Kelly Clarkson Casually Endorses Ron Paul, Responds to Twitter Backlash

Political endorsements are always a slippery slope for musicians, actors and other public figures. And Kelly Clarkson learned that the hard way Wednesday night after showing her support for Ron Paul online.

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The 29-year-old singer and original American Idol victor wrote of her "love" for the Republican candidate on Twitter and WhoSay accounts.

"I love Ron Paul," she wrote. "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."

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The ensuing response from her nearly 1 million followers was largely unfavorable, with many accusing him of tolerating racism and homophobia in his newsletters from the 1970s and '80s.

Clarkson responded to several followers individually before addressing the matter in a longer post on WhoSay.

"Man my eyes have been opened to so much hate tonight," she wrote. "If y'all ever disagree with something I say please don't feel the need to attack me. I will listen to what you say and any articles or viewpoints you have when you say it with respect. Being hateful is not a healthy way to get people to see or hear you."

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Her candidness seemed to defuse the situation, with ensuing comments largely supportive -- but she did seem to leave the window open for more discourse.

"I was raised to respect people and their decisions and beliefs and I hope you will grant me the same decency," she continued. "If you don't agree with me simply unfollow me. It's really that easy. I hope you don't because I would love the chance to hear what you have to say but if you're so blinded by hate you can't seek peace and progress then that is your unfortunate prerogative."

As of Thursday morning, Clarkson's tweets were once again apolitical in nature.