Kelly Clarkson has learned the hard way that getting involved in politics can be a tricky business. The "Mr. Know It All" singer, who considers herself to be a Republican even though she voted for Barack Obama in the last election, tweeted her support for Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul on Wednesday, saying, "I love Ron Paul. I liked him a lot during the last Republican nomination and no one gave him a chance. If he wins the nomination for the Republican party in 2012 he's got my vote. Too bad he probably won't."
That tweet set off a flurry of criticism from Clarkson's Twitter followers, who accused Paul of being a racist and a homophone (critics of the politician cite articles that were published in Paul newsletters that ran from the 1970s until 1990 — Paul has denied that he wrote the articles and has stated that he does not agree with their content). Kelly was quick to address the concerns of her followers, tweeting: Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul. "I have never heard that he's a racist? I definitely don't agree with racism, that's ignorant" and "I love all people and could care less if you like men or women."
In a longer tweet, Clarkson clarified her support for Paul and her own stances on racism and homophobia, saying, "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."The singer also fired back at some of the harsh criticism that she had gotten from her fans in the wake of her original Ron Paul tweet. In a post on her website she wrote:
"Man my eyes have been opened to so much hate tonight. If y'all ever disagree with something I say please don't feel the need to attack me. I will listen to what you say and any articles or viewpoints you have when you say it with respect. Being hateful is not a healthy way to get people to see or hear you. I was raised to respect people and their decisions and beliefs and I hope you will grant me the same decency. If you don't agree with me simply unfollow me. It's really that easy. I hope you don't because I would love the chance to hear what you have to say but if you're so blinded by hate you can't seek peace and progress then that is your unfortunate prerogative."