Kelly Clarkson backs Ron Paul

Nine years after being named the first American Idol, singer Kelly Clarkson has stepped into the fray of an election likely to draw fewer votes.

Clarkson, who was born in Fort Worth and grew up in Burleson, announced to her 900,000+ Twitter followers Wednesday night that she was a supporter of fellow Texan Ron Paul for president, though she didn't express much hope that the Congressman from Lake Jackson will even win his party's nomination.

"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," Clarkson posted on Twitter.

The response from politically-engaged fans of the pop star was swift with Clarkson receiving praise from some but outright anger from others. Clarkson spent the next few hours using Twitter to further explain her own political views in response to questions and accusations.

When asked if she's a Republican, Clarkson responded, "I am a Republican but I actually voted Democrat last election."

Regarding Paul's isolationist stance, Clarkson tweeted, "We shouldn't try & help/tell other countries how to solve their issues w/the poor when we can't even solve our own." Clarkson also revealed via a tweet that she doesn't support the death penalty

Many on Twitter asked Clarkson to address allegations that Paul is racist and homophobic due to statements in newsletters sent out under Paul's name over a decade ago. Clarkson tweeted that she had not heard Paul say anything against minorities or gay people.

Eventually, Clarkson opted to post a longer statement:

"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."

Paul's campaign posted the endorsement on the front page of its campaign website Thursday morning.

-Aman Batheja