Hot topic! McCain in bed with Manhunt?

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UPDATED! The blogosphere is buzzing with the news that gay sex site Manhunt.net's cofounder Jonathan Crutchley has stepped down as chairman of the company after it became known he contributed the maximum possible amount ($2,300) to John McCain's presidential campaign.

Towleroad and Huffington Post blogger Andy Towle pointed out August 14 that Crutchley confirmed his contribution and defended his "Massachusetts Republican" political stance on August 10, 2008, in the comments section of a 2007 interview on Online Personals Watch. (It doesn't appear the comment is showing up currently.)

UPDATE! Crutchley has stepped down as chairman of Manhunt on August 15. Here's an excerpt from the statement to Manhunt members by co-founder Larry Basile (you can read the whole thing in the comments below, too):

"It should be known that Jonathan Crutchley's donation to McCain left the entire Board in disbelief. I am disappointed that we have lost some customers, and I understand the anger. It is too bad for the web site if we lose customers, but PLEASE never refer to me as a Republican. I consider it an offense.

"Earlier today, at the request of the Board, Jonathan has stepped down as Chairman. Sincerely, Larry Basile."

That's some quick damage control ... and, I'm presuming, a lot of angry gay customers.

According to Towle, Crutchley's original comment said:

"Welcome to the age of the internet, where everyone’s private life becomes public. Yes, my contribution to John McCain’s campaign for president was listed on the Huffington Post. I believe McCain will be a better commander-in-chief than Obama, who also opposes gay marriage. If we have an experienced, seasoned person defending the country in this dangerous age, we will be able to argue about the gay agenda later. Yes, I am a Massachusetts Republican, which is about the same as being an Alabama Democrat. But don’t call me a 'liberal.' That's an insult."

Was the Manhunt board right to ask Crutchley to step down, or should an individual be able to contribute however he wants as long as it's a personal donation?

To me, the craziest part of Crutchley's original comment is the cavalier attitude toward online privacy. Does everyone's private life become public on Manhunt.net?

Comments

[Aidan]

To all of you who keep calling either candidate a socialist...

Do any of you actually know what a socialist is, or do you just regurgitate big words to sound cool?

Try looking it up.

[OtterJoq]

I just cancelled my Manhunt membership. Crutchley sounds like a Log Cabin Republican, a/k/a Self-Loathing Trust Fund Baby. He gets no more of my money.

[Dan the Man]

I wouldn't vote for McCain for the mere fact he has been on the record using the word 'gook' to describe Asians.
As for Crutchley, Obama is the only one supporting civil unions and his own church performs gay nuptuals.
For me, and many Americans supporting this current republican administration is denying the glbt community.
It's more like the Bush administration, or anything spawned from it (ie McCain), is out to deny glbt rights besides women's rights (hello Roe vs Wade).
I think of all the people I've known who struggle with their sexuality. I think of how their identity struggles escaladed into drug addictions, and other vices. I think of how their corruption or lack of self-esteem was dervived from nonacceptance... nonacceptance from their communities, schools, families, friends...
Many argue that the internet has sort of help drive the gay community back underground... instead of flurishing in the public realm, we lurk in the shadows and the anonymity of cyber-space. Sex becomes more casual, conversation less appealing for the social middle man is cut out.
Our wicked sword, which was once our words, could become deafened by our inferiority to come out unscathed and protected.
I guess I am not surprised Crutchley would support a Republican administration... it's this philosophy of driving us underground which makes his annoymous world of sex flurish.
I'll keep my gay.com... far more profiles of faces than genitals.
Shame on him for supporting our degradation. Shame on him.

BUT! Kudos to Huffington's people for paying attention TO US!!!

We (GLBT) need to remind ourselves Huffington was once married to a gay republican... and instead of turning on us she ropes us in and supports us. She gives us a voice, even if her man couldn't speak for himself.

Praise Huffington - Shame Crutchley!

[tomriddlesmate]

the only thing I have against McCain is that he is ignorantly anti-homosexual.

He is not at all a NEOCON, and has opposed Bush at many turns. He would be better for the economy that the (Middle class will pay for everything) Socialist that is Obama.

[Tim]

Don't see how any gay man can support a repulican for president. The republican party is under the control of the right wing born again christians who seem only concerned about women having a choice and gay men getting married. And don't fool yourself into thinking you're voting for national security...do you honestly believe the policy of the Bush administration has lessened hatred for Americans? Once again the Republican can do nothing but use fear of terroists to win an election. As long as they are able to do so, the terrorists have already won.

[Herman Valdez]

There's nothing worse than a Gay Republican!!!...people wake up!...voting for a party that gave us the KKK is like a jew voting for a nazi.Yes,the Democratic Party is not perfect but if we have to choose between two devils we have to choose the less evil.Just think...What Party persecutes gays,immigrants or blacks?...exactly,The Republican Party..and you all should know that by now!.

[Eric]

DanTheMan.....
Shame On Crutchley for supporting OUR Degradation??!?

Seems to me that those that have Manhunt Profiles are supporting their own Degradation (if you want to call it that)...if its not on Manhunt it would be elsewhere they would get their Kicks...including here on Gay.Com.

You Cannot Legislate Morality and how Humans choose to interact....Seems to me me if their is any blame to be case it would be on each individual and their own obsessions and Drives...but please DanTheMan dont blame Crutchley for being a Smart BusinessMan. If its business you dont support then dont use it. Simple as That ~ use your own better judgment to choose how you live your Life. Personal Responsibility as it should be and perfectly OK with the Republican Party~Choose your own actions but be ready to be accountable for the ramification of those Actions.

[nersjon]

Great to see there are some fellow homosexuals here who AREN'T liberals. My dad used to tell me..."if youre 21 and youre not a liberal then you dont have a heart....if youre 40 and youre not a conservative then you dont have a brain." Socialism is alive and well and living in the democratic party. "to each according to his needs, from each according to his means" wealth redistribution is the order of the day. With the gay community having some of the most disposable income, we should be leery(leary)
of those telling us we have too much and others need it more than we do. be generous, yes...but dont mandate it. thank youfor your time.

[nersjon]

gee...my posting got deleted...what a shocker.
the party of tolerance is often intolerant.

[niceguyrnr]

I know it shocks a lot of naive gays, but a whole lot of gays are moderate to conservative. Obama is just way too left for even this liberal.

[niceguyrnr]

I know it shocks a lot of naive gays, but a whole lot of gays are moderate to conservative. Obama is just way too left for even this liberal.

[Matt]

This is nonsense. As if being gay meant that one has to be a liberal Democrat??!

"Earlier today, at the request of the Board, Jonathan has stepped down as
Chairman."

That is absurd. What reason do they have to ask Jonathan to resign his position because he supports John McCain? None whatsoever.

See, that's what I hate about the gay people in this country (not all of them obviously, but way too many). They think that the gay movement should be tied to a complete economic and social agenda that is liberal. That's nonsense. There are many complex issues to weigh in supporting a particular candidate, more than just the "gay issue". What effectively this sends is a message that gay voters ought to be single-issue voters, which is not very good for the country and I think, not very good for the "gay movement."

Short sighted nonsense. I'm ashamed of all of the people who are so narrow minded and ignorant, words that the liberals love to throw around against homophobes, which can now be thrown right back at them for being conservaphobes.

[ca_panic_fan]

I canceled my Manhunt account after reading this story, but that was only the final nail in the coffin. It was a weak site anyway.

[Dirk]

It makes sense that a business man would support McCain. Obama will raise our taxes and create an anti-business culture in our country with a nanny-government mentality.

[PM]

its not Rebublican, but real threat for gays is islamofascist and their appeasers....

[JamesTKirk]

Learn your history. The KKK was created by Democrats, not Republicans; and it's the Democrats who proudly reelect a former Klansman to the Senate every six years.

[Bob]

Democrats founded the KKK you butt slamming tool.

[Another Gay Republican]

I STILL can't believe how narrow minded many gay people are. For years I've heard "gay people are very open minded". Yeah right! Just as long as you believe the same way they do. And I'm equally amazed the question

"Hmmm. Do you think Crutchley should be able to contribute however he wants, or is he being a hypocrite?"

was even asked. Who gives you the right to question someone else's right to support whom ever they please in the upcoming election.
Like others have said, since when does being gay mean you have to be liberal or Democrat?

I, like others on here, are proud to be Republican. No, we may not always agree on everything but some of us still have certain beliefs and standards that are supported by the more conservative side. And believe it or not, some of us look beyond the 'gay rights' issues. Some of us might even go as far as to say gay rights might even have to take a backseat for a while so we can take care of some incredibly important issues that face our country.

I know some of you just cringed and would shoot darts at me for saying that, but you know what, I don't care. Only single minded people with a very narrow focus would think that. Anyone that would seriously consider all the issues might agree.

I think it's time more of us spoke up and stopped this crazy notion that just because we're gay we should vote for someone because of his political affiliation and not by what we really believe inside. I know there are more conservative gay people out here, like me, than the gay 'community' would like to admit.

Maybe it's time to vote for the RIGHT candidate and not for his political party name or unsubstantiated promises of "change". Change to what? A more socialist republic? I think I'd prefer someone that has at least some experience that can help lead us out of these turbulent times.

Don't agree? Not a problem guys. That's why I love the USA. We have the right to disagree, and there are brave men and women all over the world continuing to help protect your rights to say I'm wrong. Put Obama in there and you just might be sadly surprised on how quick some of your hard earned rights might be taken away.

Paul

[nersjon]

I'm proud that so many gay conservatives have spoken up here.

[Vinny]

Well, any out gay man that votes for a republican is a freakin' fool.

The Rethugs have 3 OFFICIAL party platforms that, in essence, attempts to move us back into the world of criminals.

Don't believe me? When the Bowers decision was overturned, the Republican party and all of the major spokespersons stated that "Sodomy should remain a crime".

That's criminalizing our conduct. That is making "gay" illegal.

SO ... all you morons who think voting Republican is the same as voting Dem .. why don't you open a vein and let Darwin win.

[Ex Manhunt Member]

This issue was first brought to my attention on Tuesday night by a friend. I thought out of fairness, I would email ManHunt and find out their take on the story. I got a very terse email back from them which said that it was a personal issue which did not reflect on ManHunt. Five minutes later, while emailing some of my buddies on ManHunt to spread the news, my account was deleted, due to what they said was "terms of service" violations. Was ManHunt watching my emails? This feels a WHOLE lot like big brother and personal censorship to me. Oh yeah, it sounds a WHOLE lot like the Republicans! At first I was pissed off that they had deleted me, but then I realized that they had just done for me what I had intended to do anyway. Any gay Democrat who is a ManHunt member, whether or not you are a paying member, should DELETE his account and hit them where they will hurt most. Their bottom line! I support their right to donate to the Republicans, just not with MY money! Look for me here on Gay.com and Adam4Adam!

[Trent]

Glad to see he does not blindly follow the Democracks who do nothing but give lip service to gays. Good for Crutchley and he should be able to give his money as he pleases. After all, it is his money. If Obama and the other liberal socialist pigs get in...they will be foaming at the mouth to get their hands on his and everyone's hard earned money including YOURS!!! I have yet to decide on who I am voting for but I know I am not voting Obama. Oh and before you go on some rant about the religious right...I don't agree with them either. But at least the Constitution protects me from being forced to believe in a particular religion, God, etc. The Constitution does not protect me from socialism, bigger government, distribution of wealth that favors irresponsibility. Think!!!

[nersjon]

well said, Trent!

[zorrolatino]

GREATj!! So do some in the gay community think that OBAMA is REALLY FOR GAYS?
Please wake up, OBAMA is NOT FOR GAYS, he is FOR OBAMA !
He will break the back of the country, imperil us at the hands of the Islamofascists who by the way would KILL EVERY GAY person, forget about "marriage", lets start with LIVING ! Its no wonder 25% of Gay men without reservation the smartest and best KNOW the difference and support McCain.

[ryan]

Anyone who would join a party that hates them deserves everything they get.

[musicalpeterpan]

I've never supported a republican, and I'm very reluctant to start. The bane of republican politics in my opinion, has been this bullshit rhetoric about conservativism. I'm trying to figure out just what the hell the republicans are saving. It's not energy, It's not the environment, and it's definitely not money. It seems that according to the media and to many misinformed people, Democrat means Jackass, and Republican means smart. I'm sorry, that is not the truth. While our opinions and beliefs are different, there is intelligence on both sides of the coin. Social conservatives treat gay men and women like the also ran of the human race. If we elect McCain, I guess "35% of us" are gratified by being LESS THAN straight people. Shame, that we are only looked at as the next profit margin, and not a thriving integral part of society. I'd rather gain respect being who I am, then by being a wolf in sheep's clothing.

[musicalpeterpan]

I've never supported a republican, and I'm very reluctant to start. The bane of republican politics in my opinion, has been this bullshit rhetoric about conservativism. I'm trying to figure out just what the hell the republicans are saving. It's not energy, It's not the environment, and it's definitely not money. It seems that according to the media and to many misinformed people, Democrat means Jackass, and Republican means smart. I'm sorry, that is not the truth. While our opinions and beliefs are different, there is intelligence on both sides of the coin. Social conservatives treat gay men and women like the also ran of the human race. If we elect McCain, I guess "35% of us" are gratified by being LESS THAN straight people. Shame, that we are only looked at as the next profit margin, and not a thriving integral part of society. I'd rather gain respect being who I am, then by being a wolf in sheep's clothing.

[L. Myron]

It's sad that Crutchley is comforting the enemy, but he does have a right to do what he wants with his money. I remember when the Human Rights Campaign opted to support Al D'amato in his NY Senate race against Charles Schumer. I stopped supporting them at that point, as well as other gay organizations who support Republicans. I'll do the same with Manhunt. He has the right to donate...I have the right NOT to contribute to their coffers.

[Another Gay Republican]

Ex ManHunt Member proves a point that I was making to a few of my friends last night.
Many Democrats seem to fall into a highly emotional state, when it comes to their politics and most conservatives I know THINK and share information.

I wonder why that is? Anyone that calls someone else a fool and a moron might step back from the podium and do a little soul searching. You just might find out YOU are the one full of hate and bigotry. If you're not, then why the hateful language? I don't care how mad you are, grow up, be an adult and talk like one, too. You just might get your point across a little bit better.

Paul

[wvlovers]

What's the big deal? Isn't this America, where people are free to make their own decisions? After all, Obama is probably the least qualified candidate put forth by either major party during my lifetime -- but then I'm only 71. Obama is already in favor of eliminating the secret ballot in union elections. How long will it be until he extends that position to political elections? The idea of Obama as President is a terrifying prospect.

[crikeykid]

Knowing how shallow and self-centered gays are, I'm not surprised they would have a hissy fit because one guy tossed a few bucks at McCain. These are the same people who fuck everything that's warm and shoot drugs then blame Bush because AIDS pills are $100 each. This story is proof that gays don't give a shit about anything except their own hedonistic selves.

[jason]

Let me get this straight, if a person has a personal belief that differs from yours or the compaies beliefs he has to step down? I thought freedom meant you were free to believe as you choose and support whomever you believe will be in our countries best interest, not your own personal best interest. When will the gay community start realizing the place for your concerns on personal rights belongs in your state, the countries best interest or the federal government is a totally different story. The country should not care who you sleep with, the country should make sure that while your doing so someone from another country doesnt come and bomb your butt while you sleep.

[JD]

Its sad to think a person would loose his job over who he supports for President. Last time I checked this was America, the home of the free. Also, this notion that ALL Rebuplicans hate gay people is absolutely ridiculous and unwarrented. This entire situation is beyond belief. But then again...the far left is beyond belief.

[Bret]

I'm sure if I were asked to leave my job for donating to the obama campaign, I would make a stink about it. everyone has the right to donate to the candidate of their choice. being essentially, "Fired" for donating to a compaign is just plain wrong. this is the type of thing we are trying to abolish by voting out the current regime. Manhunt's board has just demonstrated that they're no better than the current administration. remember the fired Judges? Think about it.

[Rangdrol]

Having worked for Manhunt.net I got a little bit of an inside view on both of the owners...Manhunt was the kind sickest and most toxic environment I ever worked in. While they boasted a nice package for workers, the real life day to day of the business is the stuff for reality tv shows. After pounding my head against the wall with issues including other staff, I finally resigned. A funny thing I always thought was that they were like a dysfunctional family: things were very pretty on the outside (huge imported/antique Buddhist Thangkas on the wall) while one of the owners was strung out on meth on the phone, asking for the hundredth time what his password to his own Manhunt.net website was...Hopefully these disclosures in the media will make gay men a little more concerned about just where there money goes, and who is looking out for them, and not just waiting in line for their money...

[Rangdrol]

Having worked for Manhunt.net I got a little bit of an inside view on both of the owners...Manhunt was the kind sickest and most toxic environment I ever worked in. While they boasted a nice package for workers, the real life day to day of the business is the stuff for reality tv shows. After pounding my head against the wall with issues including other staff, I finally resigned. A funny thing I always thought was that they were like a dysfunctional family: things were very pretty on the outside (huge imported/antique Buddhist Thangkas on the wall) while one of the owners was strung out on meth on the phone, asking for the hundredth time what his password to his own Manhunt.net website was...Hopefully these disclosures in the media will make gay men a little more concerned about just where there money goes, and who is looking out for them, and not just waiting in line for their money...

[wvlovers]

Jim Brown asked why socialism is bad. From my point of view, it is bad because it is a severe limitation on freedom. Socialism involves government ownership of the means of production and distribution. In pure socialism, there are no private businesses. All business decisions are made by government bureaucrats instead of being guided by market forces. This means that a society produces the things its government thinks it should produce rather than the things its citizens want. There is no such thing as entrepreneurship, and there is a disconnect between innovation and reward, discouraging innovation. When compared with capitalism, therefore, socialism reduces the overall wealth of society. If the U. S. had been organized as a socialist country, it would be much poorer instead of being the world's economic powerhouse, and most of us individually would also be much poorer.

[super8]

I think it's extremely sad that anyone has to resign or get fired from a job (and being a board member is a job) because of their political believes. One of our founding principles in this country is freedom of speech. It's sad and possibly illegal that such an act can occur. People should feel free to promote or vote or support any candidate they see fit.

[Dr. Tim Martin]

Sorry guys, I'm not an Obama supporter at all. He has been pushed to the forefront for all the wrong reasons and he won't support the gay community despite those who believe he will "because he is black". That's hogwash and time will tell.

As for the guy donating money he shouldn't lose his job over it. We ALL have the right to donate or support whomever we want and to force a person out of his job because we don't like his political position (or any position for that matter) then we are no better the the bigots who do what they can to destroy gay people and the world they live in.

Tim...

[Mike Jernigan]

Those who think that Republican stands for freedom have been living through the terrible Bush years with their head up their ass. Bush has regarded the Constitution as just an old piece of paper while he trampled all over it. McCain is no better, just a little better pacaged than the idiot that squats in White House now is. Gay republicans are an oxymoron.

[McCain -A-Crat]

Sorry Guys, I cannot find it in myself to place my one vote on someone who is not qualified for the job. I love Hillary and if she is on the ticket with Obama, then he will get my vote, but that is the only way. "Change what" ? I ask.

[Gay Proud Fag]

This man is a acts like a communist in russia. Agree with me or I will ruin you. Screw you. THis hateful Liberal appears to have Over Played his hand as he has managed to tork off many moderate gay people, Tothink that any 1 block of people are robots shows how stupid this person is. His action as all actions have, caused a very bad reaction from many moderate minded folks. We can take solice in knowing this and it is our own form of sweet revenge against any people who love to hate. People that chose to vote for more conservative minded politicians Like McCain.

[Chris]

So much for the American constitution and the right to freedom of thought, expression and association. Let's ostracize all those who do not think of like mind. Cuba, China, Burma, and countless others have it right??? We sure are the epitome of tolerance aren't we!!!
Lovingly yours in the American spirit,
Chris

[Jerry]

McCain didn't know where Afghanistan was on a map. And he doesn't understand the fundamental differences between a Shiite and a Sunni. It's like trying to broker a truce between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, and not understanding their religious differences.

This is the guy Jonathan Crutchley wants as Commander in Chief?!

[TOM]

I can't believe that the politically correct libero-fascist self proclaimed gay activist got away with this!!! I'm gay and have rarely in my life voted for a Democrat, because I agree with them on almost nothing. Gay adoptions/marriages are hardly at the top of the list of the most pressing issues facing this nation, in fact they're not even on it!!!
How dare you force someone out of his job, because you disagree with his politics! How dare you suggest all gays are liberlassholes (always one word) or democrats!

[stan]

This is still a free country! Just because we disagree with someone it does not give us the right to silence or ostracize him. That smacks of Facsism!

[David Fowler]

Any gay man who could call himself a Republican is not only a vile, filthy traitor to his own community, but a fool who's championing his own destruction. If there are those moronic enough to believe that, if Republicans had the power, there wouldn't be concentration camps on American soil filled with gays and lesbians then they seriously need to wake up. A Republican is nothing more than a Nazi without the balls to admit to being a Nazi. They're hypocrites who use the Bible as a crutch for their own hatreds. I can only believe that it makes God sick. I know it does me.

[spike]

I think it's crappy for the reporters of this article to "OUT" the Manhunt website. I don't want anybody knowing about that site unless they need to because they want to participate in it! Stop putting all the users of Manhunt on the chopping block!

[David McNeal]

Jonathan Crutchley has the right to donate to whomever he thinks is the best candidate and the people who subscribe to his web site have the right to cancel their subscriptions.

This is the only recourse consumers have. When that recourse affects a companies bottomline well you saw what happened.

[mcobttm]

I have already let Manhunt.Net know that I will not be re-subscribing until they allow Jonathan Crutchley back. How dare they judge him on the basis of his personal choice for President! John McCain may not be Manhunt's choice for President and indeed he is not mine either, but to perpetuate the same type of intolerance shown to us by our adversaries is unacceptable!