While most of the media chewed on the nuances of President-elect Obama's careful choice of words concerning any possibility of his staff's interaction with radioactive Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, it's the selection of preacher Rick Warren to give Obama's inaugural invocation that lingers like that horrid mucus in the back of your throat after a night of too much partying.

Everyone knows Warren's position on gays; he is another one of those "We hate the sin, but love the sinner" types, as if that somehow validates his humanity. It's an imitation of good will, akin to saying, "Some of my best friends are black."

Mr. Obama's decision to select Warren for this honor is troubling because this is the man who ran his campaign on his judgment and foresight.

Would he risk offending the Jewish community in a similar way? That's unlikely.

What still lingers in American politics, even in the Democratic Party, is the sense that policies like Don't Ask-Don't Tell are not as offensive as, let's say, separate water fountains for whites and blacks. There is still the bizarre notion that gays should just get over it; that people aren't born gay - it's a whimsical choice.

Obama has defended his selection of Warren as an example of reaching across ideological lines to find common ground.

But in essence he is saying that gays are disposable voters, a stain that will wash out.