Kelly Clarkson Endorses Obama, Citing President's Gay Marriage Stance

Kelly Clarkson Endorses Obama: 'I Have A Lot Of Gay Friends'

Nearly a year after voicing her support for former GOP candidate Ron Paul, Kelly Clarkson says she plans to vote for President Barack Obama in November.

Calling herself a "Republican at heart," the 30-year-old Texas native told the Daily Star: “I’ve been reading online about the debates and I’m probably going to vote for Obama again...I can’t support Romney’s policies as I have a lot of gay friends and I don’t think it’s fair they can’t get married."

But it isn't just lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues that are prompting Clarkson to switch party lines: “I’m not a hardcore feminist but we can’t be going back to the ’50s."

She then noted, "Obama is a great guy. I’ve met him and I’m a fan of Michelle, too."

In December 2011, the pop singer sparked the ire of many fans when she endorsed Paul, who also hails from Texas. I love Ron Paul. I liked him a lot during the last republican nomination and no one gave him a chance," Clarkson wrote on Twitter. "If he wins the nomination for the Republican party in 2012 he's got my vote."

Many of Clarkson's fans, however, felt differently, pointing to the then-ongoing controversy over racist and homophobic newsletters that were sent out under Paul's name in the 80s.

Addressing the criticism, Clarkson tweeted:

"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."

The singer continued: "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."

View celebrities who may vote for Mitt Romney below:

Jenna Jameson

Republican Hollywood

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