I would rather President Obama attend Tavis's event in 2009, rather than as Sen. Obama in 2008!!!

[wndycty]

I see its already started today, folks criticizing Obama for not attending Tavis Smiley's State of Black America in New Orleans.

First of all, I wonder how many of the folks jumping all over Obama for this have even watched this event annually like I have?

Secondly, this is an important event within the Black community and those of you watching (especially for the 1st time) will be impressed by panels and the level of discussion.

Thirdly, it must be noted that while this event is important and while the work of Smiley should not be dismissed it must also be noted that he is a very effective self promoter and the controversy over Obama not showing is all about Smiley's ego and not at all a slight to New Orleans or the Black community.

Fourthly, Obama is not running for the president of Black America, he is running for the president of the United States of America and he needs to win. His choice today is about moving that discussion forward and real and meaningful way, as PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

My heart is warmed by how many "well meaning" DU folks are concerned about Black America and hope these DU folks care about Black America when that caring about Black America when they don't have the opportunity to use their care as a tool to bash Barack Obama.

I hope Barack Obama does attend this event, NEXT YEAR as POTUS!

[RBInMaine]

1. He offered to send Michelle which they declined.

He needs to campaign, he can't attend every possible event, and he offered to send Michelle who they declined. End of story.

[wndycty]

2. And the only folks outraged are Tavis smiley and HRC supporters

:kick:

[rodeodance]

9. please stop broad brushing all clinton supporters as being outraged.

[wndycty]

13. Well I would like to know who on the DU is "outraged"

Obama supporters or Clinton supporters. Should we do a poll?

[rodeodance]

15. you have addressed the issue now haven't you--as you assumed all

HRC were outraged

[H2O Man]

3. Right.

Here is an interesting perspective:

"Why Obama should skip Tavis Smiley's State of the Black Union

"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.

"Now, almost a year later, he is faced with a similar dilemma. ...."

More at:
http://essence.typepad.com/news/2008/02/roland-s-mart-6.html

[goldcanyonaz]

4. What would your response have been if Obama attended and Hillary scrubbed it?

[rocktivity]

5. In case you haven't noticed, Tavis

Barack Obama IS the state of the black union.

:headbang:
rocknation

[EffieBlack]

20. :-)

Nice.

[Eurobabe]

22. LOL, good one.

You are absolutely correct. :hi:

[Vinca]

6. Great post - this is the much-ado-about-nothing story of the day. nt

[wndycty]

7. Obama should RSVP for next years event. . .

. . .and say that he is committed to the State of Black America, even in non election years.

[Vinca]

10. That would be a good idea. It would be impressive to have

the first black president address the forum.

[wndycty]

18. Or any president for that matter. . .

. . .it would be just as important for Hillary to attend next year if she is elected as president.

[EffieBlack]

23. This is the State of the Black Union, not State of Black America

The State of Black America is an annual report that the National Urban League puts out. The State of Black America has been around for more than 30 years. Tavis' State of the Black Union (think the similarity in the names was accidental?) has been around only a few years.

And, by the way, Obama wrote the Foreword to the last State of Black America report.



He spoke at the National Urban League's convention last year (so did Hillary and John Edwards). HThe National Urban League gave him their Congressional Leadership Award in 2006 - BEFORE he ran for president. He's also spoken at the NAACP Convention, the Essence Festival (in NEW ORLEANS) and numerous other "black" events.

This whining and handwringing is little more than political jockeying by people who normally don't give half a hoot about the State of Black America or the State of the Black Union or black people in general - and who are also often the first to trash Obama for "playing the race card" whenever he ever even implies that he thinks he may be black.

[Windy]

8. What is amusing is that it is the white HRC supporters who are more vocal on this

African Americans do not support Tavis Smiley's self absorbed tirade. Obama needs to be out there fighting in Texas and Ohio. Michelle was offered. She is no slouch. This faux outrage coming from the Clinton camp is disingenuous and desperate.

[wndycty]

12. Exactly!

:kick:

[goldcanyonaz]

16. And, you know they're white because???

I have every right to voice my opinion of disdain or support for whomever I choose, and it has nothing to do with my skin color. My opinion as a black woman might not be popular in my community, but I have every right to state my opinion as you do.

[high density]

11. Here here! My sentiments exactly

The purpose of Barak Obama's campaign is not to satisfy the ego of one individual. (Well, except perhaps Obama's ;))

[Kahuna]

14. Tavis Smiley is an insufferable, pompous ass. Ugh!

[wndycty]

17. I agree, but this is an excellent event. . .

. . .Obama did not make a mistake by not attending, Tavis is an egomaniac but this has always been a good event.

[EffieBlack]

19. Great post!

:yourock:

[wndycty]

21. Well thank you, so is yours

:kick:

[EffieBlack]

24. Thanks - maybe if enough of us say it

people will start to get it.

[wndycty]

25. People will get it. . .

. . .I believe its a small but vocal group of DUers who are buying into Tavis's hype.