Photo By: J. Emilio Flores, NY Times
Come on Tavis… you of all brothers should know how the people feel about Senator Barack Obama. You know that any criticism, challenge or critique of the People’s Senator will not go unanswered. Not this time… not this year.
The masses of African-Americans support your leadership Tavis and ALL the heavy lifting (i.e. The Covenant) you’ve done. However, you ALWAYS talk about accountability as it relates to Black America and it appears now that Black America is taking you to task.
The masses are disappointed in your neutrality in the Democratic Primary election. They see a champion of Black America failing to step-up and endorse Obama with the sort of enthusiasm which they expect. They are even willing to overlook your affection for Bill Clinton if you do so.
However, Black America is left scratching their collective heads as they hear you telling them not to by into the hype of Obama (TJMS 1.18.08). Your scathing commentary telling Black People not to fall in love with Obama created such a firestorm, you had to address it on your next appearance on the TJMS.
I guess that wasn’t enough heat for Brother Tavis. He had to go back at Obama for not attending the upcoming State of The Black Union (Feb. 22 – 23) in New Orleans. Obama responded to Tavis that he will not attend due to campaigning in Texas, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Here’s what the commentators are saying about this latest dust up.
Who Died And Made Tavis King? Melissa Harris-Lacewell | TheRoot.com (Hot Site)
Black Commentator, Criticizing Obama, Causes Firestorm Darryl Fears | washingtonpost.com
Smiley: He’s Catching Hell… Michael Cottman| BlackAmericaWeb.com
Clinton, Obama Navigating The Water… Roland S. Martin | CNN.com
TBPR 
Comments on: "Tavis Smiley Feeling Blowback Over Obama Slam" (11)
Seems as if he is getting full of himself
From BLACKS 4 BARACK ! Share This !
Sen. Barack Obama’s letter
to Tavis Smiley
The following letter dated February 13, was sent to Tavis Smiley asking him to reconsider his decision not to let Michelle Obama stand in for her husband at the 2008 State of the Black Union forum in New Orleans.
February 13, 2008
Mr. Tavis Smiley
President and CEO
The Smiley Group
Dear Tavis,
Thank you for the invitation to participate in the 2008 State of the Black Union forum in New Orleans, Louisiana February 21-23. The exchange of ideas raised at this annual symposium are invaluable as our nation strives to address the critical issues facing not just African Americans, but Americans of every race, background and political party.
I especially commend you for hosting this dialogue in New Orleans. On the eve of the Louisiana primary, I visited this great city for the fifth time since declaring my candidacy to share policy proposals for rebuilding the Gulf Coast so that we never experience another Hurricane Katrina. On February 9, I was deeply humbled to win the Louisiana primary with 86 percent of the African American vote and a 14 point lead among all voters who said they were adversely affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Uniting our country and creating a national constituency for fundamental change is why I am running for President of the United States. We have come a long way in this race, but we still have a long road ahead. In the final stretch, I will be on the campaign trail everyday in states like Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin talking directly with voters about the causes that are at the heart of my campaign and the State of the Black Union forum such as affordable healthcare, housing, economic opportunity, civil rights and foreign policy. I am committed to touching every voter, and working to earn their vote.
That is why with regret, I am not able to attend the forum. I understand that you have declined the campaign’s request to have Michelle Obama speak on my behalf. I ask that you reconsider. Michelle is a powerful voice for the type of real change America is hungry for. No one knows my record or my passion for leading America in a new direction more than Michelle Obama.
Tavis, this is our movement and our time. I look forward to working closely with you throughout this election. Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
**************************
NOTE: Sure would be nice to see Michelle and Hillary discussing the issues. Is Hillary afraid of Michelle ? Bet Tavis would let Bill fill-in for Hill in a heartbeat…….so sad.
Visit: http://www.Blacks4Barack.org Official Site (A multi-racial organization)
Tavis has risen to his highest level incompetency. He can’t be so shallow, so as not to realize that Senator Obama would be making a huge mistake were he to leave the campaign trail to speak to an audience whose support has been all but assured. In fact, Hillary Clinton can hardly justify “wasting” a day with Tavis at the State of the Black Union Forum. Tavis loves the Clintons much like Clarence does the Bushes. Thus his low regard for Senator Obama doesn’t really surprise me.
I agree totally…Barack has big business becoming the president of these United States. He is not running for Blacks or African Americans only, and I do believe he will address these and many other issues once he is Commander in Chief. In the mean time Mr. Tavis Smiley should be quiet (I really want to say SHUT UP, but I was raise it was rude to actually say so :)), stop being a cry baby and begin paying attention to the big picture here. Senator Obama wanted to send “The Closer”, his beloved wife Michelle Obama, but Cry baby Tavis was having none of that. So, he needs to go suck on his patsy, before I put him in time out!!!!
By the way, I am an African American female who wants this only this to resonate…YES WE CAN!
Obama ’08
Tavis makes me smile, he knew what he was doing, maybe it was PR for him
Hey everybody lay off Tavis. He is only trying to get everyone to stay focused. You have to talk to everyone in order to know where your head is. We don’t want you to vote for anyone beacuse they are black. Tavis would like everyone to know what all the issues are. I still love me some Tavis. Listen to what my favorite black man is saying. Get rid of the attitude.
Tavis Smiley is somebody in the sense of “I am someone.” He is proud and he is a fighter. It’s hilarious watching everyone defend the powder-puff Obama and tear into Tavis. Melissa Harris-Lacewell works for the Obama campaign and whenever she stabs a brother or a sister in the back publicly, remember that.
just full of himself huh..
Tavis Smiley, who is Tavis Smiley, enough already. Let’s move on and keep our eyes on the prize, President Obama. I LOVE IT!!!
I am so sick of listening to you people who lack critical thinking skills slam Tavis. The question must be asked who is supporting Obama financially because who ever it is will influence his agenda and focus. Check the record for yourself it is 99% white america. So Obama will focus on issues of importance to that group and walk a fine line regarding the needs and/or empowerment of Black America. For Tavis and other panelist in New Orleans to take Obama to task for not showing was justified. Additionally, Obama did not show in Memphis for the commemoration of Dr. Kings assasination because he was “engaged in other matters”. Wake up! Just because he is black does not mean we should blindly give him or anyone else our support. He must be taken to task, period.
Well first of all thank you for your continued committment and persistence.I have created a group Entreprenuers Success Builders Network and after viewing your forum on BET I am even more dedicated to the enpowerment of my people through education and developeing their vision into a blueprint.We are determine to assist the list of us along with those whom have attached themselves to the stuggle of upliftment to the total village.I have the desire and believe the creator has place me here to be an usher to shapeing peoples dreams and actions so my longing legacy is to build a entreprenuer school to perform the task of reaching out to those whom society has undervalued, marginalized and undereatimated.I use this sayong from Mr. Joe Madison he aswell has influenced me to like inside myself and ask the question what are you doing about it so i will perpetually be seeking answers to that question because you have put tape on one social ill the work has just begun.Well again thank you and the people that have assisted you in your visions and they only thing I ask from you is your prayers because that will sustain me through all the time I and every person place and thing that travels in my path.And I will pray for you and if I will tell everyone I come in contact with to 1 wacth your program 2 if not with my vision then produce your own role up your sleeves and get involed I love you and the work you do.