He was PC (about hating America, Israel, and Jews) until he made the gay crack. If he spoke warmly about gay people, the moonbats would be ready to run him for President of the US.
All in all, I think they were able to overlook the comment about gays. After all, this guy hates Bush, so he must be on the Left's side. They just seemed to hold their noses and gave him a hearty round of applause. Then the Columbia official came over and gave him a warm hand shake. Imagine the propaganda value of this visit. "Iranian Pres. Warmly Welcomed in America".
Columbia U. is playing out of their league and are patsies.