Kelly Clarkson Sees Album Sales Increase After Announcing Support for Ron Paul

Last week, Kelly Clarkson announced her support of Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul, and fans quickly reacted negatively on Twitter. But, even if Clarkson alienated a few fans with her assertion, album sales for Stronger went up at the same time. While not reflected (yet) on the Billboard charts, Stronger leaped from #41 to #13 on Amazon’s chart and ascended to #15 on the iTunes chart. Could this be a coincidence or, as Idolator.com pointed out, could a few Ron Paul supporters have bolstered Stronger’s sales?

Either way, Clarkson released a quasi-apology on her whosay.com account. After fans bombarded her Twitter page, asking about her stance on racism and LGBT rights, she wrote: “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.”

Originally, Clarkson stated: “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.”

She followed that, via whosay.com, with: “Man my eyes have been opened to so much hate tonight. 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. I was raised to respect people and their decisions and beliefs and I hope you will grant me the same decency. 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.”