Ho Sit Down

Posted on February 18th, 2008 - By Bossip Staff

Categories: Barack Obama, Bolitics, Ho Sit Down, News

Posted by Bossip Staff

tavissmileycornelwest9

Tavis Smiley is still crying to the media about Barack Obama not hitting up “his” “State of the Black Union” event. It seems this fool wants to add some racial controversy to Obama’s campaign. His selfish actions of attacking Obama for not coming to “his event” is a true sign of a modern-day slave. It looks like they want our brotha Obama marching with some Black Panthers through Compton or hitting up a Jena 6 rally to prove he is down. A sure way to be cornered by his racist enemies (The Clinton establishment) and lose the primary election.

Tavis Smiley has received death threats since hating on Obama.

Discuss…

  • NIKKI UNDERWOOD-WASHINGTON

    1???

  • http://www.stacirobinson.com Sugie

    TAVIS, QUIT BEING A BIAAAATCH!!!

    frickin cry baby!

  • http://www.stacirobinson.com Sugie

    Tavis smiley is a HATER!!!

    HATER HATER HATER.

    hey travis, larry elder wrote a book about you-check it out!

  • crazy black lady

    tavis is silly as hell! GO OBAMA!

  • http://www.stacirobinson.com Sugie

    I LOVE BARACK.

    he’s the best thing that is ever gonna happen to this country!

  • NIKKI UNDERWOOD-WASHINGTON

    FYI Tavis gets on my nerves…

  • PRTTYBRWNGIRL

    tavis is silly. he acts like to prove your blackness or committment to the black community all one needs to do is show up to his events. he ridiculous. he just wanted barack there to give his lil event major star power and some credibility. its not about showing up to these events, its about the work you do in the communities and tavis has done very little but give alot of lip service. he like to get on tv and run his mouth

  • huhsaywhat?

    I disagree with the idea of Barack’s absence being indicative of him not caring about the black community.

    It’s really unfortunate that Tavis is taking this position.

    Having Michele in attendance would’ve been a wonderful compromise. That woman is ON point.

    I’m still riding with Obama:-)

  • GhostWriter

    Tavis SMELLEY, Maya AngeHO, Slick/Cheeseburger Willie and all Obama haters need to sit yo asses down.

  • WhatTheHell?

    I don’t have a problem with Tavis, but he knew Obama would be out campaigning during his event. I understand that. Obama didn’t have time to kick it with him during All Star Weekend in NOLA! Black people are solidly behind him and there are no credible reports of Obama being a sell-out.

    It’s just a scheduling conflict. Get over it, Tavis.

    It’s odd that a lot of powerful white people are throwing their support behind Obama while a lot of powerful blacks are waiting for Obama to come kiss their ass or offer them some role in his administration in exchange for their support. Black people will attempt to abuse their power, huh? Not surprising, but it is disappointing.

  • Margo

    Tavis Smiley has an ego problem. He’s a wanna be Obama! LOL

  • Sit Down

    Stop the hate. We NEED to start at home. Back up off Obama, Tav. Damn.

  • PRTTYBRWNGIRL

    @ HUHSAYWHAT

    Having Michele in attendance would’ve been a wonderful compromise. That woman is ON point.

    ******************

    did see her on larry king live? that woman is THE DEAL .. strong, confident and she came across as being so genuine and truly interested in the betterment and advanced of the US not just the black people. because i have to be honest, i dont want to hear a bunch of we’re going to make the plight of blacks better from them ..its too much schism in our country already. id much perfer a more united country. and thats my idealistic two cents lol

  • Keepin’ It Real (D’Original)

    Damn, and I like Tavis Smiley too and his little 15 minute interviews…

    Whining like a little kid when he doesn’t get his way… Dumb a$$ needs to understand that if Barack Obama could he would…

    Immature people always thinking about themselves and not others…

  • Tyrone M. Wild – Ron Paul 2008

    why would he(Tavis Smiley) receive death threats? who is sending them? Obama has a gestapo now? wow.

  • Mavis

    This speech impaired dude really gets on my nerves. He ran for public office in California and lost and every since then he has had a major chip on his shoulder. He is not the mouthpiece of Black America and we aren’t falling for anymore Al Sharpton wannabees so he should just stick to his television show. He always wants to be the center of attention and like Al & Jessy, he fancies himself as some kind of king. Obama’s wife wanted to come but Travis rejected her and got angry with Obama. Damn all these insecure, desperate to be famous negroes get on my nerves. Travis just stick to what you do and leave this brillant, young, educated, too intelligent to fall for your schemes, man alone.

  • huhsaywhat?

    Conflicts happen, and showing your face at an event is hardly indicative of one’s level of commitment.

    Guiliani was in Harlem a few months ago (with media in tow). Every NYer knows he has no love for the Black community. Was his being in Harlem indicative of his commitment to the community? I think not.

    I hope Tavis is never unable (for whatever reason) to attend a conference or event. it’ll be ALL OVER then…lol

  • http://www.musecube.com/plemleo leo

    Tavis should be ashamed of himself…first time in history we have a very viable and capable BLACK candidate for President of the United States…and you got silly negroes takin stabs at him because of his inability to come speak at your event…damn shame. The energy, attitudes, and inspiration Obama has given us (black people at large) within the past year far surpasses what Smiley has done in TOTAL in ALL of his years in the public eye….Smiley…I can understand why you’d want to be in the limelight with him…but ease up on the criticism. You only make yourself look selfish and out of touch.

  • getyourhandouttamypocket

    Tavis is a woman beater. Who gives a damn what he thinks about Obama?!

    Renee…please calm down. We are entitled to our opinion and you don’t need to bash people who don’t share your opinion. Damn.

  • Laverne

    Damn straight Travis got a ego problem and is as immature as they come. He has other important folks at his conference but he just gonna have Obama there to take pictures with. And you know old permed up Al and Hustler Jessy would be right there trying to squeeze into the pictures as well. No doubt so they can turn around and give those pictures to the media to show that Obama was just like them. A hustler. Good stay away from them Obama because they all up to something sneaky.

  • I let them rock the same mic is SBM

    Tavis Smiley gets a pass..He can say what he wants about Obama, whether I disagree or not, Smiley is a real black man..He’s always held it down for the community, his talk show is positive, the state of the black union summit is positive and it’s always for the better of our community…Smiley you got my stamp of approval and continue to speak that peace

  • Don King

    @ Renee, you better get used to it.

  • deafjam04

    I’m surprised at Tavis! But I shouldn’t be ’cause he interviewed Denzel Washington one time and he kept asking stupid long winded ass questions and Denzel snapped on him! It was if he was trying to get Denzel to contradict himself or something. That’s when I knew Denzel didn’t play and also saw why he is really highly respected!

  • Just Sit And Be Pretty

    Tavis Smiley is obviously interested in promoting HIS agenda. Obama needs to be in Texas, Ohio, etc. focusing on campaigning in those states where Hills is leading in the polls. An offer was made for Michelle Obama to appear, but Smiley is a media hound and while his event may be aired on C-Span, it’s obvious that if Obama participates, Smiley increases and secures major media attention from ALL the networks, including cable. He just wants to ride Obama’s coat tails to get even more national attention for himself.

    BTW, why would he choose to go on air and publicly make a big deal about this…further creating division and schisms among us. Why try to insinuate that Obama doesn’t care about Black America? Hmmm, maybe it’s a covert scheme to increase Hillary’s dwindling support among blacks who are jumping ship for Obama. Tavis sucks!!

  • Ora

    Travis State Of The Black Union Summit is probably as suspect as Jackson’s Rainbow colition that made him rich, and Al’s National Action network that the Feds raided last month. And is it true that Travis is a woman beater? If it is then that tells you something right there, don’t it. Damn shame.

  • huhsaywhat?

    @ PRTTYBRWNGIRL

    did see her on larry king live? that woman is THE DEAL .. strong, confident and she came across as being so genuine and truly interested in the betterment and advanced of the US not just the black people.

    *********************

    I did see Michelle on LKL and was highly impressed. I think Larry and all of his follow-up guests were impressed as well.

    Michelle is accomplished in her own right.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Obama

    I wonder why Tavis would not consider her to be a qualified stand-in for her husband. Seems odd.

  • Richard Jones

    You all are wrong for smacking Tavis. He never attacked Obama or his wife. Obama turned him down last year. Tavis is NOT hating he asked for Obama to come and he could not …Tavis didn’t take it any further.

  • I let them rock the same mic is SBM

    lol but Tavis’s talk show is broke…lol PBS….I remember watch GHOSTWRITER as a little kid

  • huhsaywhat?

    Renee — I have supported Tavis for many years, but in this case I disagree with him. Does that make me ignorant? WE can agree to disagree without insulting one another.

  • tysgurl121

    Everyone wants to be down on Tavis but yet he is only using his constitutional right to speak freely. He can say whatever he wants to say about Obama because in the end it’s not Tavis but Barack who has to prove himself to this country. Michelle is a powerful force, but guess what? Her ass is not running for President and therefore shouldn’t be allowed to speak at events such as Tavis’ because she is not a contender. When I hear the facts about what a person is going to do for the country, I want to hear it straight from the horses mouth. Tavis has been a force in the black community for a while and I don’t think he is going to let this bit of BS deter him from his work, mission and goals. Black folk can rely on Tavis when we need a voice and now just because he is not on the bandwagon with everyone else we want to hate him. How fast they turn!! Dammmnnn!!

  • I let them rock the same mic is SBM

    But of course black america, Strippers with cd’s will appeal and be bigger role models for our black youth..

  • Just Sit And Be Pretty

    Taken from the Washington Post, here’s the story…

    ______________________

    By Darryl Fears

    Tavis Smiley, the bestselling author of the “Covenant With Black America,” is in a world turned upside down. He said he’s being “hammered,” “barbecued,” and is “catching hell” from black Americans for suggesting that Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) made a major mistake by declining to speak at the State of the Black Union event that Smiley plans to host next week in New Orleans.

    “There’s all this talk of hater, sellout and traitor,” Smiley said to me in a telephone interview. Smiley even mentioned getting death threats, but wouldn’t elaborate. He said his office has been flooded with angry e-mails. “I have family in Indianapolis. They are harassing my momma, harassing my brother. It’s getting to be crazy,” Smiley said.

    Smiley’s problems started early this month after he invited Obama to speak at the State of the Black Union, an event Smiley founded nine years ago. Held annually during Black History Month and broadcast by C-Span, the event gathers a Who’s Who of black intellectuals, pundits, activists, entertainers and politicians to discuss and brainstorm about where black America is and where it is headed. This year’s topic is “Reclaiming Our Democracy, Deciding Our Future.”

    The State of the Black Union has grown into a key event for black people since its start, but as Smiley has discovered, Obama’s presidential run is far more highly regarded.

    As the first black person to have a legitimate shot at a presidential nomination, defeating Sen. Hillary Clinton’s rich campaign juggernaut, Obama is virtually a third civil rights movement, the manifestation of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream. His candidacy has produced a fervor in black America born of centuries of wanting. Nearly every black vote that Clinton thought was hers at the beginning of the race has been siphoned by Obama.

    Each of the presidential candidates were invited to speak, but only Sen. Hillary Clinton accepted. Clinton is desperate to bolster her flagging campaign with a larger share of the black vote after losing all but a small percent to Obama. Smiley said he wants the candidates to focus on the issues that black Americans care about.

    If the blogosphere is any reflection, however, black America believes Smiley should check his ego. Commenters would much rather see Obama campaigning against Clinton in Texas and Ohio than at Smiley’s confab in Louisiana, a state he’s already won. Critics burned up Internet chat rooms, taking turns at denouncing Smiley. Pundit Melissa Harris-Lacewell, an Obama supporter, authored a biting anti-Smiley opinion on TheRoot.com (which is owned by Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive), entitled, “Who Died and Made Him King?”

    A fan of Smiley commented on one blog, saying, “Tavis, Ya Killin’ Me, Man.” An angrier writer headlined his comment, “This is just dumb.” “This man is involved in the fight of his life for the presidency of the UNITED STATES, not black states,” he wrote of Obama. “I don’t know if Tavis got the memo, but Hillary is leading in Texas, Ohio and Pennsylvania, where the governor said that his white folks won’t vote for a black.” Other comments would likely be blocked by Net Nanny and can’t be printed on the Web pages of a family newspaper.

    For Smiley, the tumult is a major turnabout. Until now he was a darling commentator in black America. His passion for the people endeared him to many. People listened to his commentaries on the popular Tom Joyner Morning Show, and snapped up so many copies of the “Covenant” that it made the top ten lists of the both the New York Times and the Washington Post. When Smiley talked, black people listened.

    “One of my friends said, ‘you are being barbecued in the blogosphere,’” Smiley said. He told Black America Web writer Michael Cottman’s that “I’m catching hell.” In our interview, Smiley said: “This is the first time in my entire career that I have found myself in this kind of relationship with some folk in black America. I now know what it feels like to have the weight of the Internet world bearing down on you. Man, it’s an eye opener when you get caught in the middle of it.”

    Obama’s campaign said he called Smiley twice on his cell and office phones. Smiley said he returned the calls but got no response.

    On the Tom Joyner Morning Show recently, Joyner brought up the controversy during an interview with Obama, relating how Smiley was taking heat for saying he thinks Obama doesn’t want to talk about issues black people care about.

    Obama chastised Smiley, but spoke as if the two were friends. “I’m going to have to call Tavis up and straighten him out on this,” Obama said. He said he’s addressed issues that Smiley cares about, such as health care and eliminating the legal sentencing disparity that allows judges to send mostly black crack cocaine offenders to prison with sentences that are five times longer than powder cocaine offenders who are mostly white and Latino.

    Obama followed up with a letter to Smiley, dated Feb. 13. In it, Obama explained why he declined the invitation, saying that he needed to campaign in states that Clinton must win to in order to topple her candidacy.

    “I will be on the campaign trail every day in states like Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin talking directly to voters about the causes that are at the heart of my campaign and the State of the Black Union forum such as affordable housing, economic opportunity, civil rights and foreign policy,” Obama said in his letter. He had offered to have his wife, Michelle, speak in his stead at the State of the Black Union, but Smiley had declined. “I ask that you reconsider,” Obama wrote. “Michelle is a powerful voice for the type of reach change America is hungry for.”

    Smiley responded in a commentary on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, condemning Obama’s decision with his usual strong, passionate, rapid-fire delivery. He recounted the gist of his statement in the interview. “I think it is a miscalculation on his part not to appear and a missed opportunity.”

    “I love Barack Obama and I love black people,” Smiley said. “I celebrate his past accomplishments and I celebrate his future aspirations. I never wanted to stand in the path of his growth.”

    However, he said, “My job is to ask the critical question, to raise these issues and keep these guys focused. There are some people who are disappointed that I’m not jumping up and down saying, ‘Vote for Barack Obama.’ That’s not my role as a journalist. That’s not what I do.”

  • Lili

    I let them rock the same mic is SBM

    Tavis Smiley gets a pass..He can say what he wants about Obama, whether I disagree or not, Smiley is a real black man..He’s always held it down for the community, his talk show is positive, the state of the black union summit is positive and it’s always for the better of our community…Smiley you got my stamp of approval and continue to speak that peace

    ^^^I wouldn’t go so far as to say “he can say whatever he wants about Obama”; he can express his opinion and disappointment without dragging the man’s name through the mud. He does get a pass, though. Tavis has always been down for the cause and has never been afraid to tell it like it is, and I have to respect that.

    Even though I heard he’s a Hillary supporter. :-X

  • Dee Murphy

    Tavis has supported his people all along. He deserves

    some respect from his people. He is entitled to his opinion. African-Americans have given their full support to Obama. He needs to take time to make an appearance at Tavis’ event.

  • PRTTYBRWNGIRL

    @ huhsaywhat

    I did see Michelle on LKL and was highly impressed. I think Larry and all of his follow-up guests were impressed as well.

    ******************************

    you know .. at one point during the interview he was looking at her with googly eyes lol the respect and admiration was so evident but yes, she is a very accomplished woman and what i like her about is that she doesnt give into to the idle talk and the bashing that people try to bait her with, in regards to the clintons. had that been hilary on the show she would have taken every opportunity to make little jabs or deragatory comments towards the obamas. it was very clear she stands in support of her husband because she believes in him and not just because he’s her husband. hilary has always come across to me as supporting bill because she knew the time would come when she’d want to run for office and would need his help.

  • sillyme

    Obama’s already got the black vote in his pocket, so he doesn’t need to do that kind of stuff, or do anything to try to make black folks happy. Now, if this were a Latino event, I’m sure he’d make an effort to be there.

  • Nita

    @ Dee Murphy, I don’t know. maybe if Tavis were concerned about the State of the Black Union instead of his own ego and upping his own political kingmaking cache… sure. But I don’t think he is.

    Tavis can invite Obama on later. Or before.

    HOWEVER, I can totally see the arguments being made about Obama needing to get his message out in Texas. This is not a game, this is for real. This is for keeps. Obama isn’t running for president to up his cache. Obama is running because he wants to be president. People need to see and hear him. He wants people to see and hear him. He wants to go out to all those little places that are ignored because they aren’t New York or California or Florida or the big cities in Texas, and Get Out the Vote. He doesn’t want to preach to the choir. So Tavis the Clinton supporter can ask him to come on to his show later, if he’s really that concerned.

  • lauren

    who is that fool

  • WiLLbeRight

    CRABS IN A BUCKETT!!!!

    Is it the destiny of black Americans to be forever stalled and held back by our own? Will there ever be a day when we can have unity among our people and not so easily judge by one another because we don’t all share the same beliefs. Tavis’ shot at more ratings is nothing short of content for his fellow citizen. One man is almost bringing us as a people to a level we have never been and hi come this silly TV Radio personality to try and pull Obama down to his reality. The fact is Obama has gotten to where he is because he has not tried to prove he’s “Blacker than the next man”. The Senator has run his campaign on his views and new ideas on how this country should be ran. He need not prove to anyone he’s A Black man, he is who he is and if he were not of African descent I would still vote for him because of his character. Maybe Mr. Smiley thinks that when Obama is elected he will shed his skin and we’ll find Ross Perot’s ass under there…

    In the end History will note him as being the first black President, and there will be nothing in there about him hurting his own people and that’s what matters.

    p.s. I find Tavis Smiley boring and unimportant anyway.

  • VicKaLiCiouS from

    Has anyone been over to Perez? He is like on a one man campaign against Obama. I can’t believe the stuff he is posting to sway Obama supporters to vote for Hillary.

  • baby

    Tavis hasnt officially endorsed or indicated any support for any candidate…i am positive that regardless of how he feels, when Barack becomes THE democratic candidate for President of the United States, Tavis will be kissing all over that ass…i do hate shady ass, wishy washy, hypocritic negroes. Tavis is trying to play both ends against the middle, and that never works.

  • Barak Hussein

    Tavis is on BS! He is losing credibility with me by the second, HO SIT DOWN!!!

  • Just Sit And Be Pretty

    Hey, did anyone see this on Youtube? Check out a reporter thinking he was rolling up on some baseball cap wearing “ignant” brother who wouldn’t be able to articulate his support of Obama. LOL, he picked the wrong one, this dude is a Harvard student.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kica8hmSdAM

  • trina@atl

    He has been having this event for years and all they do is talk b/c the black community gets worse every year. What does he do besides talk anyway? I have never know him to do anything but run his mouth. I am so tired of him and all of these other so called black leaders trying to diss Obama by saying he is not focusing on the black issues, but when he wins the election all of them are going to be the main ones trying to get a front row seat to the inguration.

  • jjones

    YOU MUKAS ARE CRAZY. YOU DONT THINK IT IS SUSPECT FOR US TO BE VOTING ON THE 1ST BLACK PRESIDENT, BUT HE DONT ATTEND BLACK BLACK EVENTS. HE DIDNT CARE ABOUT HE JENA 6 INCIDENT AND NOT TAVIS SHOW AND TAVIS IS A IMPORTANT PERSON IN BLACK COMMUNITY, BUT HE CAN ATTEND THINGS THAT PROMOTE HIS AGENDA. I GUESS YOU CAN SEE WHY THE CIVIL RIGHT ACTIVIST HATE OBAMA. I GUESS OBAMA FEEL HE GOING TO AUTOMATICALLY GET THE BLACK VOTES SO HE NOT CONCERNED ABOUT US

  • http://www.myspace.com/birdshu Bird

    Tavis ought to no better than that. Obama can’t be participating in any race related events right now. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see Tavis AFTER the election.

  • KIMORA LEE’S NECK ROLLS

    @ jjones

    YOU MUKAS ARE CRAZY. YOU DONT THINK IT IS SUSPECT FOR US TO BE VOTING ON THE 1ST BLACK PRESIDENT, BUT HE DONT ATTEND BLACK BLACK EVENTS. HE DIDNT CARE ABOUT HE JENA 6 INCIDENT AND NOT TAVIS SHOW AND TAVIS IS A IMPORTANT PERSON IN BLACK COMMUNITY

    ********************

    you might be misinformed. obama’s camp was THE FIRST camp who issued a statement regarding the Jena 6 incident and actually gave comments when interviewed on the subject. hilary clintons camp was contacted several times regarding the issue and would not go on the record to issue a statement until other GOP members started issuing statment. I KNOW this because a local radio show did a countdown to how long it would take for hilary clinton to respond, then during a interview when she was asked about the situation every other word out of her mouth was ah, i uh … she rambled through that question unaware of what her actual answer was and after disconnecting the call the radio host lit into her ridiculous non answer.

  • Shatimae, Harlem NYC

    Just a sad state of affairs. I’m really disappointed in Smiley and the # of Blacks who just cant seem to support my brotha BARACK.

    Sad!!

  • Just Sit And Be Pretty

    Okay, I’m nearly choking on my lunch ROFLMAO @ the screen name Kimora Lee’s Neck Rolls…hilarious. :-)

  • I’m Just Me

    IS IT ME OR IS THIS JUST ANOTHER CASE OF BLACK ON BLACK HATE.

    DAMMIT TAVIS WITH ALL THE “BLACK POWER” YOU ARE ALWAYS PROMOTING WHY STOOP TO THIS LEVEL.

    I AGREE WITH WHAT JACK TRIPPER SAID. HE HAS NEVER BEEN INVITED TO THIS EVEN BEFORE.

    TAVIS YOU B*TCHED UP ON US AND IT IS NOT IMPRESSIVE. TAKE THOSE PUPPET STRINGS OUTTA YA BACK MAN!

  • I’m Just Me

    EVENT*

  • Lovely Queen

    Now, let me start off by saying “death threats are a bit too far”

    However, Tavis Smiley needs to look at the bigger picture. This is the biggest campaign that anyone could run in and NOBODY can be in all places at all times. Obama did offer his better half, Michelle so its not like he’s ignoring him.

    I mean seriously…lets think about last few primary weeks. Would it have been better for Obama to do the Tavis Smiley Show or to campaign in Maryland, DC, Louisiana???

    I generally like Tavis, but he is disappointing me at this point.

  • Nita

    @ lovely and amazing wrote, “Obama is giving the Jena 6 a whole lot more than a march, he’s giving them a blueprint for mitigating and overcoming racism, educating themselves, and daring to strive for their dreams.”

    Lord have mercy, AMEN!!!

  • I’m Just Me

    @ JUST SIT AND BE PRETTY!!

    DID YOU SEE THIS BULLSHYT. HE WOULDN’T EVEN LET THE INTERVIEWEE GET A WORD IN EDGEWISE!! HE WAS TRYING TO SHUT HIM DOWN LEFT AND RIGHT.

    I AM GLAD THAT MAN SHUT HIM DOWN

    INTERVIEWER: HO SIT DOWN… YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT MEDICAID IS. B*TCH STFU!!

  • rosie

    Wasn’t Tavis mad last year when Obama didn’t show up? He didn’t make it because that was the day HE ANNOUNCED HIS CANDIDACY…and Tavis still pouted.

    Tavis also failed to mention that Obama has participated in the past…when he wasn’t in the middle of a presidential campaign.

    I think the bigger problem here is that Tavis, Sharpton, and some of these other so-called “gatekeepers” are upset that their political “weight” is being exposed as lighter than they would like. Obama bypassed the old-school leaders and the “Talented 10th” pundit-ocracy, and has risen to front runner status. Nobody likes to be confronted with their own mortality, and the success of Obama’s politics (hopefully) sounds the death-knell for politics as usual for these guys…how can you claim to be the voice of “Black America” when you are so obviously not in tune with what (and who) Black America wants electorally? If I never see Al Sharpton on a cable talk show again, it will not be a bad thing.

  • md&dc for o”bama in 08′

    Tavis..boo…that was a move by a pure bonified queen! yup i said it….QUEEN BABY!!!!! You are supposed to have his back…not back-stab! I am embarased by your ignorant actions! Man-up, beeee-atch! Support your own!

    WE LOVE O’BAMA!!!!!!!!

  • LARRYWELL

    AND ITS FUNNY HOW EVERYONE IS ON HIS WIFE’S DICK NOW. US AS BLACK CANT WAIT TO JUMP ON SOMEONES BANDWAGON. ARE WE IN NEED OF A BLACK LEADER THAT BAD

  • Nita

    @ Kimora Lee’s Neck Rolls (and co-sign with Lovely Queen, ha!), are you serious? dang. I didn’t know that. That’s just like finding out Obama *did* make a statement about Kenya after all the Clinton folk tried to say Obama didn’t give a fig about what was going down and didn’t have a word to say about it.

    But that’s worse about Hillary. Wonder why she stumbled… particularly since I thought shows like that gave their guests a list of questions which would be asked and vice versa so everybody ‘looks good’… how could she not have a prepared statement for that?

    @ I’m just me, yeah, I heard Obama didn’t go last year either….I just went to Essence Magazine’s blogsite, to find out what was going on. Apparently, there was a conflict. I don’t know if the conflict was a matter of people avoiding one another, or of serious schedule conflicts, ie folks asking too late. I don’t know:

    ————————————————

    Why Obama should Skip Tavis Smiley’s State of the Black Union

    – The Roland Report

    Sen. Barack Obama took a lot of heat last year from participants in Tavis Smiley’s State of the Black Union annual confab, which was held in Virginia. To be fair, he was a little busy that day…announcing HE WAS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT! Some of the folks there were besides themselves, and frankly, were childish about it, even saying that he should have put off his presidential announcement to be there.

    (snip) During his commentary Thursday on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, the most listened to black radio show, Tavis said he’s invited the three top candidates, Republican frontrunner, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, and Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. He said only one has accepted, and he will wait until tomorrow for the other two to decide. He didn’t say which one decided to attend, but on Friday, Clinton announced that she was attending.

    In his commentary, Smiley said he was going to snap on those who don’t attend on Tuesday’s show, demanding that they own up to black issues and zero in on social justice issues as outlined in the book he edited, “The Covenant with Black America.” Here is my analysis of the situation, and hopefully it will put this presidential campaign and the delicate task of navigating the waters of black politics in perspective.

    1. CLINTON MUST ATTEND. (snip) The perceived racial slights toward Obama by Clinton campaign surrogates, as well as her husband, former President Bill Clinton, has done significant damage in the black community. His attempts to explain the comments haven’t mollified African Americans. Her appearance at the event can help her restore her standing among a vital Democratic constituency, which she will need to turn out en masse if she wins the nomination. Also, her campaign doesn’t have the cash Obama has. She needs any free media.

    2. OBAMA MUST LOOK FORWARD, NOT IN THE PAST. The Louisiana primary, which he won handily, was on Saturday. Why go back to Louisiana for an event on Feb. 23? That is not to dismiss the needs of people along the Gulf Coast. But the only way he can truly help them is if he wins the nomination and the White House….(snip) If Tavis wanted to have an impact, he should have held his event before Louisiana or before the Mississippi primary. As the saying goes, bad planning on your part doesn’t constitute a sense of urgency on mine.

    3. HE CAN’T BE DEFINED AGAIN AS THE BLACK CANDIDATE. (snip)

    4. SEND MICHELLE OBAMA. (snip) Spending the day with Tavis and his panelists is vital for Clinton. For Obama, time spent courting Latinos in Texas is more important.

    (snip) By the way, when people say that black issues are being ignored in the campaign, they are wrong. The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, the nation’s most prestigious think tank devoted to African American issues, released a survey showing that the top issues to blacks are the war in Iraq; healthcare; jobs and the economy; and education. Sounds to me like the candidates have spent a lot of time on those issues, although they could always do more.

    As an aside, when I asked my radio listeners on WVON in Chicago if Obama should skip the event, we got 29 calls in two hours, and only two said he should go. And this is a crowd that is normally in agreement with Smiley.

  • LARRYWELL

    AND ITS FUNNY HOW EVERYONE IS ON HIS WIFE’S DICK NOW. US AS BLACK CANT WAIT TO JUMP ON SOMEONES BANDWAGON. ARE WE IN NEED

  • lovely and amazing

    @ Nita

    Remember, this is just what you were saying the other day (about my college student sister who got fired from her part time job at Walmart for calling a customer a cracker after the customer called her a nigger).

    By calling the customer a cracker she played right into racism’s hands and gave the bigot manager amunition to fire her.

    Our youth are in such DIRE need of new models for mitigating and overcoming racism.

    Obama’s very presence and perserverance is already a gift to a generation.

  • LARRYWELL

    BARACK OBAMA WORSHIPS THE WIZARD OF OZ. I READ IT IN HIS RECENT INTERVIEW ON FOX.COM WHRE HE SAYS THERE IS NO GOD, ONLY THE WIZARD. DONT NOT VOTE FOR A WIZARD LOVING MAN. HIS MARRIAGE WAS IN THE GREATER WIZARD OF OZ, TEMPLE IN OZ. THEY CANNOT BE TRUSTED AND WE SHOULD NOT SUPPORT HIM

  • lovely and amazing

    What’s telling about this election is how “the white woman” loses her cool and composure while the “the black man” is holding it together and not emotionally reacting to racism. It’s a skill our young people need to see and master.

    Thank you Obama!!

  • tj

    Please Please get Professor West out of this pic. Cornel is down with Obama and has been from jump. Tavis Smiley is a straight up crab in a barrel. I’ve lost all respect for him. ALL!

  • LARRYWELL

    BARACK OBAMA WORSHIPS THE WIZARD OF OZ. I READ IT IN HIS RECENT INTERVIEW ON FOX.COM WHRE HE SAYS THERE IS NO GOD, ONLY THE WIZARD. DONT NOT VOTE FOR A WIZARD LOVING MAN. HIS MARRIAGE WAS IN THE GREATER WIZARD OF OZ, TEMPLE IN OZ. THEY CANNOT BE TRUSTED AND WE SHOULD NOT SUPPORT HIM

  • G

    And Yeah, of course Obama didn’t attend an event about African Americans, cause he’s not one!! Why isn’t his wife teaching him anything about the plight of blacks in this country, I mean really, Clinton even built his library in Harlem, now that’s reaching out. But so many silly black are only voting for Obama cause he black, well watch when he’s elected, you’ll see how much he knows about blacks.

  • rosie

    @G

    Clinton built his library in Arkansas. His office is in Harlem. Not that he is there much…

    As for voting for a candidate because he is black, Stanley Fish wrote an interesting piece about that today in the NY Times. Here’s an excerpt (although I urge everyone to read the whole thing):

    “African Americans are no less heterogeneous in their views than Jewish Americans. Yet every African American – conservative or liberal, rich or poor, barely educated or highly educated – meets with obstacles to his or success and mobility that are all the more frustrating because they are structural (built into the culture’s ways of perceiving) rather than official. To the non- African American these obstacles will be more or less invisible, especially in a country where access to opportunity is guaranteed by law. It makes sense, therefore, that an African American voter could come to the conclusion that an African American candidate would be likely to fight for changes that could remove barriers a white candidate might not even see. A vote given for that reason would be a vote based on identity, but it would be more than a mere affirmation of fellowship (he’s one of mine and I have to support him); it would be a considered political judgment as to which candidate will move the country in a preferred direction. Identity might be the trigger of the vote, but it would not be the whole of its content.”

  • Nun Ye

    So noone cares he plagiarized a speech huh?

    Noboby?

    HElllllo?

    Guess not

    Well back to hating on Tavis, calling him a crab

  • LARRYWELL

    OBAMA WORSHIPS THE WIZARD OF OZ. I READ IT IN HIS RECENT INTERVIEW ON FOX.COM WHRE HE SAYS THERE IS NO GOD, ONLY THE WIZARD. DONT NOT VOTE FOR A WIZARD LOVING MAN. HIS MARRIAGE WAS IN THE GREATER WIZARD OF OZ, TEMPLE IN OZ. THEY CANNOT BE TRUSTED AND WE SHOULD NOT SUPPORT HIM

  • rosie

    @Nun Ye

    Yes I saw the video…Deval Patrick told the WaPo that he and Obama talked about this. Should Obama have credited Patrick for the structure of the speech? Maybe, but given that Patrick used some of the most famous and oft-repeated lines of American oratory, does that mean that he would have to credit King, JFK, FDR, etc? I think the broader point that both of them were trying to make was that there is a long history of powerful lofty rhetoric in American politics (and British; hence the reverance towards Churchill for his words, which were all he had to offer the nation when it was the Last Man Standign against the Nazis in Western Europe).

    In addition, perhaps people aren’t making a big deal of this latest complaint from the Clinton camp because SHE HAS SO SHAMELESSLY LIFTED OBAMA’S RHETORIC in this campaign.

    “Yes we Can”

    “Turn the Page”

    “A Time for Change”

    Sounds familiar?

    HRC’s whole campaign now reeks of desperation.

  • Nita

    @ Nun Ye wrote, “So noone cares he plagiarized a speech huh?”

    Governor Deval Patrick, who was the ‘plagiarizee’, certainly doesn’t. Governor Patrick has Obama’s back on this one, giving the explanation that they’ve been trading ideas and phrases back and forth for a while.

    I don’t think Obama should have taken entire paragraphs, but then I also don’t believe that Dr. King or Alex Haley should have lifted stuff from other people either — WITHOUT NOTATING WHERE THEY GOT IT FROM. Obama should have prefaced his speech with the fact that he was going to quote Governor Patrick.

    Nobody is pure. If the ‘victim’ wants to make a case, it’s kosher. The ‘victim’ does not, and backs up his man and even condemns himself in the process (meaning, he says he uses Obama’s words himself).

    Try again, Nun Ye.

  • Nun Ye

    @ Nita

    What else would he say he is his supporter. Duh!

    If Hillary did that this site would be Blowing up this site about that.

  • blazeblah blazespli

    Tavis should hold Obama accountable for not attempting to show up himself. Obama has the right to prioritize as Tavis has the right to want to be on top of his list.

    Believe this if and when Obama whens the election he won’t be the only Brother or Sister looking out for us. We cannot turn out backs on everyone who doesn’t agree with everything that man does, just because he’s Black. Everyone has to be taken to task, its all about how he carries it.

  • dee the idiot

    dee we are dividing and conquering our own damn selves so sit down and be quiet stupid. You are probably a Al Sharpton supporter anyway always drumming up some invisible booegy man to blame on.

  • But Of Course

    Last year Tavis was pissed at Barack for not announcing his candidacy at the summit. Barack has since been a guest on both his radion and tv programs. I mean does Barack have to jump at his every beckon call or what?

  • Just Sit And Be Pretty

    Thank you Nita, how does using a few lines translate into plagarizing a speech? At this point, the Clintons are grasping at straws to try to question his integrity but can’t find a damn thing!! THEY are the ones with skeletons in the closet and files kept under lock and key. GTFOH!! Here is the AP story that covers the so-called plagarism deal.

    _______________

    Obama says borrowed lines not a big deal By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer

    Sen. Barack Obama said Monday that he doesn’t think it’s a big deal that he borrowed lines from his friend Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, although he probably should have given him credit.

    Patrick said during his gubernatorial campaign a year and a half ago that words matter, like “I have a dream” and “all men are created equal.”

    Obama used the same lines Saturday night in Wisconsin. Obama said that Patrick suggested he use the lines to respond to Hillary Rodham Clinton’s suggestion that Obama is more of a talker than a doer.

    Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson accused Obama of plagiarizing Patrick, and that’s particularly troubling since Obama’s appeal is based in large part on his rhetorical skills.

    “It raises questions about the premise of his candidacy,” Wolfson told reporters in a conference call.

    Obama, D-Ill., says that’s going too far.

    “Now hold on a second. Let’s see — I’ve written two books, wrote most of my speeches,” Obama told reporters at a news conference after touring a titanium plant.

    “I’m happy to give Deval credit, as I give credit to a lot people for spurring all kinds of ideas,” he said. “But I think that it is fair to say that everything that we’ve been doing in generating excitement and the interest that people have in the election is based on the core belief in me that we need change in America.”

    Asked whether he wished he would have given him credit given the criticism he’s facing, Obama responded: “I was on the stump, and he had suggested that we use these lines. I thought they were good lines. I’m sure I should have — didn’t this time.”

    “I really don’t think this is too big of a deal,” he said. He said he’s noticed Clinton using his phrases sometimes, like “it’s time to turn the page” and “fired up, ready to go.”

    Obama focused on the economy during his trip to this economically depressed manufacturing region of Ohio. He promised he would end tax breaks for companies which move jobs overseas and use the money to give tax breaks to companies who invest in the United States.

    At his news conference, Obama also said he didn’t expect any immediate endorsement from John Edwards after his secret meeting with his former rival yesterday. “I think he’s still mulling things over,” Obama said.

  • But Of Course

    Feb 18, 2008 – 4:00 pm Miss L@dy

    Nita:

    You don’t have to support the Clintons. One thing you all fail to see, Bill and Hilary didn’t do a damn thing to harm us. They helped us and spoke up for us. Bill partied and got him some head but he did his damn job. He played his part. His personal life ain’t got a damn thing to do with us.

    —————————————————

    WTF? Example. Give specifics.

  • Nun Ye

    @ Just sit there and be pretty

    YOu turn in any report, essay, Thesis statement and dont credit, and see if someone says well its only a couple of lines, get real.

  • But Of Course

    @ Miss L@dy, NEVER MIND! I just read your previous post, you’re clearly a deranged lunatic!

  • rosie

    @ Nita

    While I disagree with you about Romney, I do agree with your assessment of the Clintons. They will do anything, include rip the party apart, in order for Hillary to win the presidency, which she seems to think belongs to her.

    That said, I was one of those people who said that I would vote for McCain before Clinton, but given the state of the economy and McCain’s admitted lack of understanding of economics, the thought of him presiding over a painful recession is a little scary. On the plu sside, however, McCain has a long history of working on both sides of the aisle in the Senate, and I think is in a better position to get bi-partisan legislation passed than HRC is.

  • Just Sit And Be Pretty

    Nun Ye, obviously he has a relationship with Deval and as he pointed out, Deval suggested he use the lines. Give me a break, it’s clear as day that the Clintons are trying to make a mountain out of a molehill. I mean really,for her spokesman to say that “It raises questions about the premise of his candidacy,” Wolfson told reporters in a conference call…is insulting and really a desperate attempt to taint Obama’s character. If folks can’t see how ruthless the Clintons are…SMDH

  • Just Sit And Be Pretty

    LOL @ But of Course. I thought it…you said it.

  • Richard

    What I find so humorous is that Barak Obama can count on our support while distancing himself from us.

    We are so eager to have a black president that it would not concern us in the least if that president did nothing for us.

    I don’t know if he will represent any historically civil rights agendas but I hope he will.

    It mus gall some black leaders (And I include Tavis as one) that he is not fighting for the same things that they are but he commands so much support.

    people still want their OJ prize.

    I still voted for him in the primary but let’s see what he does for Black America before we start comparing him to Martin.

  • lovely and amazing

    WARNING:

    NUN-YE, LARRYWELL, & MISS LADY ARE PLANTS!

    Engage them if you choose too but they are not sincerely here to discuss. They are here to antogonize and force reactions from OBAMA SUPPORTERS.

    Nun Ye, Miss Lady, Larrywell now join Perez Hiltion on Billary Bushes payroll.

    OBAMA 2008!!

    YES HE CAN!!

    OBAMA 2008!!

  • Bozo D. Clown

    I’ve been saying for years that Tavis is largely full of it. Until now, no one would listen.

  • rosie

    I am still missing something on the “doing something for US” line of argument.

    Arguably having better access to health care would “do something for us”.

    Given the over-representation of people of color in the military, pulling out of Iraq would “do something for us.”

    Hell, Obama’s status as the Democratic front runner for the role of Leader of the Free World “does more for us” than any number of talking head conferences.

    Here we have a black leader who is in a monogamous partnership; who has all of his children by one woman – HIS WIFE; who has held one of the most prestigious positions in the legal world; who used their talent to push for community-based change, rather than as a corporate shill — and who still seems grounded and humble. If nothing else, Barack Obama has “done something for us” by presenting a new and improved model of national black leadership.

  • http://www.speeklife.com Thoughtz

    For one, I think there are different issues at play here. For one, I think Smiley should have accepted Obama’s offer and let his wife speak in his stead. It’s not like they have separate agendas. I mean let’s be real, if he’s the president, she’s going to have major influence on his policies. Their vision is the same. Also, Obama has to campaign in these states because of the stakes and because it is grind time.

    On the other hand, for what I know about Smiley, he’s a legit rider for issues pertaining to black America, not in the “Al Sharpton/Jesse Jackson let’s play the race card all the time variety,” but rather on some let’s take a critically objective look at the plight of black people in America. I think Smiley’s comments that Obama made a miscalculation by not attending the State of Black America had less to do with hating and his ego, and more to do with the principle. Although I know how important it is for him to be campaigning, I can also understand why Smiley would want Obama there. I mean logically it makes sense that he’s there.

    The fact of the matter is that they are coming from two different perspectives/vantage points on the situation. Smiley also said that he “loves” Obama, so I doubt there’s any hate there. Also, the State of the Union commemorates Black History month, which for various reasons commands a whole other level or honor and respect. In Obama’s mind, him getting the nomination could be his way of commemorating our history in America.

    Assuming that there was really no way for him to fly to Louisiana, speak at the event, and then fly back to Ohio to campaign, I think Obama made the right decision. Nevertheless, I think that Smiley’s reasons for wanting him there (given the current political stakes) and his views that Obama miscalculated are also valid, and people should not be coming down so hard on him.

  • Nita

    @ rosie, nah you ain’t missing it. you get exactly what it’s about, and i reject it, too. you know what you said about welfare?

    co-sign.

  • http://celebzblast.blogspot.com Toya

    Tavis needs to shut up. Barack Obama told him that he couldn’t attend because he is busy campaigning and that he is very sorry. Barack Obama told him that he will send his wfe Michelle to fill in for him, Tavis then said he doesn’t want Michelle their and then began a tirade to bash Obama. This is so sad, Tavis needs to sit down and think about what he’s doing.

  • anchored

    Tavis is apart of the good ol boy system. he knows no better. what if hil-liar gives up does this mean he’ll endorse Obama. He’d have to forget and move on @Tavis move on, let it go. Get your tailor made suit and get some rims on shine and get the fuc to the polls-Obama 2008 bra

  • Tyrone M. Wild – Ron Paul 2008

    THE U.S.A. IS SO MUCH BIGGER THAN BLACK & WHITE.

  • yo

    Black people have moved towards making death threats? That’s a sad state of affair. Equal Opportunity is too much.

    On another note, the State of Black Union is a terrific event held annually in Washington, D.C. I went there before and enjoyed myself immensely because it talked about WAYS to improve black America, and it wasn’t through ignorant comments on blogs or death threats. Just saying…

  • yo

    Tavis Smiley cared and did more for the black Americans in the last year than Obama. Now because a negro is running for President he has helped black people? Get some self esteem negroes.

  • http://www.barackobama.com carolinagirl

    I knew this story would be here eventually. I don’t really feel too sorry for Tavis. The death threats are unneccesary and uncalled for. But the backlash he’s getting on the blogosphere and on other black radio stations is just “love” us “black folks”. Not everyone will vote for Obama, just like not everyone will vote for Clinton. I respect his opinion, but it is just that, his OPINION. He will not sway my decision to vote for Barack Obama. I stopped listening to the TJMS a long time ago.

  • The JACK OFF Artist…

    I USE TO LIKE TAVIS SMILEY AFTER HE LET BET(WITH I HATE)BUT NOW I FILE HIM UNDER DUM A$$ NI66ER WANTING PROPS FROM FROM THE NEXT PRESIDENT JUST TO BOOST HIM SELF AND GET SOME PRESS KNOW HES HATED LIKE THAT OTHER FOOL WHO USE TO OWN BET….BOOO THESE MEN.

  • But Of Course

    @ Just Sit And Be Pretty, like Nita said, she’s an obvious plant. Sorry, it’s an obvious plant.

    @ Richard, I really don’t see how Barack is distancing himself from black people.

    That man can’t win for losing someone I know is mad at him for identifying as black and not biracial.

  • The JACK OFF Artist…

    SORRY FOR TYPOS BOSS KEEPS WALKING BY

  • huhwhat

    what in the hell is a “State of the Black Union”? There is no “Black Union”, so the state of it would be “non-existent”. Hence no event. SMH.

  • http://www.tupaclegacy.com Tupac Fan

    I remember when Tavis Smiley tried to hate on Tupac right after he died, when he hosted that show on BET at night. Russel Simons had to straighten him out — on air. Right then i knew Mr. Smiley was down with me or anybody like me.

  • http://www.tupaclegacy.com Tupac Fan

    wan’t down with me…. (TYPO)

  • http://www.tupaclegacy.com Tupac Fan

    wasn’t down with me….I guess the thought of my boss walking by is hindering me lol

  • yo

    Russell Simmons called him a house nigger, which I thought was funny. What has Russell Simmons done for black people as a collective group? Seriously? WHAT?

    And you can like Obama and support Obama, I see nothing wrong with that. However, the idea that negroes are going to be more accepted because he wins presidency is STUPID. It’s dumb. Their are too many trifling negroes that are represented even on this web site for that to happen.

    White people have always believed there are EXCEPTIONS to the poor negro rule. So his success as a candidate is not a surprise. If you’re going to ride for Obama, then ride for him because of his platform. Just don’t put the plight/success of negroes based on his winning on the overall view of negroes.

  • Jewel

    Can’t we all just get along??

    Come on everybody, Tavis has been duly reprimanded from coast to coast. Let’s not kick the brother to the curb – regardless of how we feel about him. We all make mistakes… Let’s re-direct our energy and focus toward helping the candidate of our choice win this nomination. For those who are supporting Obama, let’s take a moment to flood http://www.obamabarack.com with some uplifting and energizing emails of why we support him and his decision to continue on his campaign trail. Don’t forget to send some $$ his way also.

    United we stand. Yes We Can!

  • yo

    It’s not a mistake, Jewel.

    Let the man have his opinion. There is no WRONG to an opinion. There are wrong in facts.

    I sometimes hate black people, seriously. Particularly stupid black people that think you’re not black enough for not voting for a black man. Those are the stupid black people. The stupid black people that can’t support their community, put money in their community, or organize support for their community.

  • yo

    Wonder why they call you stupid.

    Sheesh, I have never not wanted to be black for a day until this election. I am now officially aborigines.

  • rosie

    @ yo

    “Tavis Smiley cared and did more for the black Americans in the last year than Obama.”

    HOW. WHAT. EXPLAIN.

  • Jewel

    Correction…

    Go to http://www.barackobama.com???

  • Jewel

    CORRECTION

    That should have read http://www.barackobama.com

  • Jewel

    Hi Yo-

    Tavis’ opinion is not the mistake I am referring to. It’s the way he came across with his opinion. That is what has most people fired up. These days one has to be ever so careful of what they say and do as well as how. As a seasoned journalist Tavis knows better. I personally still support Tavis, yet don’t agree on all of his points.

    Also, be careful of who you call stupid. Just like you defend Tavis’ position, others have a right to their opinions as well.

  • lovely and amazing

    Russell Simmons should STFU!!! He has single-handedly destroyed generations of black youth with his false self-serving movement getting rich off the backs desperate inner city kids. Russell Simmons is an elitist SNOB and happy token. How dare he hate on Obama?!! Because Obama chose education over pimping his brothers and sisters to feed some false diversity fantasy of racist ghetto-romaticizing white folks. Don’t get me started. Is this the same Russell Simmons who hates brown women calling someone a house nigger?!!! Russell Simmons was Rick Rubin and Leyor Cohens house nigger who did the recruiting and overseeing of the Def Jam plantation. BLOOD DIAMOND RUSS STFU!!

    Russell bought the hype that he was some kind of leader of black people. He’s just a selfish rich exploiter of black youth and nothing more.

    OBAMA 2008!!

    YES HE CAN!!

    OBAMA 2008!!

  • serene

    my two cents. this would of been a perfect opportunity for borack to address issues facing the black community. Its not about proving his level of blackness. I’ve heard comments from edwards, hilary all about this issues facing the black community. ain’t got none from obama. it would of been the perfect place, but maybe obama doesn’t wanna turn off the votes he’s been getting from whites….i’m juss sayin….

  • THE REAL TRUTH

    voting dosnt matter boycotting does not matter nothing does they WILL have who they wnat to have as our presidnet and hillary clinton is also a part of the illumanatic cause she or mcCain will be president and play pivotol roles in the direction of the country all of these black civil rights groups that bash obama have been entangled in the web of the illuminati and have been manipulated into taking the stance that they take ,they9illumanati0 thrive off racial tnesion and employs all types of people to help them acieve this example, the whole o.j simpson ordeal and media coverage is part of thier plan to stir up racial tension it was all planed and was carefully orchestrated ,GODS people i plead with you to please learn the truth and save yourselves this world is coverup.many dont know know that AIDS is man made and was also also a part of a plan of population controll in africa, this stuff is very deep and apllies to every aspect of life, the movie the matrix is not as flase as you may think when it comes to the idea of this world all beind fake and a cover-up for the real world we live in .call these conspiricy theories all you like but once agin that is hoe THEY want you to think

  • THE REAL TRUTH

    JAY-Z is an evil man do not support him research this mans affiliation with the illuminati

  • @The Real Truth

    I am aware of the illuminati or what I like to refer to them as The Freemasons…I would be so ashamed to be classified as a black american. I’m just glad to see that there a few exceptions to what is a broken and disillusioned community. It is truly a wonderful time to be British.

  • lovely and amazing

    Russell+Jay=Illuminati

    ____________________________________________

    @ Sick & Tired

    Righ the eff on!!

    OBAMA 2008!!

  • Florida Girl

    How can Hillary say that all barack has is rhetorica. That is all she and her husband has had for the time they were in the white house. We tell our children to go to school and get a good education and be somebody. Now that Barack has done that we tell him that he is not good enoung. We must stop people like Lou Dobbs(CNN) from down grading our children who are trying to retify the wrong that has been done in this country. If anyone can do this. I think that Barack has the know how, passionate care for those of us to try daily and somehow he makes those of us believe, yes we can just from what he is doing for those of us who reach across color lines everyday. Let’s don’t fall prey to the fail ideas and former policies of the Clintons.

  • Tyrone M. Wild – Ron Paul 2008

    Obama is illuminatti too

  • Florida Girl

    How can Hillary say that all barack has is rhetorica. That is all she and her husband has had for the time they were in the white house. We tell our children to go to school and get a good education and be somebody. Now that Barack has done that we tell him that he is not good enough. We must stop people like Lou Dobbs(CNN) from down grading our children who are trying to retify the wrong that has been done in this country. If anyone can do this, I think that Barack has the know how, passionate care for those of us to try daily and somehow he makes those of us believe, yes we can just from what he is doing for those of us who reach across color lines everyday. Let’s don’t fall prey to the fail ideas and former policies of the Clintons.

  • memchee

    u guys make no sense in your support for obama as well as your disdain for anyone who says or appears to be against him.

    u guys act like he’s the next comming or something.

  • Feather

    @ Ghostface Illa

    Have you done any research of your own to see if this info has been substantiated? Anyone can make a video and put it on Youtube.

    What about the audacity of Billary Cintbush? Why is Hills hiding her husbands dirty money?

    Explain that please.

  • Nun Ye

    lovely and amazing

    Once again IM not a plant. If people on this message board think that people who criticize OBAMA are plants its because they cant properly promote their candidate without tearing down Hillary. So with that point if SHE USED BILL SPEECH ALL THE OBAMA SUPPORTERS WOULD FALL OVER TRYING TO CRITICIZE HER.SO PLEASE OBAMA IS NOT INFALLIABLE

  • lovely and amazing

    testing

  • Nun Ye

    If people dont believe the Ghostface illa post just research it your self it give references unlike this site.

    Another point: people talk about Tavis because he is mad about Obama not showing upbut in the same keystrokes criticize other Black PPL that dont support Obama. So my question is when has Obama supported Black PPL?

  • BABY

    OBAMA 2008…

    dont worry, we will…

  • lovely and amazing

    censoring

  • lovely and amazing

    And they censor?

  • http://serpico360@aol.com Ghostface Illa

    Feather,

    And furthermore before you talk about anyone’s “dirty money” why don’t you try researching where Obama got a large portion of his campaign money from….don’t want to? Ok. I’ll tell you. He got it from a slumlord named Toni Rezko who refused to fix hundreds of his tenants heat in the winter of “00, ’01, and ’02. So let’s not go there about dirty money sweetheart.

  • Treetop

    I wonder why there can only be one black person at a time to admire. I don’t understand black people at times. When people begin to call people like Tavis a slave, it just means you have no respect for black people or yourself. We do not all have to think alike. Obama was asked last year to aattend the event but declined. He has never attended the event. If black people are concerned about Obama hurting his chances of being elected or he’s to busy, well I wonder what’s going to happen if he’s elected. Fo the black people who are willing to belittle other black people, I hope Obama doesn’t let you down.

  • http://serpico360@aol.com Ghostface Illa

    Amen Treetop

  • http://serpico360@aol.com Ghostface Illa

    Hope,

    I hope you know that Hichelle Obama sits on the board of a major Chicago hospital as VP. This same hospital is infamous for price gouging and charging its poor and minority patients 340% more than white patients. Is this someone you really want representing you? God help us all.

  • Feather

    Ghost…please know that Hills will not release the names of her contributors because definitely doesn’t want us to know who THEY are. We know all about Rezko. BO didn’t break the law with Rezko with his land deal or any of his campaigns. He has also been forthcoming with all this info, whereas Hills has not…will not disclose vital info. He has answered the questions asked about it. Will Hills answer about she and Bills money…NO. She says “wait until I have the nomination.” I say why wait? Bill has money ties with Iraq…she doesn’t want us to know about that or his library funding.

    Shame shame shame on Billary!

  • Feather

    Ghost…

    And BTW I’m not your sweetheart.

    Thanks!

  • anonymous

    I watched the Covenant with Black America on C-Span last year. One of the panelists Charles Ogletree, of the Institute for Race and Justice, made a remark ridiculing Barack Obama for choosing to announce his run for President in Illinois, at the same place that Lincoln announced his run for Presidency.

    Another of the panelists, Julia Hale, National Executive Director of The Black Think Tank, warned the crowd, to beware of leaders that the media chooses for us. The media didn’t choose Obama, Americans of all races chose Obama. The media was shocked as hell when he won Iowa. Iowa?.

    I recall these names, because I wrote them down. I am interested in what the “Covenant” wants to forward. So, I wrote their names down and a brief statement that some of them made.

    I don’t think Tavis and his co-horts expected Barack Obama to get votes from Iowa-with it’s 93$ white population . The media certainly didn’t, Bill and Hillary certainly didn’t. Many of us didn’t think he’d do THAT well. But, he did and continues to.

    They, unlike most of America, did not have the foresight and the intelligence to see who Barack is and what he stands for. Barack didn’t hang in their cirlcle, didn’t ask them for permission to be the next black politician. In short, Obama didn’t lay down at the altar of psuedo-black leadership and ask it’s permission to help America evolve.

    I think Tavis was preparing himself to run for some major office in this country-there’s nothing wrong with wanting to serve. He’s written books; he’s held conventions; he has a talk show etc., etc. So, Obama has possibly trumped his plans.

    Now it seems, he wants to give the impression that Black America has yet to accept Barack Obama. I think many of these black leaders are lost. They now realize that the Clinton altar is flawed. Bill and Hillary are not color-blind. I think Tavis is now trying to get on the Obama train-by injecting himself into this campaign. Unfortunately for him, and others like him, most of Black America wants nothing more to do with that slave mentality.

    We are sick and tired of our own people holding us back. For generations we’ve decried Americas’ unwillingness to just allow us to rise to our full potential, without white America behaving as a bully; wanting everything in sight for themselves and, willing to use violence to get and keep everything.

    It’s time for scared blacks to stop wanting everything for themselves; to stop wanting to be the only black person at white Americas’ table. There’s room for more that one in any thing. That old standard was laid down by racists to control our access. It’s time to throw out that bucket of oppression.

    We are just as intelligent as any race on this planet. I’ll say it again, WE ARE JUST AS INTELLIGENT AS ANY RACE ON THIS PLANET. Those who have historically hated us, did a great job in convincing us, for centuries, that we are inferior.

    NO MORE, IT’S TIME TO SMASH THESE MENTAL SHACKLES!!.

    We should be so proud that this man-whether you’ll vote for him or not, has achieved what he has. No longer will someone of color, running for President of the United States, be a joke in barbarshops, living rooms or bus-stops.

    I don’t doubt after Obama wins, in the near future, we’ll see an Hispanic, an Asian and another female Presidential Candidate. America deserves to have it’s best at her helm.

  • rosie

    @ ghostface illa

    And Hillary sat on the board of Wal-Mart, which schemes on how to not have to pay its own employees health care costs (those who get it anyway), locks employees in the store at night, and drives American vendors out of business in order to replace them with Chinese suppliers. What’s that saying about people in glass houses?

    As for U of C hospitals, all I can say is thank god it is there, because without it, most patients on the South Side (where I am from) would have to go to the Crook County hospital. Not to mention that it is one of the top hospitals in the country.

    Frankly you would be hard pressed to find any hospital that did not charge its non-Medicaid/Medicare patients more, because they can’t individually get the kind of discounts that the government can. This is more a symptom of what is wrong with out health care system as a whole, rather than anything specific to this particular hospital. Hillary is making a stink of this because…?

    Because as we all know, Hillary Clinton has a firm grasp on health care reform, as evidenced by the universal coverage she pushed through in 1993 with her husband in the White House and a Democratic Congress…oops, wait a minute, nevermind.

  • Feather

    Thank you Rosie!

    Plus…she wants to break the rules now that she is losing. She’s claiming they may file a lawsuit if the delegates from FL and MI don’t get seated…after everybody agreed that their delegates didn’t count. How desparate!

  • A FOOT EITHER WAY

    It amazes me how so many people put their faith in politicians. Whether they are black or white male or female, we must remember they are politicians. They are the best of the best when it comes to lying, cheating, stealing and master manipulating. If you have been around long enough to vote in more than 2 presidential elections, you should have the wisdom to know that no matter what is promised to you by a politician, you must separate the wheat from the taft. Obama is no different. PLEASE BELIEVE ME, HE IS NOT. He wouldnt give one of the most outspoken and true black leaders 1 hour out of a 24hr day, give me a break. All I am trying to say is, be prepared to PUT ON BLAST a lot more people for speaking against the person the majority of the people on this board is supporting. I cant wait to see what is going to happen IF he gets elected and his strings begin to show. Now that will be a blog to read.

    A wise man once told me, ” When deciding which politician you are going to vote for, you must chose which size you want. Either a size 9 or a 15, because you are gonna get a foot up your ass either way”

  • tj

    One thing I’ve noticed about the Hillary plants they always underappreciate or blatantly ignore the intellect and understanding of African American voters. This really makes me think they are actually white.

    To say that Obama’s policies are substandard and Hillary’s are more than adequate is completely ludicrous considering the striking similiarities in all of their postions. With the exception of Health Care (in which Obama’s plan makes more sense-doesn’t force people to buy insurance when they can’t afford it) , and Obama inspires independents, and Obama is more electable (read the polls), and Obama does not have 49% negatives across the nation. Now mind you Hillary’s 49% negatives are all inclusive of states like California and New York where she performs well that means in states like Ohio and Indiana she has negatives in the high 50′s to low 60′s range. Any informed and knowledgable democrat would vote for Obama regardless of race notice that the college educated vote goes overwhelmingly to Obama, yet these Clinton campaign plants immediately attack the intelligence of the black electorate by trying to get you to second guess reasoning that’s been affirmed by the nations best and brightest.

    Slave politics is over Hillary. And your time is up!!!

  • anonymous

    To: Renee” is Obama a Republican”

    Dear you know very well that most Black Americans are staunch Christians, and hold very conservative views. We just believe in helping our fellow man. Something the Republicans are against.

    Many Republicans are not Christians. Many of them don’t even believe in God. Some are in my family, and, I work with some of them-black and white.

    The common characteristic among them is a feeling that everything they’ve accomplished is because of themselves only. They also believe that the money they have earned, makes them better than others who earn less, especially the poor.

    I also find a hatred of others who are not like them. A belief that they are entitled to choose how others live. Not the Biblical way to live.

    God gave all mankind the ability to choose( Old Testament). God also administers the consequences of our choices. Not any other human being.

  • yo

    Rosie what has Barack done for black people as a whole this year? Given you hope? You should have had hope before Barack. If it took a regular negro to give YOU hope, then what does that say about Barack? This is no slight to OBAMA. We all are regular people.

    And, why shouldn’t Tavis Smiley expect Barack to come to an event to discuss the state of black america? I expected Bush to woo Black Congress and he did not. When he was elected, he shunned all things that were black because he didn’t feel like he needed the black vote. So when Katrina happened, HOW could anyone be surprised when he did nothing?

    People have to be about action. Sure Obama doesn’t have to be the BLACK candidate. However, it’s important to show support for black issues and OTHER issues through action and that doesn’t include talking. So if Tavis thought Obama should take 3 hours out of his campaigning to show his support for something that is actually good, then I have no issue with that expectation. I like the intellects that gather for to discuss the state of black people and how to improve conditions.

    Being black doesn’t mean you care about black people. OJ, Terrence Howard, Clarence Thomas are perfect examples… So yes, putting your money where your mouth is becomes important. These candidates are visiting five states in one day, so yeah, I can see why Tavis isn’t buying the “busy” excuse. If you’re busy now, then think of how busy YOU will be when it’s time to put in action bills and laws that effect black people while in the White House.

  • tj

    In terms of Hillarycare… People have to take a step back and look at it. Hillary recieves more money from Health insurance companies than anybody else. Now think about this. If you HAVE to give health insurance companies 200 dollars a month than who gets rich. HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES. Under Hillary’s plan she would penalize you for not being able to afford health insurance. When she says she wants to make sure everyone is insured what she really means is she wants to make sure everyone BUYS health insurance to support the people who have supported her. Republicans would have a field day with Hillary care thank god they won’t have a chance.

  • Lynn

    I am so sick and tired of Tavis Smiley. He was completely and totally wrong for his comments. With this primary election being such a “tight” race, Obama may not have time to come to an event such as Tavis’. Of course Hillary responded to his invitation, she is desperate and needs free media attention and recognition from the black community. Barack is “smashing” her…state after state. Black people do not need one of our own making it difficult for Barack. He speaks about issues that affect black, white, hispanic and any other group of people for that matter. But what really makes me mad is that Tavis has used his platform to speak to the community for US. He feels he needs to speak for Black people. Tavis, do not speak for me. Tavis, Shut up and sit down.

  • tj

    The wonderful professor Melissa Harris Lacewell wrote a very good response to this insane rift raft coming from Tavis’ self important camp. She basically said that Obama undermines Tavis’ understanding of himself as a gatekeeper in the black community. People like Tavis feel that Obama shouldn’t get the support of black people without getting their support first. Obama does not have to kiss your ring!

    Also to Yo

    What has Hillary Clinton done for black people this year? Right NEXT!!!

  • yo

    Just like winning Florida is a priority, black people should be a priority. If we’re not a priority now because we’re “in the bag”, then we won’t be one later. That’s for sure.

  • yo

    Am I commenting on Hillary? Why the assumption that I’m voting for Hillary? Oh yeah, because now negroes are monolithic about political parties, too, right? I don’t think so. Keep your boxes. I’m voting for the candidate that woes me.

    I’m voting for the candidate that comes with the best policy on unemployment, retirees, and health care. Issues that effect ME and MY FAMILY.

  • yo

    So what I’m understanding is Barack missed the State of the Black Union because he was annoucing his candidacy, not because he was campaigning? Is that RIGHT?

  • anonymous

    Hillary Clintons’ time has gone. She is riding on the 1993 coattails of her husband.

    This is not 1993. She can’t even run a successful campaign. Her campaign is in disarray. She has mismanaged her fundraising-too little money coming in. Why?. She is not capable of doing this job. She is coasting on the fumes of Bill Clinton. It’s time for her to exit, stage left.

  • tj

    Yo= Clinton camp plant. IGNORE!

  • yo

    Why would I be a Clinton plant? That’s just dumb. I’m on this blog to discuss Tavis and Obama, which is what this item is about. If I was a Clinton plant, I would not throw around insults because that would be unprofessional.

    However, since I’m representing my own negro self, I can slam everyone in a negative matter.

  • yo

    He discussed immigration in a debate with Hillary and she was the only person willing to state that illegal immigrants should not be given licenses. Of course, this is AFTER he realized he’d have to woo hispanics, so this could be why…

    I’m not riding on Hillary’s coattails, personally I liked Ron Paul the best because he at least is open about his craziness.

  • rosie

    We need to get over the idea that Barack Obama is running for president of Black America, just as Hillary isn’t running for president of Female America, and John McCain isn’t running for president of Veteran America. Do blacks, women, and veterans tend to vote for “their” candidate in larger numbers than the rest of the population? YES. But does that mean that everything they do has to be tailored to those groups? NO.

    And yes, candidates try to avoid situation that could be abused by cable networks and cause them bad press. Which is why you will not see Hillary Clinton at a radical feminists rally or Barack Obama doing photo-ops with Farrakhan. I’ve seen John Edwards do this with my own eyes; yes he attended union rallies and supported striking workers all over the country, but he wriggled, squirmed, and did everything in his power to avoid being photographed with James Hoffa Jr., the head of the Teamsters union (I got a shot of him anyway, ha!).

    Old-style ethnic politics may still work at a local level, and might even win you a Congressional district. Many a black politician has lost for not being “black enough”. But you can throw those rules out the window for a national election.

    So instead of asking, “what has Barack Obama done for black people”, maybe we are better off asking ourselves, “which candidate is most likely to pursue policies that, while having national appeal, will especially benefit me and my family?” (yo, this is probably the only thing I agree with you about!) As for him having the interests of the back community at heart, well, it’s not clear to me that there is a unified black political agenda to follow anyway. Frankly for this black voter, pulling out of Iraq, lowering the number of uninsured, and improving infrastructure would be a start, and I don’t think that would necessarily be a “black” agenda.

  • yo

    It was during the January 31st debate.

  • rosie

    @yo

    I thought Hillary waffled on the illegal immigrant licenses issue…she initially supported Spitzer’s initiative, and then backed off because it was a VERY unpopular position to take.

    Frankly, I don’t think any of the Dems are going to push for an immigration crackdown, because they are eying Latinos as a voting block. Which is unfortunate, since there is ample empirical evidence that unfettered illegal immigration holds down wages in the low end of the job market, and deteriorates working conditions for ALL workers in certain industries, regardless if they are natives or immigrants (legal or illegal). But no democrat wants to say this because it is politically incorrect.

  • Feather

    The reason I voted for BO is because he seems to me to be the most honest and most viable of the candidates. Their records in congress are similar in comparison. BO may have some questionable things in his past, but nothing illegal. Hillary is definitely hiding some things a lot deeper than Filegate. GOP insiders are holding amo for both of the Dems, but I thing they have much more amo for Hillary than for BO. That is why Mcain has started attacking BO now. He knows he can’t beat him. He wants to run against Hillary because he knows he can beat her.

  • yo

    I don’t care about Hillary. NYC has had it’s primaries and I could not vote in them because I’m not a republican or democrat. So I won’t be voting until November, therefore, my opinion of Hillary means nothing because I’m not a democrat and this blog isn’t about Hillary. I’ve been commenting on the item, Rosie. And I have concerns about Obama, and think Tavis made some legitimate points.

  • Ghostface Illa

    Feather,

    First off….you were talking about the Clinton’s being shady. I’m saying the Obama’s are just as shady with nowhere near the experience to lead. Barack is all talk and his actions haven’t really addressed the needs of the poor in this country. Hillary can lead, she has led….and that’s why she got my vote. I never said that getting money from Rezko was illegal, but if you’re going to throw stones at one person, throw them at everyone. I’m so sick of this witch hunt people have for the Clintons. How soon we forget what they have done for this country and for blacks. I apologize for referring to you as sweetheart….that was a bit sexist.

  • yo

    When you have people coming here to work, you have a loss of jobs, right? RIGHT? Just like when you have things made in “China”, you’re taking away jobs that could contribute to the American economy, right? RIGHT?

    OBAMA: There are those who were opposed to this issue, and there have been those who have flipped on the issue and have run away from the issue. This wasn’t directed particularly at Senator Clinton. But the fact of the matter is I have stood up consistently on this issue. On the driver’s license issue, I don’t actually want — I don’t believe that we’re going to have to deal with this if we have comprehensive

    immigration reform, because, as I said before, people don’t come here to drive. They come here to work.

    (APPLAUSE)

    And if we have signed up them — if we have registered them, if they have paid a fine, if they are learning English, if they are going to the back of the line, if we fix our legal immigration system, then I believe

  • yo

    You can’t honesty say people “come here to work”, not to drive, and innercity unemployment is scapegoating, which he is saying. That doesn’t make sense OR go together.

  • anonymous

    To: Yo

    Have you ever listened to any of Obamas’ speeches. Everthing he states that he wants to change has a direct effect on the lives of Black Americans. Affordable health care; tax breaks for companies that keep jobs in America(auto, computers, steel plants, plastics manufactures, components etc., etc.-jobs we work in. Also, eliminating the disparity in the Justice system regarding convictions, and time-served. He also “promises” to end the war in Iraq. A war that affects minorities and poor whites who typically choose the military to escape poverty.

    He also wants to give $4000 to every one who wants to go to college, but, they must serve in some volunteer capacity to earn that money. Translation, more minorities getting degrees, even if it’s a two year degree. At least they can earn a good wage to live a life free of poverty.

    The Clinton camp wants America to believe that Obama only gives speeches with no content. He does motivate his audience; something Hillary can’t do. However, his audiences are motived by the content of his speeches. He knows that America is tired of the govermental infighting, with only the rich benefitting. While the rest of us suffer with higher prices and no raises.

    In his last speech in College Park, Maryland, he clearly stated that the road ahead would be hard. That not everything attempted would be achieved, but, that his is going to try. He also stated to the crowd that America only gets things done when people of both parties get together and serve all of America.

    Have you ever heard Hillary Clinton, in any of her speeches, talk about working with Republicans. Need I remind you, the Dems only control the House and Senate by 1 vote. That’s why they haven’t been able to end the war in Iraq. That’s why nothing has been done except to increase the funding of the war. Nothing.

    Hillary voted for this war and is still too ashamed to admit is was a mistake. She is a transparent liar. We all know politicians make promises. The difference with Obmam is, in his speeches, he ALWAYS states that he will have failures, but that does not deter him from trying. He said he will not give up on trying to improve America. That’s what America is responding to,not Hillarys’ old ‘fight the Republicans because they did my husband wrong’ rhetoric.

    Hillary is the Democratic version of Carl Rove. She plays dirty, petty, mean-spirited politics, when she can’t win intelectually. Once she lost in Iowa, she became desperate; and increasingly so.

    Obama has her beat in every segment of America. That’s why Republicans want her to win. Republicans will galavnize their base against Hillary. No matter how much they hate McCain, they’ll rally around him to defeat Hillary Clinton.

    White women don’t, in any way, want Bill Clinton back in The White House, in any capacity(so said the ones at my job). These white women supported Clinton while in office, but, they know quite well the nastiness he was involved in, we all knew. We all gave him a pass. Seriously, do we want to even remotely revisit that past, in any way?.

    White men hate her-too pushy,too willing to stay with a philandering man just to advance her career-they don’t trust her. They don’t believe that Bill and Hillary have any semblence of a genuine relationship-it’s all to advance the Clinton legacy.

    I for one am thankful for the past Clinton Presidency. However, it’s time to move on from the Clinton/Bush monarchy. I am tired of the fighting. We have too many problems in this country to continue playing this political tit for tat.

    Our economy is failin miserably. It’s time to come together and leave the past behind.

    Obama ’08. America needs this new direction.

  • Ghostface Illa

    HIllary 08 Go get it girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • anonymous

    To: Getyourhandoutofmypocket”barack is not even black, no slave roots”

    Your attempt to make Black Americans hate another American is pathetic. You are obviously white or just damned stupid.

    It’s amazing how he’s just any old “N” when living his life in obscurity. But, the minute he’s a viable Presidential Candidate, he suddenly not black enough, no connections to America.

    This argument sounds like the old Plantation, KKK and Jim Crow arguments used to separate blacks. People like you are the reason so many American want Barack Obama. We want to get away from the past divisions, to move this nation in a new directions. We White, Black, Hispanic, Asian and Native Americans are sick and tired of the old hatreds that have ruled this great country. We want better for this nation.

    You stay in the past. Continue to spew hateful, divisive speech and ideas. You represent your candidate Hillary quite well. That’s why we don’t want her as our President.

  • tj

    Wow you are comparing Obama to Hitler and calling other people ignorant. Heather you are such a waste of space.

    Had you bothered to listen to an Obama speech you would know that he goes into great detail as to what yes we can means. He’s talking about bringing together a coalition of Americans to confront issues that have been stagnated by universal political gridlocks. He’s going to do this by recieving a mandate for that change by having independents and republicans on board. YES WE CAN

  • Feather

    Yo…you are twisting words. He didn’t say that the issue does not affect us. What he is saying is that it is not at the root of unemployment among blacks…and I agree.

    WOW

  • Anonymous

    To: Heather ” obama is hitler”.

    Then so is George Bush, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, RFK, JFK, Martin Luther King Jr. because honey they all made promises. How else are we supposed to know what a candidate wants to do?. Are we to hire a psychic to read their minds?. Hillary is no Bill Clinton. She can’t motivate a crowd to her ideas. That’s what speaking before a crowd is about. The speaker is able to articulate their ideas and able skillfully to convince his/her audience to their point of view. MLK, Jr did this skillfully. He appeared on numerous talk shows during the civil rights movement. Do you think he was able to get The Civil Rights Act passed by just staring into the tv?.

    Hillary is a sore loser. She thought the presidency was hers and hers alone. She never in her wildest dream thought she’d have to work this hard for it. She wasn’t prepared. She thought she’d coast into The White House on Bills’ fumes, with the anti-Republican sentiment so high.

    Please honey, go to Obama.com. Listen to his speeches. Go to YouTube, listen to all of his speeches. I at least do the same for Hillary, that’s why I don’t support her. I know where she stands. I can’t even believe her when she speaks.

  • Jessie

    He is a great black man. Love him very much. Lots of my online friends on mixedfriends.com love him too. You can share your ideas with them if you want. It is a servious interracial dating service.

  • rosie

    @ Heather

    How can one be “like Hitler” and “unpatriotic” at the same time? Patriotism and nationalism were central to Hitler’s strategy. Defining “us” versus “them” was a key component of the Third Reich. This is the antithesis of the Obama campaign.

    Totalitarianism is also based on bragging about what you have done in the past and what you will do in the future – i.e. specifics. Since in your opinion Obama apparently has “no content” to his “dogma”, this would not necessarily seem to fit the bill either.

    Perhaps before calling people pricks or cunts YOU should pick up a book. Try starting with “The Origins of Totalitarianism”. And take a deep breath while you’re at it, before you have a heart attack, geez.

  • MzKiKi

    i wouldn’t have been voting for hillary whether or not obama was running. The clintons can’t be trusted anymore, period. Since the ‘tsunami tour’ bill went on with satan bush sr., bill and the bush family have become very friendly indeed. on a social level, and on a business level. remember the uproar a few years ago when some of the middle-eastern countries were trying to contract to oversee the ports here in this country ? at that time, bill was hired as a consultant to help in those negotiations..by one of the middle eastern countries. i still wonder if he intentionally tried to sabotage hillary’s campaign with that ignorant mess that came out of his mouth. if any one white man knows how offensive his statements were going to be taken, it was him.

  • anonymous

    Barack Obama like Tavis Smiley has done a lot for Black Americans.

    Barack was an organizer in Chicago. He was an activist is Chicago to bring about change in Chicago.

    Barack decided to, and ran for Senate to represent Chicago. He won. He took a different path to help his community and America on the whole.

    Nothing wrong with helping our community, but, we have got to get away from this us only mentality. If we blacks can include others in our socially and morally correct causes, we can get support from every racial group.

    Barack Obama is not just for Black America, his is for America period. I am ready to live in a country, or, at least try to get a country that supports all of it’ people.

    There are so many whites in this country that are sick and tired of continued racial and economic divisions. They understand that this division will be our downfall.

  • anonymous

    @Heather.

    Hillary will lose. You’re trying very hard to convince us to hate Barack. It won’t work. Hillary ruined this all by herself. She has only herself to blame.

    The nation does not want her to represent us. We are no longer interested in the Clintons. Their time is past. They will not go down in history as the first Husband/Wife Presidents.

    Obama 2008. America wants his leadership.

  • KDogg ©

    I am glad to see that Nita, lovely and amazing, JSABP, ISSMH, and MANY others held it down against the “plants.” I haven’t been able to comment as much lately but I do scan through these posts from time to time. When I first started commenting on this site in support of Obama and against the myth of the “First black President,I found very few that agreed with me. Now the few have become the many.

    YES WE CAN!!!!™ 2008

  • MzKiKi

    secondly (and this is unpopular, but i’m gonna say it..), the immigration issue wouldn’t be an issue if they allowed them to come here, become citizens without a hassle, and PAY TAXES !!!! their TAX DOLLARS would help take the pressure off of schools and other resources they use. i’m still amazed more black folk haven’t seen this for what it is, and what it is is a RACE issue !! the cubans can stay if they get here, right ? here’s why: they mostly vote REPUBLICAN. don’t forget that there’s a cuban married into the bush family. the haitians are sent home if they are found here, just like the mexicans. i wonder how many of you all realize how many russian jews enter this country every year, and are easily allowed citizenship. i’m not anti-jew (some of those immigrants are friends of mine, actually), i’m just making the point. the canadians come here with no problems either. y’all already know who else is over here owning all of the gas stations and 7-11′s. shoot, at least i don’t have to worry about the mexicans blowing up shyt and trying to kill us all ! to me, they have just as much of a right to come here and make better lives for themselves as the others. the immigration ‘issue’ is something they throw up to take your minds off of the war. NAFTRA was far more damging to the economy than the mexicans coming here. hell..the jobs went over there ! besides, prices would skyrocket if all of the mexicans and other immigrants who take the seriously-low paying jobs no one else will take were sent home.

  • KDogg ©

    …AND THE BAND PLAYED ON…

    The Ron Paul ship is sinking and some people insist on staying on while singing his hopeless tune.

  • MzKiKi

    lastly..who would’ve EVER thought TAVIS SMILEY would be having a serious ‘Ho Sit Down’ ???

  • http://www.ronpaul2008.com Heather — DONATE DONATE TODAY!

    That, or people insist on staying on because they refuse to settle.

    Some of us are more evloved than other.

  • MzKiKi

    lastly..who would’ve EVER thought TAVIS SMILEY would be having a serious ‘Ho Sit Down’ ???

    ————————–

    oops..i meant a serious ‘Ho Sit Down’ moment..

  • MzKiKi

    why are y’all arguing with these white folk who come on here pretending to be black and starting trouble ? ignore ignorance.

  • http://www.ronpaul2008.com Heather — DONATE DONATE TODAY!

    MzKiki…I am black dear.

  • Feather

    Do you people realize that there are 14,000,000 democrats voting to 8,000,000 republican voting in this election? No matter who wins the nomination, we WILL have a Democrat in the White House. The question is, which one do you want?

  • Hope

    Heather your sad! Can you even TRY to make a valid point without spouting lewd obscenities? Your point was dead as soon as you compared anyone to hitler. Then to read your pathetic hateful comments just sealed the deal on how unintelligent you are. Please, your arguing with people who have for the most part been able to intelligently state their views without being disgusting and rude. You are in over you head and out of your league. PATHETIC!

  • yo

    Everthing he states that he wants to change has a direct effect on the lives of Black Americans.

    Err, what politician doesn’t want these things? Tell me HOW he plans on doing this things, what’s the budget, how would it be enacted… What makes it different from others? What part do you champion? The only part where people differ really is the war on IRAQ, but what politicians says they DON’T want affordable health care?

    “Affordable health care; tax breaks for companies that keep jobs in America(auto, computers, steel plants, plastics manufactures, components etc., etc.-jobs we work in. Also, eliminating the disparity in the Justice system regarding convictions, and time-served. He also “promises” to end the war in Iraq. “

  • yo

    What’s an activist or an organizer? What does this mean? TELL ME WHAT HE DID AS AN ACTIVIST/ORGANIZED?

  • KDogg ©

    Someone reeks of B.O.

    Blind Optimism

  • yo

    Which candidate wants to abolish the electoral college?

    That’s another thing that is important to me.

    Which candidate wants to promote presidency through thought and not dollars?

    That’s another thing that’s important to me.

  • yo

    Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are activist/organizers. Is that what Obama was?

  • http://www.myspace.com/understandingone Understanding

    “shoot, at least i don’t have to worry about the mexicans blowing up shyt and trying to kill us all ! to me, they have just as much of a right to come here and make better lives for themselves as the others.” Mz.Kiki

    I don’t doubt that there is a racial component 2 this whole Immigration Issue and I’ve heard other say the same, however I don’t think its as rosey and simple as u try 2 make it. Where I live just about everyday I pick up the paper and read about another Mexican, Ecuadorian or Salvadorean stabbing, robbing or raping one another. The crimes rate where I live has gone up tremendously when it had been going down years prior.

    Like black folks too many of these illegals are becoming their own worst enemy even in another country. Its bad enough they are scapegoated as it is but when I walk thru certain areas and see them outside late at night mad drunk and pukin’ all over themselves or fightin’ I’m thinkin’ 2 myself damn man … if this is how some of them wanna act so as 2 make it worse 4 others then they need 2 be sent home and forced 2 get back over here LEGALLY so that then maybe they’ll act right. People of color have had enough problems without extra ammo 4 racists 2 point 2 and say: “See? I Told U“. Just my humble opinion though.

  • Throws Sunshine in the Air

    To clear up any misconceptions about Cornell West. That picture is just what it is a photo opt. Cornell West alighns himself with Barack. Back in December Obama came to Harlem Apollo Theater. Cornell West gave a 10 minute introduction as did Chris Rock. He

    is with Obama all the way. The picture above is just a picture.

  • PIMP DADDY

    never trust a nucca name smiley.obama is doing the right thing distancing hisself from these publicity starved maggots.

  • dahveed

    i will never ever ever ever ever ever ever suport any brother or sister that rides agains obama! they can stay on the plantation. i cant wait till there reaction when he becomes prez.

  • Longhorn Luv

    Barack Obama is My Brother (B-O-M-B). Hillary would be fine. Edwards would have been fine too. But Barack is extrodinary. Travis without the ‘R’ is just hatin’. Black America is a worthy topic, but Barack is trying to take on All America. Let the haters hate. Let the rest of us, VOTE. Vote like your life depended on it ’cause it just might.

  • lovely and amazing

    @ K-Dogg

    Thank you for the mention. Good to see you back on the boards. The PLANTS on here are representing Billary’s and Ron P’s desperation to the fullest.

    Let’s keep keeping on.

    OBAMA 2008!!

    YES HE CAN!!

    OBAMA 2008!!

    ____________________________________________

    Tavis Smiley needs to check himself challenging OBAMA’s blackness.

    If Tavis would take a good long look at the real reasons why Bob Johnson’s BET chose to uphold him as the superior voice of black people, he may have to challenge his own blackness.

    Tavis needs to go to rehab for his addiction to being the ONLY ONE in the room.

    Truth be told Obama has got Tavis and few other of our educated, privilieged, and successful light-skinned or biracial brothers asking “why not me”.

    These brothers are seething with a parasitic jealousy and want Obama to bow to them and throw tantrums when he doesn’t.

    Obama is not direspecting them but he is also not giving them the “special treatment” “idolization” they’re so used to getting from black folks.

    Please Stop the hate Tavis.

    OBAMA 2008!

    YES HE CAN!

    OBAMA 2008!

  • lovely and amazing

    Oh, by the way, I think this is an event that Mr. & Mrs. Obama both should have respectfully made time to attend, even if only for a 30 minute roundtable or presentation.

    But Tavis’ negative reaction is still ego-based and wrong.

    Obama 2008!

  • getyourhandouttamypocket

    My fault ya’ll…didn’t mean to copy the whole page, but I got excited.

    ———-

    @ANONYMOUS

    To: Getyourhandoutofmypocket”barack is not even black, no slave roots”

    Your attempt to make Black Americans hate another American is pathetic. You are obviously white or just damned stupid.

    It’s amazing how he’s just any old “N” when living his life in obscurity. But, the minute he’s a viable Presidential Candidate, he suddenly not black enough, no connections to America.

    This argument sounds like the old Plantation, KKK and Jim Crow arguments used to separate blacks. People like you are the reason so many American want Barack Obama. We want to get away from the past divisions, to move this nation in a new directions. We White, Black, Hispanic, Asian and Native Americans are sick and tired of the old hatreds that have ruled this great country. We want better for this nation.

    You stay in the past. Continue to spew hateful, divisive speech and ideas. You represent your candidate Hillary quite well. That’s why we don’t want her as our President.

    ————————————–

    First of all, I didn’t say that…I was responding to a statement that “G” made. “G” MADE THAT STATEMENT! Read the comment beneath the line…that is what I said. Thanks.

  • Ghostface Illa

    Feather,

    You sound really stupid miss. Look at her website to find out what she’s done as senator….then come back to me so we can have an adult conversation.

  • Feather

    Ghost…I sound stupid because I’m asking you to check her record? Now that notion is what is stupid. That is what is going to run this country all the way into the ground. Why would I go to her website when I can check her congressional record at govcheck and see everything she has done (or not done) without the biased spin that her people put on her website.

    I’m not into name calling, but seems to me that you are the stupid one! Again I say, check her record bru. A Clintonista like you would be surprised.

  • Feather

    BTW, if calling someone stupid is YOUR way of having an adult conversation…then I would not ever want to converse with you anyway. Seems that you have some research and some growing up to do bru.

  • Feather

    IN MY OPINION, only an uninformed or underinformed person would vote for Clinton. Most people don’t realize that our economic problems date back to the first Clinton administration. NAFTA and the Chinese Foreign Trade Agreement along with foreign outsourcing have barbecued this country’s economy. Only in the last couple of years has congress been working to rectify those situations. Nevertheless, it was Bill Clinton that enacted these programs…and Hillary wants a second chance? And what about her disaterous health care program? It is still a disaster. Do you know that she wants to garnish the wages of everyone who doesn’t participate in a mandatory public health plan? Are you ready for that? What if you want to chose your OWN health provider? What about your personal right and freedom to choose your own care? Is that what you really want? We really need to wake up as a people and get more informed.

  • PCD

    shame

  • DivaWest

    Tavis needs to shut up, sit down and take notes. Obama has got Tavis’ 15 minutes of fame in his pockets. Work on a covenant within yourself Tavis “B*tch Ass” Smiley!

  • Serious Sister

    Frankly, Tavis needs to shut the hell up! I lived in Detroit, I have been supporting these type of events through my teen age years till now, this type of confab does not a damn thing for our people, Tavis talk is cheap, no one puts up so no one shuts up.

    Where the hell were the Tavis types when myself and 5 other black kids crossed the color barrier in the 70′s to attend college in all white Madison Heights, MI? No where to be seen, but we made history anyway.

    That’s why I work for mine I can’t wait on nobody to do a damn thing for me. I raise my children with the same work ethic, come on people it’s time we shut up these wanna be leaders who are leading us off a cliff.

    Obama has to run as a non-racial candidate to get all of the vote, there are not enough blacks alone to put him in office. So if Tavis thinks he is important, he just needs to fall back.

  • Tyrone M. Wild – Ron Paul 2008

    Ron Paul is the best thing for this country

    SMH at all the “clinton camp plant” talk

    comedy.

    Ron Peezy ya dig!!!!!

  • E

    Damn can someone black not like Obama without it being the end of the world. Really, who ever eben heard of Obama before the election. Most people like the fact he is charismatic and the other people just vote b/c he is black. Issues aside I feel like he is telling me what I want to hear with no real plan of action. I mean nothing against him I just can’t relate to him b/c he is black. Right now the whole election is being ran as a popularity contest by the media, and I really don’t like Clinton either. I wish we will stop looking at race and gender as our sole reason for voting for a candidate. Keep it real!!!

  • shikorinagirl

    I would hate if everybody expects too much when Barack gets into office like all Africa & the whole black race in America. Its too much all he can do is make the changes needed.

  • Jayo

    Just for the record, Tavis Smiley is an Obama supporter… the fact that everyone on here keeps calling him “hater” and “tom” because he made a complaint about Obama on his show are completely overreacting. And another thing, I am going to vote for Obama but I think his supporters need to realize that it is okay to be critical of some of his policies. Voters need to hold politicians accountable after we vote for them.

  • Vito

    Obama can’t satisfy everyone. He’s gotta do what he can live with and sleep at night with.

  • OPEN LETTER TO TAVIS SMILEY FROM A FORMER ADMIRER

    Brother Smiley.

    On Saturday, I will be closely watching your conduct and your commentary during your State of Black America program. It is most distressing that you rejected the participation of Michelle Obama (potentially the next First Lady) on your forum to discuss the state of black America. I still do not understand your reasoning and I along with others will be listening for a clear explanation.

    Some of your recent comments and positions are very contradictory to the goal of creating a better world for our African American community. Central to my complaint is your position against the candidacy of Barack Obama for President of the United States.

    It is your choice to support Hillary Clinton, fine. That is not my complaint. However, there exists in your demeanor a fiery anger when discussing the very idea of Barack Obama as president that causes me to question your motives and your unannounced personal agenda. Your behavior is both surprising and alarming because I thought you were a better man than this.

    It is not too late for you to change your tactics and provide an equal platform for both candidates as opposed to the one that is obviously constructed to propel your choice for president, Hillary Clinton.

    If you only knew how many of your viewers are thoroughly angered and disgusted by your behavior, you would seriously rethink your own motives. In my blog world, there is a sea change of detractors who were until recently some of your greatest admirers.

    Folks are starting to question who you really are now, and whether your successes have changed your core nature. We will start to vote with our dollars if we feel you are manipulating our support for your own personal and financial benefit. We are not stupid sheep Tavis, even if we do not command a national microphone and television camera.

    Your contract with PBS and NPR is only as good as your base support. You are empowered because we empower you. Remember that. We do not OWE YOU anything because we share a common history or skin color. As the song goes, “what have you done for me lately”…or against me?

    Don’t allow The Clinton’s to bamboozle or bewitch your mind with their duplicity and schemes. You are too intelligent for that, and being in league with The Clinton’s is tantamount to being in league with the current administration. Few people inside or outside the current administration has any love for it.

    Choose wisely Tavis. Choose wisely.

    Donald S. Terry

    Savannahians For Obama

    Savannah Georgia

    February 19, 2008

  • Encyclopedia Brown

    I support Barack Obama 100%

  • Grown_A_Man

    Tavis Smiley and many others like him, (i.e., Bob Johnson)… are jealous of Sen. Obama’s success. And a lot of these “so-called” black leaders are upset b/c Sen.Obama has not bowed down and kissed their ring, (or their a__).

    Smiley obviously wants Sen. Obama to lose so he can continue to cry, (make money) about blacks not being represented in government… How does the black folks that Smiley talks so much about, benefit from an Obama lost?… The only one who benefits from an Obama lost is Smiley…

    Obama is not playing the old game… It’s a new day!

    When the old way is not working… why not change the script?… GO OBAMA!!!!

  • everybody.loves.the.sunshine

    “Tavis Smiley has received death threats since hating on Obama.”

    Hmm. No comment.

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