewing lots of people attending the ceremonies on the mall and throughout Washington, including Congressman Barney Frank, and we'll be taking your calls all through the show. So let me know what you're thinking.

Homophobe to Give Invocation at the Inaguration

Rick Warren will being giving the invocation at Barack Obama's inauguration. We talked about this on the show in hour three and hour four. Some people thought it was okay, even "brilliant" of Obama for "reaching out" and making "bow" to him. But I think it's an affront and an insult, and I explained why: Reaching out, to me, would be having the guy come in the White House for a discussion on issues, maybe even with his opponents present. But giving him a platform and visibility at this event is an award, and the symbolism is powerful, as Obama legitimizes the guy.

The gay and liberal blogosphere has lit up with the story, and people are angry. It also has attracted attention of groups like People for the American Way. I think after all the centrist cabinet picks, people were willing to accept that Obama was still going to pursue his agenda, and probably waiting for that one overture to the left. And then they get this! Rick Warren helped Prop 8 pass and lied about it. He should not be respected or rewarded by the man we helped elect. It's a slap in the face, while we're already down from the loss in California.

One thing I will say about the events today: The Human Rights Campaign jumped into action, with Joe Solmonese sending out a pretty strong letter taking on Warren and criticizing Obama for hosting him. I think this is the direct result of the energy and activism of the last few weeks, and the response across the country to Prop 8. HRC was completely irrelevant and sidelined. They were not going to let that happen this time. It shows why grass roots activism is important if we want the mainstream groups to speak more forcefully.