(Photo: Wireimage)
Tavis Smiley is leaving the Tom Joyner Morning Show. On Friday, Joyner told listeners he thought the reason Smiley is quitting is because he “can’t take the hate he’s getting over this Barack Obama thing”.
In a statement released Friday, Joyner said:
I got a call from Tavis on yesterday. And he told me he was quitting the show. He told me the reason was that he was tired and has a lot of things going on, and he feels that now is a good time to leave the show.
We all know that isn’t the real reason he’s leaving the show. The real reason is that he can’t take the hate he’s been getting regarding the Barack issue — hate from the black people that he loves so much. He needed to feel the love. We all do, whether it’s from our radio audience or from people we know personally. He wasn’t feeling any love, so he quit. [ Listen to Joyner's on-air announcement. ]
Tavis’s camp sent us a statement, and he said:
“There is no way to put into words the love and respect that Tom Joyner and I have for each other, or the love affair that I’ve had with TJMS listeners for almost 12 years now.
Due to the overwhelming amount of phone calls and emails I have received from listeners and other media, I wanted to briefly clarify a few issues that I will address more fully in my regular TJMS commentary on Tuesday morning, April 15, at 8:20 a.m. ET.
I did not “quit” the Tom Joyner Morning Show effective immediately. In July I will celebrate my 12th anniversary with the show, and as I discussed with Tom, it is my intention to take on the issues of the day in my commentary twice every week with the same energy, passion and commitment until the end of June.
Contrary to what has been suggested, I have decided to clear some things off my plate so that I can devote my time and attention to some exciting and empowering projects that The Smiley Group, Inc. and other divisions of my company have underway this summer, this fall and beyond.
I look forward to continuing the dialogue on Tuesday and in the coming months.
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.