Last night, Texas' own Kelly Clarkson did something Americans do: She casually endorsed a candidate for President on her Twitter account. That person was fellow Texan Ron Paul. Cue Twitstorm.
Today she clarified her stance, sort of:
"I am really sorry if I have offended anyone. Obviously that was not my intent. I do not support racism. I support gay rights, straight rights, women's rights, men's rights, white/black/purple/orange rights. I like Ron Paul because he believes in less government and letting the people (all of us) make the decisions and mold our country. That is all. Out of all of the Republican nominees, he's my favorite."
Should be pretty cut and dry, right? But no, the Internet threw its tomatoes at her. Beyond the political debate it ignited about whether Paul is a racist homophobe, people took this opportunity to take shots at Clarkson's appearance ("she looks like she also endorses Twinkies") and talent as well. I wonder if the hate would have been as white-hot if, say, a male pop star had made the same statement.
In the bigger picture, isn't this announcement rather inconsequential? In fact, is any other "celebrity" even endorsing Ron Paul? Let the woman have her opinions.
Oh, Clarkson rolls into the Verizon Theatre on Friday, February 10.