oh word?

that sucks

hmmm……..interesting

It’s pretty obvious that Tom took issue with Tavis’ support of Clinton. And perhpas he started to loose listeners because of it, so he needed to pressure Tavis into quitting.

McCain 08

I’m not familiar with his show but I think it’s a shame that people really do act like this. We wonder why, business owned by blacks never last a lifetime, cause no matter someone’s personal preference- We judge them based on that decision. STOP THE HATE!!!

I listened to Tavis for a minute until he started to make my ass itch and I started turned him off during his segment.He just salty because Barack didn’t go to his little conference.Nothing but a big baby.My goodness.I still don’t know who I’m going to vote for so because my mind changes.Hope Tavis done well and quit bitching though.

Wow. I haven’t listened to the TJMS in forever. I’m in college now so I can control what I listen in the mornings on the radio. That is too bad though because Tavis was a very important part of the show, in my opinion. So, he doesn’t support Barack? Interesting…

On Thursday Jay-z & Mary J will be on his show!!!! I hope that will work!!!!! Oh,he must have a lot of questions to jay-z, will he asks some marriage questions, we will see!

I’m sorry, but Barack had a right to not go to that convention. This man is running for the President of the UNITED STATES, not just black people. Many people who attended agreed that it was way more important to be campaigning (esp. considering he had already campaigned in New Orleans) than to be attending a two hour panel on the state of black america.

The only reason Hillary Clinton attended was because she had just blew the black vote in South Carolina.

I have no problem with Tavis Smiley supporting Hillary Clinton, but I have the right to change the station when you come on. His “State of the Black Union” is merely a ploy, in my opinion, to sale books. If you go to that website, all it has is information on his books and the books of Hillary and Bill Clinton.

I don’t know how many of you watched the State of the Black Union, but Tavis really couldn’t let go of the fact that Barack Obama did not attend his conference. Even though Michelle Obama wanted to attend, this was ignored and Smiley continued to pose questions to those who attended the conference that were designed to vilify Sen. Obama and simultaneously promote Clinton because he has financial ties to the Clintons. My question is, when did his “State of the Black Union” because THE conference for addressing issues affecting black Americans and other minorities? It has and always will be about Smiley’s pockets. Each year, they rehash the same issues against a backdrop of all his many “sponsors”, while offering no viable solutions. Besides, that whole “convenant” was about nothing more than Tavis selling his book. I’m glad that he learned that it’s one thing to support one candidate, but it’s another thing altogether to ceaselessly attack another candidate. I’m grateful to see that Joyner’s listeners weren’t willing to stand for it.

I think it is a shame he feels like he needs to leave the show. Although I do not agree with his opinion about Barack Obama, he still has the right to say what he wants within reason.

The ONLY reason Obama didn’t attend was because he knew Tavis didn’t support him. If I were running for president, that certainly wouldn’t have stopped me. Practically every black leader has attended in the past, so why not Obama? Personally, I think he should have been there.

Honestly Tavis seems to have become a very self serving individual…. I believe he started off very humble, but his head got bigger than his intent, he started believing the hype. He shows very little love for any prominent Black men. I think he’s petty and a very jealous person.

He believed that his joining the TJMS would certainly make TJMS beat the Steve Harvey morning show… that hasn’t worked out so well for them.

He “promised” the Clinton campaign that he could deliver them the Black vote - and he rec’d a lot of corporate “sponsorship” based on his promise. You get real salty when you let your ego make a promise that you can’t keep. How is he going to deliver something that is not his?

So Tom Joyner didn’t understand Tavis’ intent to resign in June vs. quitting immediately? As is always the case, there is more to this story, and based on his need to clarify Tom’s statement - there will probably end up being some bad blood between the two of them as well.

Word is, Tavis is getting his own Radio show soon.

*******ARRRRRRGGGGHHHH*****

It’s sometimes hard living in the UK and reading Concrete Loop, like I wanna get involved with political discussions, but what did this guy do to Obama or say?

Like, I tried to pick it up from other posts,but it’s totally over my head.

Gimme a link.
Throw me a bone.
Tie a note to a pigeon.

#16 - This might help…. Tavis Smiley holds a “State of Black America Union” annually and he invited Barack Obama to attend, Barack was campaigning and declined the offer, but offered that Michelle Obama would attend in his place.
Tavis declined. The first link is the letter that Barack sent to Tavis….

The second link is Tavis explaining the Geraldo all of the backlash he is receiving.

If you google - Barack and Tavis there are probably a lot more articles out there….

http://essence.typepad.co...8/02/copy-of-sen-bar.html

http://www.dailyvodcasts.com/?p=55442

He only wanted the presidential hopefuls to go, he could care less he just wanted ratings because he knew people would tune into it because they are “hot topic.” I mean yeah we have issue with Black America, but this isn’t a black country.We need to address issue that concern everyone that was the whole point.Well we all have to bank on something.

i agree with #10…well said!

I agree with #9 and 10 and I really agree with #13. He really annoys me so if I’m flicking through and I hear him I turn it off because he has lost my respect. I mean the whole Obama thing was out of line and I’m not even an Obama maniac. I’m still weighing my options

But he was soooo disrespectful to Sen. Obama and his wife. And dang, did Tom just say what he really thought lol!!!

Tavis really needs to stop all of these side projects and get his ish together. I I’m all about expressing your opinions and things but come on. He showed how childish and petty he is and he needs to just own up and move on. So what ppl disagree with you, your a commentator that’s your job to spark debate, move on!

********THANKS # 16********

Wow, why did that man shit all over himself like that and in public too? The letter that Sen. Obama wrote to him saying he wasn’t attending his annual thing was so dignified, so powerful and yet this guy continued to do-do all over himself. What a flying crock-a-shame!

Love the politics, Angel.

I have been listening to Tom and Steve’s show for quite some time, I have been tired of Travis just as long. But I also listen and watch ALL the news. Not only to be informed but to KNOW when those other folks and pulling the spin, out right lying and of course keeping us down.

Travis: Is completely full of himself and from the word go has dogged Obama. Which on its face alone makes no sense. We FINALLY get a BLACK man, EDUCATED, someone we can TELL our young black male children they can emulate and respect and aspire to be like, and tell our young girls that he had to RESPECT and WAIT to get his wife’s hand in marriage. Who worked through drugs and came out so far ahead he is running for PRESIDENT of the United States. Remind them that the jackass in office, with a C grade average, whose own father was president, has made this the worst time in our lives, and now a BLACK man who went to HARVARD with little experience can make a true difference that can IMPROVE our lives.

Travis and Steve still deliver the message to us in that “old time fashion.. us folk”. We have become a black society who criticizes Bill Cosby for Really keeping it real and willing to glamorize the “thug” life and all those rich ass fools our children now want to grow up to be like. We talk about education but do not raise our children to respect what school is for. I have much more respect for Steve. He embraces the brothers doing the right thing, in all fashions, and is putting it out there.

We need to understand that for the white folks who are not prejudice, and embrace us, they too can be swayed if WE open the door. If you are that tired nigga who thinks there is a “K” in the word street when you say it, YOU are the one who tells them it’s OK to look down on us. Shit if we all went to the same school and had the same teacher, why the hell are you saying it wrong?

Obama has reached out to everyone. And the brother is teaching them ALL we can do it. We, US, the black “folk” are not all that tired nigga they named us. And they are listening. Don’t fuck up what we have been striving for. And put those of US who are doing that on blast.

Keep it real and if you don’t know, ask someone who does to school you.

It’s amazing how quickly we begin to diminish this man, Tavis Smiley behind Barack Obama who is fairly new to the black community at large. Tavis Smiley has been deeply involved in black issues and in our community for years, as have the Clinton’s. Now, I am a Barack supporter and I understand his reasons for not attending the State of the Black Union Address, but to vilify Tavis for having an opinion and feeling slighted is a little disingenuous.

Look, as a representative and a leader in the Black community he is ABSOLUTELY justified in asking our politicians, whether Black or White to take time out (even if on the campaign trail) for a few hours to come and show African Americans that you have a deep interest in what is going on in our community.

To speculate on why Hillary showed up and Barack didn’t is not only ridiculous, not only foolish, but COMPLETELY unfounded. For members of the Black Community to make light of Tavis Smiley’s feelings, for them to poke fun at them and to further their insults by labeling him as arrogant and a champion of his own self-interest is EMBARASSING! Black people need to learn that publicly chastising and criticizing their own will only hurt us in the end.

Do I believe some of this is as a result of Tavis’s own discontent with Barack not showing up? YES! Do I believe that he has a right to feel that way? Absolutely. This man has been pandering to the people for awhile now and while I support him and will cast my vote for him, I don’t for a second believe that he is some type of savior to the Black Community. In fact if the Black Community is to benefit from his Presidency we all know it will be post the 2012 re-election of Obama into office for his second term. Then and only then will we see what he is made of. Prior to 2012, he will be visible enough and do JUST enough to secure the Black vote for the 2012 election. This is politics folks, lets face it!

Let’s not vilify Tavis who has been there for us before we saw the possibility of having a Black man as President of the United States, instead either we should remain neutral or at the very least, we should stay out of it.

woe… this is my first time even hearing about the tavis and obama thing

I had no idea it was like that, Tavis.

If Barack “purposely” wanted to avoid the State Of The Black Union, why would he even bother sending his wife to speak on his behalf? He wanted his voice to be heard through his wife although he couldn’t come because of the campaign. He even told Tavis in his LETTER that even though he (Tavis) declined his request to have Michelle speaking on his behalf at the forum, he should really RECONSIDER it because nobody knows him better than his wife. That’s how much Barack wanted to be represented there.

I’m very disappointed in Tavis.

******RE:JAN COUTRIER NO. 21

I understand where you are coming from, insofar as saying that Barack offers a new kind of leadership that young black children can emulate, admire and ultimately aspire to. But my point is, even with his mishaps and flaws, WE KNOW WHO TAVIS SMILEY IS by his ACTIONS and just his words alone.

Barack (whom I support, albeit some slight reservations) is new to the Black community as a whole, and we are connected to him by his words and not so much by his deeds. I have done the research and read the books and by his record alone I am not entirely impressed.

Tavis does love Black people, Tavis has been involved in attempting to uplift the Black community and he has not sold his soul. Tavis could easily go the safe route that many educated African American men who are well established and well networked go, he has chosen to stick to issues and fight for education and consciousness in the black community.

His style of speaking to the people is blunt and homely, not “old school.” He has bridged a coalition of black intellects with black activist of less education but fervent passion in the cause of Black prosperity; please let’s not COMPLETELY trade a sure thing for something that is uncertain and unproven AT BEST! Instead, lets look within ourselves and realize that WE CAN and DESERVE both of these successful, intelligent brotha’s working on our behalf.

i am amazed how other subjects that he raised were to be important, but obama was the most serious. he hardly ever spoke about hillary or mccain , but when spoke about obama he had so much venom in his words. i’m surprise tavis thought he wasn’t gonna get called on his hate on obama maybe he need to join fox news.

@ Wendell

We are no more suggesting our disgust with Tavis Smiley as he did of Barack Obama. If he can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. We all know that Tavis is a smart, educated person. But we’re also smart and educated.

I stand by my public criticism of Tavis Smiley.

It’s funny, because my criticism of Tavis is only limited to this blog. Smiley continued to criticize Obama on radio and television.

I don’t care how much Tavis Smiley, the Clintons, or anybody has done for the African American community, if I disagree with them - I have the right to disagree and state my opinion. And you’re right, we do know Mr. Smiley by his actions. And those actions are why so many of us disagree with him, and will not be loosing sleep because his feelings are hurt.

Word is he’s going to Air America

***RE: JA (No. 27)

Look, all Tavis has done is to call a man of MANY words to action, and instead he offered his wife to act on his behalf. Tavis has every right (as did Cornell West at the State of the Black Union Address) to question Barack’s motives or his “love for the people.”

Cornell West hit the nail on the head when he stated his love and defense of Barack Obama in the face of white supremacy but amongst Black folks (and there is a difference) he has to question who is Barack obligated to?

WHERE IS YOUR MONEY COMING FROM? WHO IS FUNDING YOUR CAMPAIGN? I NEED TO KNOW WHO YOU INDEBTED TO, because those debts may prevent you from doing even what your heart and hands desire for the African American community.

Like Tavis said, we need a love language because people are getting beside themselves with their support. Support doesn’t have to be militant, this is extreme! Tavis has questioned Barack’s commitment to the Black community and done so in a forum which was not friendly to his sentiments. That was perhaps his biggest mistake, but nevertheless some of his points about Obama are legitimate. Instead we are accusing him of running a “smear” campaign against Obama, and some are going as far as to say that he is doing this precisely to support a larger agenda of aiding Hillary Clinton in becoming the Democratic Party Nominee. As our British friends would say “THATS RUBISH!”

Ever stop to think that Barack and Tavis have been friends prior to this Presidential campaign and maybe un-beknownst to all of us, he is seeing some changes in Barack that may be indicative of what the future may hold regarding Barck’s relationship to the Black community? It’s not fair to simply render this man bitter, self-righteous or selfish and reduce his concerns to the fact that Barack didn’t show up to his lil’ conference. That’s not fair either.

We reserve the right to criticize our leaders, but my concerns are not with someone that can articulate their concerns and make a compelling and fair argument. It’s those people who are simply vilifying Tavis for the sake of defending Barack without acknowledging that Tavis has established and EARNED through his deed’s - the trust and ear of the Black community.

Tavis took a stand, and he is passionate a/b the black union, and thats great, but he failed to realize the magnitude of obama’s situation, and probably hurt his chances in “the 2nd super tuesday”…

i dont listen to the tjms, so i dont really care about him quiting or not….

i know that “a more perfect union” must’ve really killed any point he wanted to make from there on to talk trash about obama… b/c if you even tried to hate on obama after that speech, you’re a fool..

tavis should’ve accepted michelle obama and let her take his place….

i had and still have alot of respect for tavis, but he made a huge mistake….and alot of famous black figures did (toward obama) but they didnt know him very well, and they didnt drag it as far as tavis did

i don’t think that was Tom’s place to air his opinions on why tavis was leaving…

totally unprofessional.

I had no idea tavis supported clinton……which should have been good for the show had everyone maintained a certain level of respect.

Although I’m a clinton supporter, I fault her for not continuing to make an open play for continuing support in the African American community despite the overwhelming support. They don’t have to be aggressive, but the strategy of waiting in the wings unitl barack makes a mistake may be detrimental to the democratic race……barack’s supporters could easily switch to mccain.

Saw Smiley on Bill Maher and u could not tell that he support obama cuz’ he was carefully trying to separate the black church from politics.

tavis like bernie mac must have that george jefferson and weezy syndrome; out there on the west coast . now back when both of them, were straving artist w/ not much on there plate they wouldn’t have went no where. now that them two got a few more nickles in their pocket, they want to jump ship or they can’t take the heat. i bring b. mac into this because he said he didn’t want to do a king’s of comedy 2 because he didn’t want to travel .thats just a hollywood ego talking. i remember when he would push the bus from city to city. now since b. mac and tavis have moved on up . YOU CAN’T HIT EM IN THE ASS W/ A RED APPLE. do you two got a hollow-wood head or a hollywood head maybe both. check yourselves you high-pollut’n engrates. the people love you both so don’t forget who BUTTER’D YOUR CRACKER FIRST B-A-M-A OF THE WEEK. i can’t believe tavis thinned-skinned. TAVIS “GOOD BABIES DON’T CRY” they just whine alot. so if you quit tjms it means you’re human and we should’n of had you on a pedstal no way. this is why i put god FIRST BECAUSE after all we are truly on human. so if you quit because of the black pressure that just only “checked” you. don’t you know ITS HARD BEING BLACK YOU HET IT FROM BOTH SIDES. the white-man got his foot on your neck and black-folks will put they foot you know where. so if you choose to DROP OFF THE SHOW please don’t let roland martain take your place . this man wants me to sit at the table w/ a race of people who can’t stand me and fight over a pc. of chicken. yes i’am talking about the lateeno’s. READ THE BOOK PRESUMMED ALLIANCE. it will tell you how them people really feel about us. while you talk’n. oh hell no it ain’t gonna happen cheese-toast. tell bernie mac has hollywood made him out to be a “MR. MILK AND COOKIES” saying he don’t want to do stand-up no more . my how we tend to forget on what has brought us thus this far. we blacks do have the short-term memory affliction. ARE YOU REALLY A QUITTER MR. SMILEY it just not the person i’ve been listening to after all these years. GO AHEAD JUMP THE SHIP ON US BLACK -FOLKS “SHINE” SHINE save poor me. go on and abandon your people.

In addition, your comment that Tavis hold these conferences merely as a “PLOY” (of all words) to promote books and such is a unfortunate blatant diminishing of the efforts he’s made to uplift the Black Community. Cross promoting only makes sense, it makes good business and logistical sense.

Consider this, the books that are promoted or discussed at the SOBUA are generally the basis of the discussion AT LARGE at these events. It’s directly related to the way we practice - or attempt to practice - our faith (what we believe in). Church is an event that is set-forth with the intention of gathering people to in-act the calling God gives to us through a book - The Holy Bible.

If you are 15 years old going to church for the first time, chances are likely that you aren’t going with a Bible in your hand, but after one service in which the Holy Bible is promoted consistently throughout the service, any person of minute common sense will understand that to further the practice of the cause, you will need that book as a guiding tool. So to that end, you are right, yes these events are held in succession with promoting these reading materials.

But I see no PLOY involved. Again, we can’t reduce the SOBUA to promoting books no more than we can reduce the church to just promoting the Bible. We all know church is more than just a gathering of people to herald the great work that is the Bible. Church is a gathering of people that are looking for something, for which YES the Bible is but one tool, it is the establishing of a covenant with your brothers and sisters in Christ that most people go for. It is the spiritual uplifting and cleansing experience; learning something on Sunday that you can carry with you throughout the entire week. So to is the SOBUA for those that are looking to get involved in their communities.

Excellent points by all.

***RE: MAROON_TIGER (No. 30)

I agree with you for the most part. While I don’t see a problem with challenging Barack’s commitment to the Black community, I do believe that a call to Barack directly would’ve been sufficed to solve this (ummm) one-sided beef.

I don’t think “A More Perfect Union” would in fact kill Tavis’s criticisms of Barack Obama, in fact in the aftermath of the speech I think Tavis has fervor to make the point that Barack hasn’t held his commitment to the race discussion.

I also regard Michelle as a better public speaker than Barack and would’ve appreciated and enjoyed her presence at the SOBUA. I think it was a serious misjudgment/blunder on Smiley’s behalf not to have her appear.

Interesting reading all these comments. I must say that when Tavis worked for BET, he was more well-liked and since then he has been labeled a jerk so to speak.

Though he has a right to endorse whom ever he choices, he doesn’t have the right to bash other candidates. Barack can’t be at every single black event. That’s ridiculous to think such a thing. And Tavis needs to be a better journalist and get over it

Wow…. I am actually glad he is quitting. Unfortunately, not soon enough. I def respect a man’s opinion. U have every right to support who you want to support. But honestly, I change the channel when his morning “rants” come on because he is using that time to try and sway voters against Barrack Obama. I do not think this is fair. It is one thing to state your opinion about the man and go on, but he spends the whole time trying to get his point across as to why we shouldn’t support him. I just dont agree with that. I also agree with others who believe he is just BITTER because Obama didnt go to his panel. And in my opinion, Obama was not wrong for not going. All Tavis would have done is try to put him in a position to hurt himself. Obama is way smarter than that.

OBAMA 08

are you going to post about “bitter” controversy and hillary’s attacks?

THANKS FOR THIS POST! AS DIVERSE & PROGRESSIVE AS THE STATE I LIVE IN IS, ARIZONA, IT IS MAYBE THE MOST CULTURE-LESS PLACES I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED. WITH THAT SAID, THERE IS NO TOM JOYNER RADIO SHOW HERE. I AM FAMILIAR WITH THE SHOW, HOWEVER, I USED TO LIVE IN PA & OH . BUT HERE, OUTSIDE THE CLEAR CHANNEL OWNED “HIP-HOP” RADIO STATIONS THERE IS NO REAL BLACK/URBAN PROGRAMMING. I MAYBE GET TO SEE TAVIS ON HIS PBS SHOW WHICH AIRS HERE AT 1AM IF I DON’T WORK THE NEXT DAY. BUT ALL THIS IS NEWS TO ME, I’LL MOST DEF DO MY OWN DIGGING ABOUT THIS. THANKS AGAIN J!

GOOD!! NOW if we can just get TOM JOYNER to LEAVE that would really be great i dont think either one of them do any good for the black community they always throw people under the bus and say bad stuff about them but they wont talk about the good stuff….BYE….

GREAT posts, Wendell!

Obama’s candidacy may be uniting the “country” but it sure as hell doesn’t seem to be having the same effect on black folks. What a shame!

Grow up Tavis. People have differing opinions. If he can’t handle that then maybe he was in the wrong business to begin with….

Well you know what they say “if you can
t take the heat get out of the kitchen.” Holla Tavis

26.

RICKY BOI
Sunday, April 13, 2008 /
i am amazed how other subjects that he raised were to be important, but obama was the most serious. he hardly ever spoke about hillary or mccain , but when spoke about obama he had so much venom in his words.
______________________

EXACTLY!
No one is blaming him for his calling Obama to be “accountable”, but why was he never calling on Hillary or McCain to be “accountable”. Lately he was going on “rants” about Obama - he lost all objectivity and that was not a good look.

BOY BYE!!!

in response to WENDELL,

I told people before iowa that obama would have to walk a tight rope, he cant to be too much “pro black” even if his heart is… b/c he’ll scare off the white voters… and he’ll have to do that in order to keep the white voters interested… which he has done a magnificent job with….EVERYBODY seems to whine about barack not catering to black people enough… i live in atlanta, he came to ebenezer church on mlk weekend… that was great to get to see him, BUT IM NOT GONNA CRY BUCKETS of tears if he doesnt come to atlanta at all.. ITS 2008 PEOPLE.. go on cnn.com, go on cnn/fox news, you can see obama anywhere…HE CANT BE EVERYWHERE….{who cares if he doesnt visit your event…he can pop up and speak about race anywhere..at any given time} and most importantly, HE CANT really focus on race b/c americans are scared to even face that reality…. and IT WOULD BE STUPID FOR HIM TO TAKE THAT GAMBLE w/o having won at least the democratic nomination(b/c nobody is losing to mcain..), but hillary forced his hand with the rev wright thing…. so he had to speak a/b a bold subject before it was safe for him to do so…

i dont see where people get off saying “im suspicious about baracks motives/feelngs for black people” smh… he was a civil rights lawyer, and if you listen to his interviews, it seems as if he is the only candidate that wants to change not only politics, but the stagnant mentality of americans as well… theres something seriously wrong with some people, its like they’ll never be happy…. or understand in the right context..

barack’s only hope was to be 80-90% neutral along racial lines, you have to understand that and stop catching feelings… barack is running a campaign to transcend racial lines… hillary would love for him to play one side(african american) like she tried to pin on him w/ rev wright, but obama is smarter than that….its foolish to play one side, when this country is dying for unity..

Tavis is just following the old black leadership of this country…let’s continue to talk about it, let’s host forums, write books and discuss the state of black america but let’s never do anything real about the situation. What Barack is doing in this nation is transforming the entire nation not just the state of black america.
What a crab mentality Tavis has..a black man comes and has a real chance of being the first president and all you can do is hate on him. Are you serious? How sad!
I’ll never support anything this man does.

People who have been paying attention recognize Tavis’s pettyness in this. He didn’t start to villify and kick dirt on Obama until after Obama did not accept his invitation for the State of Black America -

This is Tavis’ interview of Obama in October 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXNGg38UcxU

Tavis had Obama on HIS show for the entire half hour just the two of them… It’s Tavis’ show, he can ask him anything he wants and he spends the first 2 to 3 minutes talking about how Obama sold over a million books - secondly he spends quite a bit of time on how much $$$ Obama has raised - at no time did he hit Obama with his “accountability” questions.

In fact Tavis was so giggling throughout much of the interview, you’d be hard pressed to even consider that this is the same man talking so much sh!t about Obama now.

This is part of the reason why his rants and constant disparaging seem so disingenious.

in response to Maroon-Tiger NO. 48

Well put, but if we are to understand that Barack’s main goal is to transcend race and to unite the country then Black people need to accept and more importantly expect nothing more from this would-be Black President than we expected or received from any other President.

Can’t you see this narrative playing out in eight years, when Barack is known as the first Black President who did nothing for the Black community, so then our community is divided between the educated who see Barack’s plight and appreciates what he was able to accomplish, and those that are perhaps (or perhaps not) not as educated and feel that Barack could have and should have done more for the Black community.

We should be having this conversation now, and stating our expectations now. Because as we are seeing by example of this very debate involving Tavis Smiley, this can get real ugly real fast.

Bottom line is that Barack can’t be everywhere at all times, but he was invited a YEAR prior to the event. You mean to tell me that a man who flew to John Edwards home just to pander for his endorsement, couldn’t fly to New Orleans on a day when he was performing his daily work task (campaigning) to speak at (what few events we as blacks have) an event with black intellects and everyday Black folks that want guidance on how they can help to build prosperity in the Black community? Come on! Let’s face it, Tavis wasn’t asking for much on behalf of our community.

Barack sent Michelle and Oprah to campaign for him in California and guess what? That was a HUGE mistake because he ultimately lost California by several points, and thats a state if he attempted to win, he would’ve won TRUST ME. There are some places and events that Barack should make time for irrespective of his campaign duties.

Point blank, he should’ve been there and there is no excuse given the aforementioned exceptions to the campaign trail that I’ve mentioned. At the same time, Tavis was wrong to turn down Michelle Obama, she like Obama is becoming an icon in our community for young black people and for people in our community in general.

In sum, all I can say is that while I support Barack and (again) will cast my vote for him, my expectations are no different of him than they would be of Richardson, Biden, Dodd or Clinton if they were to be the nominee.

We MUST approach politicians with a HEALTHY skepticism because we all know they pander, pander, pander and then they are elected and then: stories change, accessibility changes and suddenly every other word is “thats not exactly what I said….what I said was…”

In the “A More Perfect Union” speech he boldly stated that he couldn’t disown Pastor Wright, just as he can’t disown the African American community. But he has time and again neglected to define what his loyalty to the Black community means to our plight in the United States. WHATS YOUR AGENDA? And we NEED to know this agenda because our circumstances are unique to the American experience. Unfortunately for Middle Class White America, and FORTUNATELY for Lower and Middle Class Black America, AMERICA IN GENERAL IS LOOKING A WHOLE LOT MORE LIKE US than it has in my recent memory, so things that are affecting these classes as they improve will aid our community. But thats not enough!

I both recognize and empathize with the sensitivity of race in America and the reservations White America has about a Black man being commander-in-chief. Those reservations and the undeniable fact that THIS can’t be done without their support - back’s Barack Obama into a corner so as to make sure he isn’t firmly pressed against any wall. Notwithstanding that predicament; to quote Cornell West I STILL want to know “HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE FOR THE PEOPLE?”

Thanks no. 42

#38 MS DYNOMITE

OH gracious i hope not.. We see it enough on the news as is!

I don’t understand why people want Barack to speak directly to the African American community what country are you living in? that for sure would not get him the democrat nomination let alone the general election. None of the other canidates have said what they will specifically do for the AA comunity so why must he say what he is going to do right this moment, you see how people acted behind the Rev. Wright issue just imagin what they will say about Barack if he came across as the “black canidate”

Great post ALL…the pie/(opinions) were sliced 16 different ways…and we all got something outta of it.

…….wtf happn to tavis anyway…. he used to be so clean cut his hygiene is slippn i thought he was on crack at one point…… now i know he is going against obama ……..he was for the black comm …always had a kind word lololol people change at the wrong time lolol…yea get his ass out of there …..we dont need no two faced nicca on board lolol

While we do need to have a healthy skepticism about Barack, I’m curious about why why Tavis does not have the same healthy skepticism about Hillary. In what way, shape or form has she proven her commitment to the black community any more than Barack. As Bill’s wife…as the first lady…I’m just curious…

Tavis has the right to support or endorse whomever he chooses, but I really think this is personal. I think Tavis felt affronted when Obama did not show up to his venue, and now he’s lashing out. I also think its rather short-sighted to put this premium on your own venue, as if it is the one and only forum where the candidates can address issues that affect black america. The fact is, if Barack wins the presidency he will have so much more power to effect change, then by simply going to the SOTBU and discussing problems without devising any real solutions…I think people should take their blinders off and look at the big picture…

AI REALLY THINK IN BLACK AMERICA WE NEED TO FIND A WAY TO UNITE AND STILL RESPECT OTHER VIEWS AND OPINIONS. WE ARE THE ONLY RACE WHO’S IN A CATCH 22. EX. THE WORLD RIGHT NOW LOVES AND TRIES TO MIMICK OUR CULTURE. BUT ON THE FLIP SIDE OF THAT THAT’S ALL TTHEY WANT TO DO (IS MIMICK US) NO OTHER CULTURE WOULD WALK IN OOUR SHOES. IF, AS BLACKS, WE COME IN ALL DIFFERENT SHADES. DON’T YOU THINK WE COME IN ALL DIFFERENT OPINIONS TOO. I KNOW IT SOUNDS SO CLICHE, BUT WE NEED TO REALLY START HAVING LOVE FOR OUR RACE. NO ONE LOVE AND RESPECTS YOU UNTIL YOU LOVE AND RESPECT YOURSELF.
COME ON BLACK PEOPLE WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really enjoyed reading the comments thus far and found many to be very insightful, especially the person who provided the links Thanks! Anyways, I have enjoyed Tavis Smiley for many years and I won’t deny that he has done much for the black community, but as far as his personal character I found it to be very scornful when it came to Barack. I did notice how at first Tavis had Barack on this pedestal admiring this man then the minute he received word that Barack would not attend his panel he turned into this sort of mad man against Barack. As a black man who has been so involved in the black community I find him to be very contradicting at this time to shun out this man. I find it even more disrespectful of him turning down his wife who is no baby momma, no drug user, very well accomplished black woman who is successful in a business where many women, yet alone African American, receive respect. How can you deny her as a successor the priveledge of being on the panel. SHe can talk about her husband as well as talk about herself. Also Dr. West also very well respected man, but is too quick to try and pull someone’s skeletons. BArack provides a very long list of celebrity donators as well as donators from colleges and sites like Facebook. IF you are gonna pull skeletons first make sure your skeleton has all of its parts because people can turn and ask Dr. West the very same question. Anyways I like Tavis “state of the black union” but I do think rather than having a panel full of already made successors, have some of the college students be recognized as ones paving the way so that high school students and younger can relate more with someone who is like an older brother or sister to them.

Tavis,
Thanks you for your service and not being scared to express your points, God bless you brother. Tavis is a type of brother that, if you are going to lead him you better not give him any excusses. He going to hold you to everything and Sen. Obama is being watched and just being black and specking with elegance isn’t enough for Tavis to simple co-sign. So, that why he is so hard on Sen. Obama. He’s no Uncle Rukus.

I’ve loved reading everyone’s comments on this and had expected to see a post about this on Friday or something but I’m happy that it made it on here eventually, thanks Dakar.

Now, to give my 2 cents. I’ve always been a fan/supporter of Tavis Smiley all the way back to his BET days, I also listen to TJMS every morning b/c J. Antony is Hillarious, Sybil and Jacquie offer some intelligent discussion, and Tom, well let’s just say that I prefer him to Steve Harvey any day but that’s not saying much about both of them, lol.

I remember when Tavis started talking about Barack ever since last year and it was nothing but praises. Then all of sudden this SOTBU thing happend and Tavis has been salty ever since, so what happened? I’ll tell you what happened Tavis’ feelings got hurt just like Tom said, he wanted all the presidential candidates to come to this summit to discuss issues and sell books. Now again, I say I’ve always loved Tavis, and I love Cornel, Erick Michael Dyson and all the rest of the them but I know what they’re doing, I’m not stupid, they talk about issues and put out books for us to buy, that’s how they make they’re livelihood, not saying there’s anything wrong with it but I know what their hustle is. I also know that that a lot of our black leaders felt slighted that Barack didn’t come to them for the black vote like they expected, you know b/c they and only they hold the key to the black vote/community just like whenever any celebrity makes a racial comment they go and apologize to them (Jesse/Al) and is all is well , as if they think for us. Again, not to take anything away from Jesse/Al b/c you best believe if I get Rodney Kinged/Diallo’d tomorrow, they’re the first people I’m calling when I get my free phone call that I’m entitled to but that does not mean that they think for us which is quite evident now and they’ve realized this themselves.

That’s why you see Jesse/Al/Cornel West all supporting Barack, they’re not as vocal about it as one would think they would be and that’s b/c their ego’s have gotten bruised a little bit, but they know to not support Barack right now would end up hurting them in the long run, no book sales and no support at those rallies where they give out lunch….ables, lol.

But you see, Tavis thought he was immune to this, that he could say whatever he wanted and get away with it. Now, I’m all for everyone having opinons b/c we all these candidates need to be examined and we do need to know what they will do for us when they’re elected and become president. But for Tavis to get on that show every Tuesday and Thursday and act as if he’s going to be fair, objective and unbiased and discussing these candidates and their platforms and then proceed to disparage Barack and hold him accountable as he likes to say all the time but yet never mention any of the things that Hillary/Mccain had done or said is disappointing, disgusting, and disrepectfull to not only me but the rest of the Tom Joyner’s listeners. Like Gill Scott Heron said, “Don’t give me no broccoli and tell me it’s greens!”, I’m not stupid and what he proceeded to do every morning in his commentary is insult our intelligence like we couldn’t see what he was doing. Now, I don’t know if the Clinton’s had something to do with what he was doing and I hope not especially how he proclaims to love black people so much, and this is not to say that if you’re a Clinton supporter you’re not black or something but you can’t honestly look at the way that the Clinton’s have been running their campaign and not see how dirty they were playing and trying to make this be about race more so than anything, they know exactly what they’re doing and I’m happy that Barack hasn’t fallen for it.

But When Tavis makes his scathing commentaries and critiques against Barack and say nothing about Hillary/Mccain one can’t but help start questioning his motives. I’m sad to hear he didn’t quit effective immediately but I am looking forward to listenting to him this Tuesday. I’ll make sure to listen to Tavis’ segment even though lately I’ve been changing the station when he comes, I want to hear his explanation for his deciding to quit and then gloat at the tension b/t he Tom Joyner, b/c he’s making Tom Joyner look like a fool right now and that ain’t even right. Tom Joyner cares very much for Tavis and has continued to support Tavis even when callers call in and complain about what he’s said. Tom always says that Tavis loves black people and right now people are just emotional about this election, well let’s see how emotional things get this Tuesday, lol.

Sorry for the long response but sh1t I’m guessing if you’re reading the political/socially conscious posts on CL then you should have already been expecting some longs a55 responses, you know the politically aware and socially conscious folk love arguing and hearing themselves talk just as much as the stans and haters do if not more, but we tell ourselves it’s ok b/c we’re talking about politics and issues that have substance….yeah, yeah, yeah, lol.

*****RE: Msesquire (No.57)

What I don’t understand is that even prior to the State of the Black Union event BLACK people were encouraging and supporting Baracks decision not to attend. I’m not entirely sure of this — and God knows I hope its not true — but it almost seems as if some Black folks have it in their minds that we are going to somehow sneak this Black man into office right under the noses of white America by supporting him but not asking anything of him. Those who see that as a viable and successful strategy, good luck with that; I’d like to hear your assessment of this strategy after this all plays itself out.

It’s sad that people have tried to sum Tavis up by what is perhaps is a slightly juvenile reaction to Barack’s not attending the SOTBU but if we’re being honest we all have our juvenile moments, some of us on this board are literally in that stage of life. My point is that the venomous attacking of Smiley to defend Obama is counter productive and counter intuitive to what should be our goal of STRENGTHENING BLACK LEADERSHIP in this country.

As Black people, its almost built into our DNA that we have to choose between one or the other. I’m not excusing Tavis Smiley’s OBVIOUS blunders, but for some of us to use this as an opportunity to call him arrogant, questions his loyalty and activism in the Black community and align him with the Clintons in some type of conspiracy against Barack is far reaching at best.

“I used to like Tavis, but ever since BET he’s gotten arrogant?” He’s a Black intellectual man who has worked hard for his seat at the table, and in taking it he has not withdrawn from the Black community and only speak to or about us when it suits his purpose. OBAMA on the other hand has not been a face in our community and seems to only reach out to us when it suits HIS agenda. Some of this very comment board have articulated valiant concerns and made some great points about the changes in his behavior and corelated those behavior with time; that makes sense.

But it seems like some people are kind of like “WELL I NEVER LIKED HIM ANYWAY” and are happy that he will no longer be on the TJMS! Are you serious? Tavis provides throughout his commentary on the TJMS insight into issues facing our community. Does he make an income off his efforts? Sure he does. Has he earned a right to make an income off those efforts? Yes! We all support people who do far less to uplift our community than Tavis and make FAR MORE MONEY doing it.

Tavis doesn’t have to comment on Hillary or question her motives publicly, because Hillary is not leading in the polls and Hillary has given up on really seeking the Black vote. Tavis Smiley’s point to us as Black people is to make Barack work for our vote the same way he is working for the votes of White America. Our support SHOULD NOT DEFAULT TO BARACK OBAMA just because he’s a BLACK INTELLECT with a HARVARD LAW DEGREE who just so happens to be a democrat.

Even I as a Barack supporter have to ask myself, with the exception of South Carolina, Mississippi and Georgia when on this campaign trail is he going to discuss the issues that face our community. To those that feel that we aren’t entitled to ask him to speak about his commitment to our issues, I ask you to assess what you think a Presidential campaign is about?

We hear Barack speaking about immigration, why because White America and Latino America are up in arms about it, so HE IS actively speaking and stating his agenda to these communities. In Pennsylvania he is attempting to get the working class White vote, and in order to do that he is speaking with them about WHAT HE IS GOING TO DO FOR THEM SHOULD HE BECOME PRESIDENT?

What about us? That’s Tavis Smiley’s point irregardless of whether its personal or not Tavis Smiley has posed some interesting thinking points to us. And moreover reminded us of our power.

thats ridiculous, everyone is not going to be on your side all of the time

if tom pressured him that would be a shame, let that man support who he wants!

Fuck Travis. When was the last time you told a grown ass man to come somewhere or else. That shit don’t work. Travis mistaked Obama for a TRICK! The sad thing is this will follow Travis till he leaves this earth. After all the work he has done for blacks, he will always be known as the house educated nigga that turned on Obama.

I also wanted to add that the State of the Black Union this year was a joke. It was nothing but sound bites that political candidates can use for this Nov. election. There were no solutions just speeches from the usual suspects. How can someone like Dr. Michael Eric Dyson help the poor and disadvantage when they can’t understand a damn word he says. You have to have a PH.D to understand him. I heard another black talk show host say that most of the panel was so busy trying to show how smart they are, that they forgot to address the issues. I knew exactly who he was talking about.

We don’t have the Tom Joyner show here in NY any longer but I agree #4! I suppose TJ didn’t agree with obvious opposition on his show.

Tavis Smiley is just a money hungry fake anyway….he isn’t a true black leader or intellectual and he was just jealous of Obama in the first place…he’s a lap dog for the Clintons and his commentaries were getting on my nerves anyway…so I say good riddance….and also I wasn’t mad at Obama for not attending the state of the Black Union….because all that event is…is an excuse for Smiley to get together with all his booshey negro friends and stay in a nice hotel, plug their books and kick it together, and shoot around a bunch of hot air..it never does a bit of damn good for anybody in the community.

Good riddance. One less stuck in a time warp dummy on the air. We will never fully awaken with ‘dead’ people running the show…no offense Tav but please use this time to further your understanding of history and politics from a meta-physical (Black) perspective.

i think the reason why people in our communities find it so hard to digest what tavis is speaking concerning barack obama, is because it just seems so hypocritical. how can you in one breathe fault barack for missing this particular event (when it was obvious that it was more important for him to be on the road campaigning) and throw dirt on his name with so much venom but then in return praise hillary clinton. this is something i just cant take. he continues to question obama but when he call for hilary to answer for all the lies she has told. the whole situation just seems fishy to me..

For those of us who turn the station when Travis speaks please continue to do so. I see this as a ploy for him to get us to listen to his bull crap come Tuesday. It’s very clear that we don’t want to hear his nonsense. He is a classic example of JEALOUSY! He will never be in the same standard as Obama. Good riddance. I agree!

Now that Tom corrected his so called “mistatement” about Tavis’ departure date this morning to say that yes, Tavis is leaving in June and not immediately (which changes the entire context of his leaving the show), I wonder what all you Tavis haters have to say now? I guess an Obama supporter does no harm, lol!!

“How can someone like Dr. Michael Eric Dyson help the poor and disadvantage when they can’t understand a damn word he says. ”

It’s easy. It’s called being literate. Being poor and/or disadvantage is absolutely NO EXCUSE for being illiterate and uneducated. The last time I checked, public schools are FREE. I grew up poor,attended poor mostly black schools, so I KNOW what that is, but I NEVER used it as an excuse to be uneducated.

I understand Dr.Dyson quite well it’s not just because I read a LOT.

And for all of you that think the SOTBU is a ‘hustle” for the people selling books, what is so wrong with a legit hustle in the black community??? So it’s OK for Black folks to “hustle” CD’s, tennis shoes, perfume, ect ect, but not OK to “hustle” books? That’s just way beyond trifling!

I don’t know what the “Obama issue” is all about, but I fellout with Travis hired Frank Luntz to be his pollster for the president debate he had at the black college last year. Luntz is an extreme rightwinger, who’s help they Bushies and the rightwing slime machine hijack this country over the last five years.
Luntz and his cronies have said anything and everything, about any and everyone, in an to further their fascist, imperialistic goals. Tavis was made aware of the disdain the Left has for Luntz. Tavis was arrongant and derisive in his response to us on the Left. I cut him loose at that point.
I am thrilled that a black man is finally a serious contender for the presidential nomination. I was a child in the 60s and saw terror that our people endured. Anybody that tells you that nothings changed is full of shit. Having said that, we are not a homogenous people and should not vote for someone just because they are black.
I am born and raised in L.A. and we’ve every level of black elected official in California except govenor, and most of them have been useless, including most in office now. Having said that, I am voting for the Democrat, I don’t give a damned which one of them it is, it’s progress( a brother ofr a woman). And we should have the right to choose either without being defamed.
Hilary and Barack are both corporatist. She gets hers from pacs, he gets his from Wall Street.

@ 70

If it’s a hustle call it a hustle….don’t sit around on a stage pretending like to you are coming up with the next great revelation for black people…pretending like you give a fuck…when in reality you can’t wait for the shit to be over so you catch your first class flight back to where ever…..that’s the problem i have the state of the black union….talking about revolution…while a big banner full of all these different coporate sponsers is hanging behind your back….they are full of shit…and if you can’t see that maybe you are up to your eyeballs in the bullcrap tavis and others like him are pushing.

Thank you Shaq for pointing out the Luntz issue, that sure did fly under the radar at the time…and yeah Obama is corporate democrat just like Clinton….but unlike Clinton..i think he still possesses a soul and I don’t think he would screw the country over as bad as she would…plus the Bushes and the Clintons and tied in together much more than people realize and she’s talking one game now…but once she got in office she would probably just pick up where georgie left off…because it’s not about the right vs the left…it’s about the right left paradigm now…my choice for president would have been either Dennis Kuccinich or Ron Paul….but that wasn’t going to happen…so now I am left with Obama and I think he’s better than Clinton or McCain…and would actually consider how his decisions would affect the working class, middle class and the poor.

Okay…this is my last post in here….i got fired up, lol.

Signing off-Tavis Sucks!

Wendell - #61 “irregardless” is not a word.

Obama 08′

I Talk about full of yourself. You mean people start being critical of Tavis so he decides to leave? See you later you big baby.