Tavis Smiley Barack Obama Controversy: Tavis Smiley “State of the Black Union 2008″ Barack Obama No-Show
First Aretha Franklin and now Tavis Smiley. What’s up with egos in Black America this week? Still hot on the campaign trail toward the White House. Democratic candidate Barack Obama recently turned down an opportunity to appear at Tavis Smiley’s “State of the Black Union 2008″ Conference in New Orleans on February 23th. Senator Obama did, however, offer for his wife, Michelle Obama, to appear in his appearance. Tavis declined to allow Mrs. Obama to attend the conference.
“Just as we would have declined had Hillary Clinton offered Bill Clinton, had John McCain offered Cindy McCain, had Mike Huckabee suggested Janet Huckabee,” Tavis says.
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On February 15th 2008, Johnny wrote:
Barack is an idiot for suggesting it. Michelle is not running for President, Barack is. You do not send a surrogate to a symposium as this, when your rival has confirmed. Hillary is going to this thing to show that she feels that it is important. What is amazing to me is that Barack thinks so little of black folk that he consistantly will not appear at events that are designed with them specifically in mind. Here is an opportunity to present himself with the entire field of individuals running for President and he refuses to show up. Not only that but he knows that we as black people are an emotional sort, so we will jump all over anyone who would dare attempt to keep him on task, even when it is in our best interest. Tell me something black folk when has Barack addressed a national gathering of us, and addressed the issues that concern US? Tell me black folk when is it ever appropriate to send ones spouse to speak for you, when they are not running the show? Tell me why are we willing to give him a pass when if McCain were to decline we would scream racism, and crucify him? Why does Barack get a pass and no one else does, are we really that silly?
On February 15th 2008, Bob wrote:
Offering Michelle may have been insensitive, but in my mind this was an astute (non-)move. McCain AND Hillary (remember Bill’s Jesse Jackson’s comment after SC?) would love nothing more than to paint Obama as THE (as opposed to A) black candidate. Obama’s success has been to avoid being so easily pidgeonholed.
On February 15th 2008, Cheff wrote:
To suggest that Sen. Barack Obama is insensitive or an idiot is mind boggling to me. Mr. Obama is on the road to the White House and already has an agenda in place. For him to drop everything that he is doing on the campaign trail to attend State of the Black Union is preposterous. Barack is more sensitive to the black race than any other candidate in this presidential race. If you don’t believe it, do some research! You have to look no further than his record in the Senate and what he has done for the Black and Latino community. Black people are so quick to criticize their own people and make controversy out of the smallest things. Let’s not be hypocritical of our people. No Justice No Peace!
On February 16th 2008, walter wrote:
I use to like Tavis Smiley a lot but now I want to say…FUCK YOU Tavis. You are a complete idiot who is behaving like a sheep within a ego-c social box. I thought you were much smarter thn that but now I see you are like most dumb ass wanting to be smart brother. You are trying to exploit Obama to make money..ASSHOLE. I HATE YOU. You are like most Hater in our community trying to stop something great for our future and kids.
On February 21st 2008, honorable caz wrote:
Tavis Smiley is a pompous blowhard. Who elected him kingmaker and HNIC besides brother Cornel West? Obama needs to be in Ohio, Texas, Pennslyvania to win the primary not pontificate on Smiley’s dais. Smiley would be a great politician as he’s got hubris off the charts. I could understand him being critical of the candidates when they didn’t show up to debate BEFORE the primary, but thinking they are supposed to be at his beck n’ call is ridiculous. Negro,please.
On February 21st 2008, Chai wrote:
Come on people, Aretha was really being silly, what Tavis is saying is real talk. Why are we hating on Tavis, when he all he did was ask Obama just as he did Clinton, McCain and Huckabee to make an appearance at the State of the Black Union and take a listen at what Black America has to say. This isn’t the first time Obama has snubbed the State of the Black Union. It appears to me that Obama assumes he deserves the Black Vote because he’s black, not so, and Black America should not make a choice based on race or gender. What does Obama truly stand for? I don’t think anyone knows because he has yet to actually make firm stand for what it is he about. And further more to the illiterate Mr. Walter, Tavis is not an asshole or an idiot, he actually cares about what happens to and in Black America and America in general. Instead of insulting an educated and informed brother maybe you should go back to school and learn proper grammar and how to get your point across without using foul and negative language. Buy a dictionary.
On February 22nd 2008, anonymous wrote:
Tavis Smiley made the most stupid decision ever!! Mrs Obama’s presence is just as valuable as her husband. Its these type of black people that makes the rest of us look bad. Tavis needs to realize its not all about him! he needs to quit hogging up the attention.
On February 22nd 2008, Brenda wrote:
I agree with Cheff’s, February 15, 2008 comments, “To suggest that Sen. Barack Obama is insensitive or an idiot is mind boggling to me. Mr. Obama is on the road to the White House and already has an agenda in place. For him to drop everything that he is doing on the campaign trail to attend State of the Black Union is preposterous. ” Tavis knew last year he was going to have the State of the Union Forum; therefore they should have made preparations long ago. I get sick of Black Folks waiting until the last minute to do things and expect everyone to jump on their band wagon. I am also sick of black folks jumping on Barack Obama. The very people with all the negative comments are the very people who are just full of a lot of wind – Talking loud, saying nothing and doing nothing. Maybe you all will be satisfied when McCain wins and take you back to the dark ages.
I would also like for someone to tell me what Hillary Clinton has really done for America. How many world meetings has she participated in or have had a say in. Hillary’s does not have any more experience on the world stage than Obama. Black people have a lot of nerve; we want to hold Barack at a higher standard, while white folks walk all over us.
On February 22nd 2008, Rau wrote:
Tavis Smiley is a sellout just as his name suggests. Let’s not pretend sellouts no longer exists simply because we do not like the use of the word. Tavis’s commentary is sponsored by WalMart on the Tom Joyner Morning Show and not only does he vehemently supports Hilliary Clinton but he also attacks Obama every chance he gets. Ever since Hilliary mentioned Tavis in one of her speeches he’s been a zealed for her by going far and above the extra mile in attacking Sen. Obama.
Sure I once respected Tavis in the past as a positive voice for Black America but I also had a reserved sense that he’s not fully who he claims to be. He’s an opportunist who’s not very successful, which is why he’s never been fully accepted nor respected as a journalist. This is now proven more so today because he’s using his public voice to serve the needs of the establishment.
How can anyone claim Tavis has the voice of Black people while 90% of Black America supports Barack Obama. Is it about a bandwagon, sure if it means jumping on the bandwagon for true and positive change instead of sitting on the sidelines throwing bricks and hiding your hands. Tavi’s letter to Sen. Obama is pathetic and weak because he claims it’s a simple invitation in which he sent to all candidates yet he’s buck dancing for the media crying Obama has a “Missed Opportunity”, give me a break. Mr. Smiley is simply supporting Hilliary because he was directed to do so and he’s acting like any other good dog by attacking whomever his master tells him. Yes people, doing one enormous bad deed will wipe out all the good deeds a person has ever done. Tavis Smiley is a sellout in every sense of the word!
On February 23rd 2008, Sherry wrote:
Isn’t it amazing that Barack Obama, a man of color, is about to become the president of the United States, a position that will place him as the leader of the most powerful nation in the free world? According to the polls he is winning in the primaries because people across all racial, gender, and economic stations are supporting him. OOps I mis-spoke, according to what I’m reading on this blog he still has to break the color barrier among folks who share his skin tone. Obama is NOT and should NOT align himself up with just one cause be it black, white, yellow, or green. That’s the old school narrow minded and bigoted way of thinking. I cringe to think that my Black brothers and sisters are placing themselves in front of the he “ain’t good enough cause he black syndrome.” Sounds like Bill O’Reilly will have a lot of Black advocates in the “lynching party” that he threatened to send out for Michele Obama. Wake up, please! Stop waiting for one person to lead you and to solve your problems. Yes we have gotten the messy end of the stick but it won’t get any better if we give up on ourselves and wallow in it. True, there are many many stumbling blocks in our path, Obama is not one of them. Many of us are so blinded by our own racist mindset that we think we are standing when we in fact have symbocially fallen down. Additionally, for all of you who are sitting in front of television drolling over Hillary, waiting for someone to announce what Obama stands for, take the advice that I give to my middle school history class…….. do your own research…. stop waiting for someone to do it for you. .. and please stop waiting for a perfect Black superman to swoop down and put you in a black utopia… believe me it “aint’ gonna happen.”
On February 23rd 2008, JENNIFER wrote:
I THINK THAT THIS IS GREAT! FINALLY THE BLACK PEOPLE SHOULD OPEN THEIR EYES AND STOP CLOSING THEIR BRAINS TO THE FACT THAT THE ONLY REASON THAT 90%!!! OF BLACKS ARE VOTING FOR OBAMA IS BECAUSE THEY FEEL THAT HE IS BLACK LIKE THEY ARE AND SENSITIVE TO THE ISSUES OF BLACK AMERICA. TO SEND YOUR WIFE AS A STAND IN ON A SHOW DEDICATED TO BLACK ISSUES THAT MOST FEEL OBAMA SHOULD UNDERSTAND SHOWS JUST HOW MUCH HE REALLY CARES ABOUT BLACK PEOPLE. IF ANY OF THESE SUPPORTERS WOULD JUST TAKE THE TIME TO READ ABOUT OBAMA THEY WILL FIND THAT NOT ONLY IS BARACK NOT BLACK ENOUGH HE IS USING HIS RACE TO FIND SYMPATHY AMONG BLACKS WHO DO NOT UNDERSTAND THAT HE WAS NOT ACTUALLY RAISED BY A SINGLE DOWNTRODDEN MOTHER BUT WAS RAISED WITH A STEPFATHER FOR MOST OF HIS LIFE. HE CHOSE TO LIVE WITH HIS GRANDPARENTS WHO WERE NOT POOR UNIMPORTANT PEOPLE BUT WELL CONNECTED WEALTHY PEOPLE. HIS FATHER LEFT BECAUSE HIS FAMILY FOUND IT DISGRACEFUL THAT HE WOULD ACTUALLY MARRY A WHITE WOMAN AND HAVE A MIXED RACE CHILD. OBAMA WAS A VERY PRIVILEDGED PERSON WHO ONLY SAYS WHAT HE HAS TO TO GET THE BLACK VOTE BECAUSE UNFORTUNATELY WE AS BLACK PEOPLE STILL ONLY LISTEN TO WHAT OTHERS SAY AND WHAT IS POPULAR INSTEAD OF READING FOR OURSELVES AND MAKING UP OUR OWN MINDS. WAKE UP BLACK AMERICA! BARACK OBAMA WILL NOT HESITATE TO DISTANCE HIMSELF FROM US IF HE IS PRESIDENT BECAUSE IT IS THE EXPEDIENT THING TO DO. AND FOR ALL OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE THAT HE IS HOLIER THAN THOUGH, THERE ARE REPORTS THAT IN 1999 OBAMA HAS BEEN ACCUSED BY A LARRY SINCLAIR OF DOING DRUGS AND ENGAGING IN HOMOSEXUAL SEX WITH THIS ACCUSER. THIS HAS BEEN BLOCKED BY THE MEDIA IN HOPES THAT BY THE TIME THIS IS REPORTED HE WILL HAVE SECURED THE NOMINATION. LARRY SINCLAIR HAS EVIDENCE AND HAS FILED AN OFFICIAL COURT ORDER AGAINST BARACK OBAMA AND HAS AGREED TO A POLYGRAPH TEST TO BE CONDUCTED FEBRUARY 26 2008. BE INFORMED ABOUT WHO YOU VOTE FOR AND NEVER VOTE BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE IS THE SAME RACE AS YOU ARE.
On February 23rd 2008, Renay wrote:
I agree totally…Barack has big business becoming the president of these United States. He is not running for Blacks or African Americans only, and I do believe he will address the issues to be discuss in Mr. Tavis’ forum and many other issues once he is Commander in Chief. In the interim, Mr. Tavis Smiley should just be quiet (I really want to say SHUT UP, but I was raise it was rude to actually say so
), stop being a cry baby and begin paying attention to the BIG picture here. Tavis sated he would decline “The Closer”, Senator Obama’s beloved wife Michelle Obama, should she offer to come to his shindig in leiu of the Senator. He sounds so ego bruised in this clip of the show, and “I ain’t mad at him”. However, I don’t appreciate is his insolent, arrogant big mouth, which he refuses to stifle, even when it is apparent he should. So, he needs to go suck on his patsy, before I put him in time out!!!!
By the way, I am an African American who wants this only AND only this to resonate…YES WE CAN!
Obama ’08
On February 23rd 2008, Autumn wrote:
This was a comment that I tried to leave on Tavis’ message board, but got an email saying that it was “full”…must be all of the people like me compelled to respond to his unfortunate choice of timing.
Tavis-
I read that you “openly” criticized Barack Obama for declining an invitation to the State of the Black Union Forum in New Orleans. I am disappointed that at such a crucial time in Barack’s campaign you would choose to make public statements against him.
As a black woman, I am very excited about this moment in history and I believe that your statements regarding his decision are very short-sighted. Is it not more important that Barack do as much as he can to ensure that he wins this nomination by spending every minute possible in the remaining states? Not that the Forum is not important, but the timing is bad. If Barack wins, he will most likely be our next president and there is no doubt that future generations of black people will be positively influenced- much more so than any single Black Forum can do.
Yes, Hillary Clinton accepted the invitation, but she recognizes that she still needs to prove to America that she cares about the issues of the common “folk”- Barack has already made his case. She can’t win the white males, but she knows that she can win the black vote if there is an appearance that Barack doesn’t care by attending in his absence. The Clintons are ruthless politicians and they know this. Anyone with a brain larger than a pea knows the reason she’s attending.
Tavis, really, please see beyond the immediate. I’m sure that Barack will attend future Forums and draw even more attention to your cause as the President of the United States.
Regards,
Autumn
Chicago
On February 23rd 2008, George in Da ATL wrote:
I have no hate for Tavis and still support him but in my honest opinion Tavis is displaying classic ” Crab ” behavior. I’m not saying Barack shouldnt be questioned but the truth of the matter is that Barack isnt really black. He hasnt really shared our struggle in a hisorical sesnse but did make a choice to become one of us when he moved to the southside of Chicago instead of getting rich from a law degree and living it up in Hawaii. For the first there is an oppertunity for a Brother to get in the White House and possibly bridge thge divide between the nation. Personally I feel this is bigger for future generations of Black people than Tavis’ bruised ego
On February 23rd 2008, Deadbeat wrote:
Apparently Hillary Clinton was able to take time off the campaign trail to attend. Also Tavis Smiley stated that he sent the invitation out six months ago. If Obama can be in attendance for AIPAC he certainly can be in attendance for SOBA conference especially since it was being held in nearby New Orleans.
On February 23rd 2008, Sophia wrote:
Bottom line, I am disappointed that a black male running for President skipped this event for a second time, Oh, I’m sorry he did offer his more than capable wife.
On February 23rd 2008, Joe Bailey, M.D. wrote:
Go to obamatruth.com to find out the truth about Obama’s nature. He is wealthy and trying to act like a working class, everyday American – not Black. This is what all politicians do to win elections. He cannot sit in the Black Union group and discuss racially divisive politics if he wants to win the white vote. It was a politically savvy move. All politicians have skeletons in the closet. We have to choose he we think is best among the imperfect. Let’s give him a chance. If he sells out on minorities, so be it; look at all the other presidents that have done the same. This election is really about the working poor and who is going to help them. Hillary with universal health care would help poor folks but would she actually do this or be able to get it approved? I don’t see her getting bipartisan support. I also think it is kind of sad that if you think about it, white people probably would not vote for Barack if he wasn’t half white. That itself speaks to the nature of the race problem that will continue to exist in America even if Barack becomes the first President from a racial minority background. I support Barack because of my experience with race in American and the legacy of white privilege in this country. Let’s give the brother a chance even if he is wealthy and half white. It’s the best we can do at this point in history. I just can’t come to trust Hillary completely. Psychologically, I think the pscyhe of American will change if Barack becomes president. The color divide and racism would decrease significantly and teach the world to overcome hate and racism. Go Barack! and Go Tavis!
On February 23rd 2008, Joe Bailey, M.D. wrote:
In other words, I think if Barack were president, all people of color would benefit tremendously. Let’s all go out and put stickers on our cars, saying “Barack for President!”
On February 24th 2008, Zara wrote:
Remember Pres Clinton was the first US President to visit South Africa and “ruthless” Hillary attended as well, I know it is so easy to jump to opportunism but maybe they actually care, hard concept but the truth hurts!!!!
Clinton meets “truly free” nation
Terence Hunt
——————————————————————————–
From a surprise visit at a dusty housing project to a stately arrival ceremony with Nelson Mandela, US President Bill Clinton rejoiced in South Africa’s rebirth from a 50-year government system of White domination and racial separation.
Clinton, the first American President ever to come to South Africa, stood with Mandela in a racially integrated parliament to salute a South Africa “truly free and democratic at last”.
Clinton will also visit the Robben Island with Mandela to see the cell where Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison for his role as a leader of the anti-apartheid movement. Speaking of Mandela, Clinton said that “for millions upon millions of Americans, South Africa’s story is embodied by your heroic sacrifice and your breathtaking walk out of the darkness and into the glorious light”.
The American leader clutched Mandela’s hand tightly as he helped the 79-year-old President down the staircase to the Assembly floor. Amid loud cheers, the two leaders slowly walked up the aisle, shakinghands with lawmakers.
“Four years ago such a visit would not have been possible because apartheid had turned our beloved South Africa into a pariah of the world,” said Popo Molefe, premier of northwest province, as he introduced Clinton to a joint session of Parliament.
South Africa’s victory over apartheid inspires hope that “one day humanity all over the world can at last be released from the bonds of hatred and bigotry,” Clinton said, promising a partnership of “mutual respect and mutual reward”.
“We rejoice at what you have already accomplished,” Clinton said. “We seek to be your partners and your true friends in the work that lies ahead overcoming the lingering legacy of apartheid, seizing the promise of your rich land and your gifted people.”
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton watched from a gallery above, seated next to Mandela’s companion, Graca Machel. Winnie Mandela, the President’s ex-wife, took her seat as a member of parliament. Clinton later joined his wife in her return to the VictoriaMxenge housing project that she visited a year ago.
On February 24th 2008, Olajuwonia Hollins wrote:
I am so pissed off at Tavis and any one that thinks when we as black people can have Barrack all to ourselves! He is tring to unite this country together and bring the realization that we are all 1 people. So many people in our black community think on a one track bias! Look at the situation from all angles. Barack shouldn’t have to prove himself to the black community that he is concerned about his own races’ issues! Do you see how dumb that is, wake up people, can u see what really is going on? Yes Michelle is a surrogate but that is his Wife, how dare you turn her down! If Hillary turned down the invitation and offered her Husband, I would have thought it to be awfuly rude to turn him down also! There is no excuse good enough for why Tavis and the people who agree with him acted the way they did. I am a PROUD african american woman and I am terribly upset!
On February 25th 2008, SimplyPut wrote:
You never invite your battleship up the river. Your gathering was fit for smaller gunboats such as yourself. Obama is fighting for all Americans. If he becomes president, that is when you present your issues and concerns to him. His job then will be to listen and address not only yours, but those concerns that are important to all Americans. As an African American president, there is a strong possibility that some African American issues that were ignored in the past might just receive a little more attention. Tavis, I listen to you often, I love you bro and what you try to do for the black community, However, I must say that you are small fish and though inspirational, definitely not influential. At least, not beyond the audience of your syndications. Know your boundaries bro.
On February 25th 2008, BARB wrote:
Have to agree with the previous posting:
Deadbeat // Feb 23, 2008 at 8:41 pm
“Apparently Hillary Clinton was able to take time off the campaign trail to attend. Also Tavis Smiley stated that he sent the invitation out six months ago. If Obama can be in attendance for AIPAC he certainly can be in attendance for SOBA conference especially since it was being held in nearby New Orleans.”
Maybe he cares more about appearing at Jewish functions as a means of getting Jewish votes (and money) as he knows most Blacks will vote for him based only on the color of his skin. It’s obvious he feels it important to distance himself from Blacks except in states where he needs the Black vote. Obama has assured AIPAC that as far as the US support of Israel, it will be business as usual. Quotes and comments about his AIPAC speech:
Israel is “our strongest ally in the region and its only established democracy,” Obama said, assuring his audience that “we must preserve our total commitment to our unique defense relationship with Israel by fully funding military assistance and continuing work on the Arrow and related missile defense programs.” Such advanced multi-billion dollar systems he asserted, would help Israel “deter missile attacks from as far as Tehran and as close as Gaza.” As if the starved, besieged and traumatized population of Gaza are about to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Obama offered not a single word of criticism of Israel, of its relentless settlement and wall construction, of the closures that make life unlivable for millions of Palestinians.
I can only assume that all those who are now so supportive of Obama also supported his funding of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (until he, like Senator Clinton decided to run for President) at the cost of over $300 billion. Obama is a phony on the war because he not only funds the war, but he also ran away from Murtha’s plan and fought against a timetable (until the Nov 06 midterm elections). Furthermore, Obama refused to raise the issue of the phantom WMDs which was the justification for the pre-emptive invasion of Iraq.
As a freshmen Senator, Obama acted quickly to legitimize the war. In Jan 2005, Obama voted to promote one of the key architects of the war, Condi Rice, to Secretary of State. Obama did not ask then National Security Advisor Rice a single question about the WMDs or justification for the war at her confirmation hearing.
Obama has campaigned for pro-war Democrats, such as Senators Maria Cantwell and Joe Lieberman. In Illinois, Obama, Durbin, and Rep. Emanuel worked to undermine anti-war congressional candidate Christine Cegelis and replace her with pro-war candidate Tammy Duckworth.
Obama voted in June, 2006 against an amendment proposed by Sen. John Kerry that would have, as Obama said, bring the troops home on a “date certain.”
Obama said on the Senate floor at that time:
“A hard and fast, arbitrary deadline for withdrawal offers our commanders in the field and our diplomats in the region insufficient flexibility.”
Obama was MIA for the roll call vote on Kerry-Feingold amendment on June 22, 2006.
Maybe Obama supporters trust him and find the behavior of the supposedly “anti-war” candidate who so admires (we just misunderstood what he meant) Reagan, the most racist President in the last decade ethical. I have my doubts.
On February 26th 2008, John wrote:
HERE COME THE CRABS!
It seems that every time a man of color aims at greatness, the crabs come out to pull him right back down. Obama’s whole campaign has been grassroots. Even sitting down at that SOBU meeting would have been one of the worst political moves that a man in his position could ever have made. Barack is running for the position of “Leader of the Free World”, not the local mayor.
The first problem with the SOBU is the religious connection. Not all Blacks are christian and nor should they be in a country where you are suppose to be able worship or not worship any god you choose.
Second, with all the wealthy Blacks here in america, why does the SOBU need all the corporate sponsorship. About Barack, the good Doc above points out, and correctly so, that “He is wealthy and trying to act like a working class, everyday American – not Black”. What he missed was that the bulk of Obama’s wealth has come only in the past few years, with the huge success of his second book, ” The Audacity of Hope.”
Please take the blinders off and look at the “Big Picture”
On February 26th 2008, Penny wrote:
Did you guys listen to the above tape by Tavis Smiley? He states that Obama never offered Michelle to go in his place…so that is a lie. Listen to the taped message. I do feel this is a crab mentality… sad.
On March 3rd 2008, Dr. Bailey wrote:
Intellectual criticism and discourse is always good, no matter who it supports. Everyone has a right to free speech and especially those that in the past were not allowed to voice their concerns. The beauty of the intenet is that it levels the playing field quite a bit, in terms of free speech. I appreciate this website. To call another Black person a crab is a form of dehumanization in my opinion. We are a people made by the good lord above and all of us are special. I respect all the opinions on this website. I say vote for Nader!
On March 4th 2008, Tryone Dilfer wrote:
I believe Barak thinks he is superior to Black people, just by the way he acts.
On April 12th 2008, Ro wrote:
First of all, Sen. Obama doesn’t need to attend the forum to know what the concerns are of Black Americans, he lives it. Do I need to go any further than say CHICAGO? Second, Clinton’s meeting with Mandela doesn’t measure up to the fact that Obama has relatives in Africa and he knows what their concerns are. Third, just as Hillary has been waiting for an opportunity to portray Obama in a negative light, that’s what she would’ve done if he were to attend.
People, he’s trying to stay above the fray. That’s why he isn’t answering every little accusation that Hillary throws at him, because it would make him look like a cackling hen. He knows that she’s gonna come from every which way. He only succombs to answer when it’s evident that simple-minded, easily persuaded people has fallen for the okey-doke.
On April 13th 2008, Dwight G. wrote:
As a 45 year old black male that was a young child when Dr. King was assasinated, I thought as a people we could unite, I have supported everyone one of the past black candidates that has vied for the office of President, even when many people said that to support a black candidate is like throwing your vote away, they’ll never get elected to run, I cared not. I hate to see what has happened between these gentlemen both are loved by black folks obviously, and the impact that this public squabble is and wil have on so many others whom have not made up there minds about Sen. Obama. The Senator may or may not fulfil all of his campaign promises, as with so many other Presindents of the past, surely if elected he will be bird-dogged by the opposing party, as usual. Most assuredly, for my young adult children and my yet unborn grandchildren, black america needs a President, this in-turn will inspire generations of black children to better in school and take academics much more seriously. Believe/accept it or not Sen. Obama is vital to us all, let’s put away the crap and press on with the business of representing black people on a worldwide scale
Sen Obama is not the best we have to offer, but he is close to it, the first to do anything is always the hardest path to walk, love and peace to you all!