Kelly Clarkson and Michelle Branch have both come out as Ron Paul supporters, and that’s touched off a kerfuffle of its own:

Clarkson’s initial tweet read, “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.” Branch responded to her, “I wholeheartedly agree. #RonPaul.” Both singers then faced a barrage of angry tweets from their followers, who accused the two of supporting racism and the death penalty, and of not supporting equal rights for same-sex couples, by extension of their love for Paul.

Clarkson responded to those criticisms in a followup tweet: “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.” Branch also responded in turn: “Hmm. Didn’t mean to offend. I am not racist and am absolutely not a homophobe. Just trying to weed through the non-impressive choices!”

Besides the part where anyone would or should consider Hollywood endorsements in making their own voting preferences, the fact that either would consider Paul the best of a dismal bunch is troubling. You can’t say you support gay rights and then turn around and endorse Paul, not when his on-the-record positions undermine gay rights. Ditto for his stance on race-relations. Or anti-Semitism. (I could go on, but you already get the idea).

One can support smaller government without supporting Paul and the crazy train of baggage he comes with.