Copy of Sen. Barack Obama letter to Tavis Smiley

February 13, 2008
 
 
Mr. Tavis Smiley
President and CEO
The Smiley Group  
3870 Crenshaw Boulevard
Suite 391
Los Angeles, CA 90008
 
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

Comments

[BS, PhD, MD]

I disagree with Tavis now welcoming Michelle not only because he seems to have let his egotripping fly in the face of what is good for us as a whole, but also ---if memory serves me---he has invited presidential candidates, Hillary & Bill Clinton, and other politicians to this thing again and again for the last eight years. Tavis doesn't harp on the fact that the Clintons haven't shown up before during his current tantrums.

Tavis misses or willfully ignores the fact that Hillary only agreed to the invitation because she needs to make amends, she needs to force an image that Barack is the black candidate and this state of the union will surely do that, she needs as much free TV time as possible because her campaign is operating on "shoestring" according to Bill, and she needs as many "debates" with Obama as possible to try to trap him into making a campaign-ending mistake. Tavis is getting used and he is being less than honest when he ignores the fact that Bill & Hill have not shown up in previous years despite the many past invitations...but whatever it takes to get his team the win right. Seems like Tavis has selective memory, selective offense, and possibly an overinflated ego compounded with too much envy of the good senator.

I think it is time for chickens to come home to roost. We should not support, campaign on behalf, donate to, or vote for anyone who has failed to represent their constituency in the presidential endorsement process by February 15, 2008. After that time, we should take names, write them down, and kick butts [out of office] in current primaries, November, 2010 and 2012 until we get them all out. Not even the ones who decide to switch over AFTER Obama wins the nomination should be safe. Those not elected should find our support lacking for their future endeavors as well. They are counting on us to forget but we should not. They are counting on us to stick with them despite them not sticking with us. I say save that anger, bottle it, and unleash it in current primaries and again in future elections to replace Black caucus members who chose not to represent black interests. I think Al Wynn of Maryland got served on Tuesday. I recommend bringing the chickens home to roost.

[SJAY]

Sen. Obama is truly a class act. Tavis would do well to return the civility and courtesy extended to him by Sen. and Mrs. Obama. Black America would do well to recognize and reject the bill of goods Tavis is attempting to sell us.

[nic]

How could you not love this man?
More importantly, how could a brother find it within himself to stand in the way?

We're learning a lot about ourselves & eachother this year...hope everyone's taking good notes.

[LES JEWEL]

TOUCHE, Point OBAMA, This is an awesome man. Young people can learn a lot from the dialog in this letter. Tavis really sounded like a wounded dog this morning and clearly sang a different song. Barak was like a father prudently putting his son Tavis in check. Mrs. Obama is just a spectacular. This is the excellence that the black community needs. They are like a young version of the Cosby's. Once again, Tavis what arrogance to not accept Michelle as a guest, just who the fukc do you think you are. You have ruined your credibility in the black community, Tom Joyner should drop you, and now I know why you’re not married. Who could deal with an egotistical bull headed black man like you.

[Khalilah Dann]

I definitely agree. Tavis Smiley is constantly saying that he is not trying to put down Barak Obama but his criticism is one sided. I often question why he is allowed to present his biased opinion without opposition on the TJM show. I heard him say this morning that he never received any communication for Mrs. Obama to act as a proxy for the State of the Black Union Address. If that is the case call and clarify and have her come on Senator Obama's behalf. Why be difficult? If its really about the discourse and the love for black people then he should allow Mrs. Obama to attend. In addition, I wait for him to be as openly critical of Hilary Clinton as he is of Obama. He stated in a prior interview that Obama has not had the "quintessential black experience." Who is he to decide that? It is very insulting to me as someone from Caribbean parentage born and raised in the US. Black people are not cookie cutter copies of one experience. I am tired of the not black enough discourse. Our culture is rich and diverse. Anyone who truly loved black people and ALL black people would not entertain such close mindedness. And I am sure that Senator Obama's experience of black America is deeper than what Hilary Clinton's wealth and white privalege could afford. Senator Obama is not playing politics in order to win as it seems Clinton is doing. In stead, he is standing and working for what he believes in that he should be the next President of the United states because of his integrity and his love for all people including black people. I agree with Mr. Roland that since Obama is running for president he has to act in ways that connect him with all Americans. I think that a discourse between Mr. Roland and Mr. Smiley would be very interesting. Maybe Tom Joyner or Michael Baisden will act on this idea . . . .

[Gerald Perry]

Tavis is going too far with this. His childish behavior is not helping anyone. He should accept the fact Sen Obama is busy and let Mrs Obama attend the convention in his place. Tavis is running the risk of losing his hard earned status in the Black community.

[HUGgy bear, GOD's Leading Lady]

Did Mr. Obama make some kind of pledge or took some kind of oath along with Mr. Smiley before Mr. Obama decided to run for the Presidecy of the United States of America? If he did, and his running toward "The White House" is contrary to that oath, then there is a spiritual problem with that.

I do not know what Mr. Smiley's motive is. But I do know that some questions are designed to TRICK and to TRAP; not to educate. If Mr. Smiley simply wants to help trap Mr. Obama, then that is very ungodly.

May The WILL of The ALMIGHTY GOD be done. Everything He allows, He allows for a wise purpose. I pray that Mr. Smiley will come to realize that and let go.

[Lynne '08]

I agree with all of the comments posted pre-me. Just like to add, I was most disappointed to discover that Tavis is a "hater", no more, no less. He has a right to his opinion, and to his vote. I believe he is an active surrogate for the Clintons and I am equally disappointed in that -- that said (to coin a phrase), This State of the Black Union is a platform for the Clintons and an opportunity for Tavis to gain national attention, thus, my third disappointment. Tavis wants a debate to highlight himself, & his platform, so things can either blow - up or blow - out all over the nation that will inevitably label Barack a Black candidate, Mr Tavis will then be satisfied and can further "educate" the Black community and rub it in the faces of a hopeful people. Bringing me to my final disappointment... now i am all out of disappointments. I will fight more fervently to help get Barack in the Oval Office. I will discontinue my concern with Mr. Tavis -- eliminating him from my thought processes.

[Chanel]

This is a prime of example of why i'm, fighting (and praying) so hard to get this man into office. Forget about his policies that will better this country far beyond ANY presidential administration has since...well...Kennedy. Forget about the changes he has made in the state of Illinois since he took Senate. Forget about his remarkable oratory talents and the skills he possesses to UNITE those who have never felt a connection before. This letter shows the nature of Senator Obama's campaign, which is a direct reflection of the nature of his HEART. Tavis can continue to act in a childish "I want it MY way" fashion if he wants to. It's his perogative. But if this backfires in his face as hundreds of thousands of black voters who FULLY support Barack AND Michelle grow tired of his pettiness....i will only say I told you so.

Obama 08.

[egiob]

REFRESHING! MR.Martin thank you very much for posting an opposing view, if you will to Tavis Smiley. While I respect Tavis' contributions to Black America, more and more I feel that he has become extremely ego-centric and extremely OLD GUARD. Anyone who disagrees with him, he deems them as immoral and just wrong. I'ts all about him and how he can profit off the backs of Black People. It's about HIS agenda, not ours. he has a problem with Obama transcending race...because he doesn't understand what that means. Transcending race does NOT mean selling out..it means being able to accomplish anything you want to REGARDLESS of your race! Including becoming presdient of the US. However, Tavis is unable too see beyond race because that would mean having a new way of thinking. I've often said that once people are able to get beyond race and see a person for whom he or she truly is inside, then people like Tavis Smiley and Al Sharpton would be out of a job! Could that be why Tavis is so upset with Barack????????? Once America embraces a black person as a serious contender to lead our country, then race is no longer as the major challenge it once was. And then the conversation has to change. But if you are a part of the old guard and "race baiting" is all you know, then job security becomes an issue when you're up against a Barack Obama!

[DivideNConquer]

Thank you Reverend Al Sharpton,Thank you Jesse Jackson Thank you Michael Baisden, and last but not least THANK YOU ROLAND MARTIN--You may not know it yet but history will prove you to be the true unyielding voices of the people in this time!

[Ms. Saint Lewis]

Thank the Lord! There are some smart black people in the world! I agree with what everything everyone has expounded on. Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Obama are both classy people and they are an example to follow. I'm proud of them and I'm praying that Barack will make it to the "Oval Office!" As for one of the posters that suggested that we take the names of those who have turned against their own, I'm waaaaayyyy ahead of you! I live in MD and I never voted for Al Wynn! I'm glad to see that he got his in the end! Now maybe PG County can breath a little. As far as Tavis Smiley is concerned. He is the biggest opportunist! He claims to have our interests at heart, but he does not! Black people are his meal ticket and his racket. Same for all those elected officials who want to keep their foot on the black masses just to keep their "crumbs off Masta's Table!" If they are so interested in helping the black family, they would not display the jealousies that they have shown towards Barack Obama. As someone suggested here, I hope that Tom Joyner gives Tavis the "proverbial" boot! It's time for him to go. He's a self-serving bastard and I'm sick of hearing his rhetoric (all talk and no action) on the TJMS! I for one would LOVE to see Roland Martin take Tavis' place on that show! If the country needs a "voice of change", then we need a "voice of change" on the radio! VOTE FOR ROLAND MARTIN & BARACK OBAMA! PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Connie]

I think Tavis Smiley does have a motive.

Just think - he was on Tom Joyner's program one day and he discussed the "covert" and "overt" racism seen by the Clintons and gave examples. The next day Hllary Clinton mentions Tavis Smiley's name during one of the debates and talks about how Tavis could be an asset to the Black Community.

Then the tables turn, and everything that comes out of Smiley's mouth with regards to Obama is negative.

[metricpenny]

I will not denigrate Tavis Smiley. He has not only accomplished a lot for himself, but for many blacks in south central Los Angeles. At a minimum, he employs blacks in his company headquartered there.

However, I do think he lost his objectivity recently with respect to Senator Obama's presidential bid. On two occasions while watching his show on PBS, I saw and heard him tersely respond to two guests when the guests spoke highly of Senator Obama. He basically asked them what they were basing their support on since Senator Obama wasn't talking about anything specific. I thought it was odd that a journalist with his research resources didn't know of Senator Obama's policy positions. Then, I started reading about this tussle concerning the SOBU invite. Nope. I don't listen to the radio.

I'm going to speculate that Mr. Smiley feelings were hurt when his good friend Senator Obama, one of the still standing contenders for the democratic nomination for president of the US, hadn't confirmed his attendance at the

STATE OF THE BLACK UNION 2008:
Reclaiming Our Democracy, Deciding Our Future

Who would be more appropriate to be there than Senator Obama?

Mr. Smiley had a professionalism lapse. And unlike the rest of us who have had them, it was a public one.

I'm looking forward to watching how Mr. Smiley and the other participants question Senator Clinton and whether they allow her to get away with pandering to the black community like she did at the PBS debate hosted by Mr. Smiley last year.

[metricpenny]

I will not denigrate Tavis Smiley. He has not only accomplished a lot for himself, but for many blacks in south central Los Angeles. At a minimum, he employs blacks in his company headquartered there.

However, I do think he lost his objectivity recently with respect to Senator Obama's presidential bid. On two occasions while watching his show on PBS, I saw and heard him tersely respond to two guests when the guests spoke highly of Senator Obama. He basically asked them what they were basing their support on since Senator Obama wasn't talking about anything specific. I thought it was odd that a journalist with his research resources didn't know of Senator Obama's policy positions. Then, I started reading about this tussle concerning the SOBU invite. Nope. I don't listen to the radio.

I'm going to speculate that Mr. Smiley feelings were hurt when his good friend Senator Obama, one of the still standing contenders for the democratic nomination for president of the US, hadn't confirmed his attendance at the

STATE OF THE BLACK UNION 2008:
Reclaiming Our Democracy, Deciding Our Future

Who would be more appropriate to be there than Senator Obama?

Mr. Smiley had a professionalism lapse. And unlike the rest of us who have had them, it was a public one.

I'm looking forward to watching how Mr. Smiley and the other participants question Senator Clinton and whether they allow her to get away with pandering to the black community like she did at the PBS debate hosted by Mr. Smiley last year.

[HOPE from Alabama]

Tavis Smiley - who is really pimping who?

[Gobama]

People, don't waste time on the Tavis Smileys of America.
It is the destiny of some Americans to be asleep while the Sun rises and so miss and new and enchanting dawn.

For generations they have been brainwashed to believe that their salvation must come from a particular source; and so they are asleep when 'the bridegroom cometh'. lol

The Clintons enjoy the IMAGINED status of being the 'first Black president'. This means Blacks should be their subordinates.
So it is a 'role of the dice' and a 'fairy tail' for someone assigned as Black in America to dare challenge their queen, Hilary. lol

And see, guys like Tavis Smiley believes that his life can only be better if he subordinates himself to his 'black president' while dissing a Michelle Obama. lol

People, those who recognize the "Change we can believe in" are better off using their time, energy and attention on those who are awake in America at this time. And there are countless of them.
The likes of Tavis Smiley will learn. lol

[HUGgy bear, GOD's Leading Lady]

A great SPIRITUAL DRAMA is unfolding before our very eyes! Barack Obama is simply playing the role of MALCOLM X in this drama.

Truly, history does repeat itself. I hope and pray that all that is happening these days will help people to understand some spiritual truths somewhere down the road soon. "Experience is the best teacher", we say; but sometimes by the time we graduate, we are too old to use what we have learned. To ALMIGHTY GOD be the glory!

[kay]

Geez, Tavis. you don't even know when somebody is USING YOU! Good ol' Hill is only coming to your event because this is an election year. And I applaud Obama for sticking to HIS agenda, which will also hopefully be the agenda of the United States after November. It would be a wonderful thing for him to show up (talk about chills down the spine!) but at least he doesn't pander, not even to his own race, when there is a priority out there. I'm a single, white female age 48, from Maryland. I support Barack Obama. I support Michelle Obama. I support equality and equity among all our people. You don't have to support them, you have a right to your vote. But in the words of Martha Stewart, wouldn't having Michelle be there be "a good thing"?

[AngelaJacksonBrown]

I truly believe that in spite of the fact that Tavis Smiley says that we need a "love language," he has been using anything but that in the last few months of his commentary on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. I believe his ego has been wounded since last year when Senator Obama announced his candidacy on the same day as the State of the Black Union. It is absolutely ridiculous for Mr. Smiley to bellieve that Senator Obama could continue to have his far-reaching appeal if he simply became the candidate for black folks. In order for him to succeed as a president who unites, he has to show that he is impartial and that he is going to support legislature that will benefit ALL people. Perhaps Tavis' goals for black America would go further if he were more inclusive and less exclusive. If we ever want to see change happen, it is going to have to be across the board. Tavis needs to check his ego at the door and practice a little of his "love language" himself. Tuesday and today he came across as petty and childish on the TJMS. He was disrespectful towards the Obamas and he was disrespectful to Mr. Joyner and Sybil Wilkes. What thinking adult would want to sit on a stage and answer questions fielded by such a egotistical man.

[Shapearl Wells]

Roland I love you! You always give us the inside scoop! I am glad that Sen. Obama sent the letter of regret and Tavis understands that Michelle Obama will lay Sen. Clinton out! Sen. Clinton has nothing on Michelle Obama ability to speak to the issues. Don't worry Sen. Clinton will probably withdraw from the forum. Also she just wanted free publicity, her campaign is running low on funds and she also needs to reconnect with black voters. I hope her campaign continues to fall apart. Obama and Cnn websites just reported that John Lewis has just defected to the Obama side of the campaign, I think more African-American will start to line up with Obama. They feel the movement that Obama is pushing now and they don't want to be on the wrong side of history!!!

[Stacey]

I am shocked and saddened by Smiley's behavior over the last few months in reference to Sen. Obama. I don't care who he votes for or endorses. He has a right to follow his conscience. But the level of hate thrown at Obama has been unyielding. And what is worst is that he tries to tell us that it is all because he loves black people. It is starting to sound like a crock of mess. The only black person he loves is the one he sees in the mirror.

I am glad Obama went on the TJMS to set the record straight. I have high respect for both Barack and Michelle. The letter to Smiley was classy. His rejection of Mrs. Obama was not.

[C. Jeff Statia]

Just to reiterate Barack's classy response:

February 13, 2008


Mr. Tavis Smiley
President and CEO
The Smiley Group
3870 Crenshaw Boulevard
Suite 391
Los Angeles, CA 90008

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

[One Angry Black Man]

Tavis is showing his true colors more and more every day. Ironically so are a lot of so called "black leaders". (exactly WHO they lead remains unclear). What is also interesting to me is the fact that this action by Smiley comes on the heels of the Julian Bond fiasco... and BOTH actions come on the heels of Obama SWEEPING Clinton in the Potomac Primaries. Why am I not surprised?

I saw Smiley's interview with Colin Powell. When asking Mr. Powell about Obama he kept asking questions that were typical of HIS mindset. Things like...
"All this hype surrounding Obama as the first black President could have surrounded you... any regrets?". I knew then through which lenses Smiley viewed Obama.

As a 30 year old independent minority male I find it reprehensible that the majority of the resistance to the viable bid of an OUTSTANDING presidential candidate of color comes from power hungry poverty pimping African Americans who will do and say anything to help Massa Clinton. For the first time in my life I have actually felt engaged and enthusiastic about politics. I finally got involved and believe that things can get better... and then THIS from people in my own community. It is both eye opening and embarrassing that people of other races recognized and supported Sen. Obama in overwhelming fashion... while we dragged our heels... and now that the momentum has shifted in his favor... the truth is finally being revealed.

I will tell you this.

First of all I will NEVER vote for Hillary Clinton... if they steal this nomination unfairly... I will vote for Mccain.

All of those yessuh Massah Public Officials and television personalities had better take a good look at what happened to Al Wynn. Our generation is the future and we have now been mobilized for Change... and we WILL change not only who sits in the White House... but who sits in the Senate and House of Representatives and we will also decide what shows will remain on television.

I refuse to continue to let attention hungry power driven opportunists pimp out black people.

Simply put... I have had it.

[april]

tavis smiley is an idiot (read my comments about his dismissal of michelle obama in the other blog). he can add his name to the list of pathetic, small, short-sighted, egomaniacal, willie lynch-minded, misguided black "leaders". he does NOT speak for me! he has become decidedly irrelevant in the 21st century.