I predict that Barack Obama...

...will be considered the first "gay" president in much the same way that Bill Clinton was often called the first "black" president. That's why I think that everyone should just take a deep breath and stop worrying about his choice of Rick Warren to deliver the Inaugural Invocation.

It's a good move to reach out to one of the country's most popular evangelicals. Warren is from a newer generation, not like Jerry Falwell or Pat Robertson, and embraces a more holistic view of Christianity. He seems less angry, less divisive, and less focused on the Culture Wars of the '80s and '90s. He also seems less partisan and provides an opportunity for Obama to make inroads among this group. If nothing else, it's a politically shrewd maneuver.

Although Warren was a vocal supporter of Proposition 8 in California, which banned same-sex marriage, it's hard to imagine Obama as sympathetic to that view. He seems so progressive, so open-minded, so inclusive. I also think he would be loathe to deny gays the same civil rights that blacks fought so hard for during his lifetime. I think if anything, his relationship with Warren might persuade the high-profile minister and author to take another look at his feelings toward the gay community. It's hard to change people's minds without having a dialogue first.

And I think that's Obama's long-term strategy with the evangelical community. First, have a relationship, then talk, and then maybe find some common ground. What a refreshing change from the politics of division that we've become so used to. This is what I think Obama meant by bringing change to Washington, and by extension, the nation.

At the end of the day, let's judge Obama by his actions toward the gay community. I predict we'll all be pleased, including gays and maybe even some evangelicals.