Tavis says no to Michelle Obama speaking at State of the Black Union

Looks like it's either the candidates or no one.

Tavis Smiley, convener of the State of the Black Union on Feb. 23 in New Orleans, has turned down the campaign of Sen. Barack Obama to send Michelle Obama to address those who will gather there.

Sen. Hillary Clinton accepted his invite and will speak, but after several days in which Smiley said he would blast those who didn't attend his event, and then the Obama campaign choosing to keep the candidate fighting for votes in Texas and Ohio, this pretty much brings this issue to a close.

In his commentary today on The Tom Joyner Morning Show, Tavis said that prior to receiving a letter yesterday, he was never "officially" offered Michelle Obama as a surrogate.

But my sources tell me that two individuals VERY close to Tavis discussed Michelle with him, and he told both of them, "No."

So even though he said something different today, he had been asked about Michelle and said no.

We'll try to get the audio link to his comments on TJMS so you can hear for yourself.

Here is a rough transcript of comments Michelle Obama made yesterday on the Michael Baisden Show Wednesday. "MO" is Michelle Obama and "BO" is Barack Obama.

MO: I think that BO and I both have a tremendous amount of respect for Tavis and the work he has done and most people have come to know BO’s life work and advancing the principles and the base of the covenant- and he works to eradicate the opportunity gap and that all kids have education and health care you name it it has been a part of his platform- we believe in what Tavis is doing and people know that we are at a critical juncture – he is in a position that no one could have been anticipated but it is not over- he have spent every minute spending time reaching voters that don’t know him. This race is going to determine the outcome of this entire race and so I am in support of his decision to spend his time trying to reach these voters- I offered to attend the state of the black union- Tavis says that my attendance and participation would be inappropriate and I respect that. But BO has to spend his time becoming the next prez of the US.

BAISDEN: You and I love Tavis for what he has done- what do you need the family to know about the Tavis situation

MO: I think people should know that Tavis has been a friend and his principles are at the heart of who we are- I don’t think anyone can doubt that BO has been working hard at the equity- we are at a point where if BO doesn’t do well in these remaining contests then it will switch right back- we need to make sure that he is spending every second reaching out to voters in texas and ohio. I just got back in town and going back out on Monday and Friday- I haven’t seen BO in a couple weeks but that is what it takes. The fact he has won 8 in a row is a testament to working hard and focused.

BAISDEN: I have known Tavis for years- I am going to try to reach out to him if I can- if you are listening please iron this thing out- I respect you don’t want Michelle to be there- but we have bigger fish to fry.

MO: This is an amazing time in our country’s history and we wouldn’t be here without the work Tavis has done- we have a tremendous amount of respect- I don’t think that anyone would disagree with that, but now that we are here we cant miss this opportunity so what happens in Texas and Ohio and Pennsylvania and Wisconsin will make or break this.

BAISDEN: I believe that everybody understands, I want to thank you for coming on the show.

MO: We love him and respect him- I would love to come to the summit, maybe not this year since it is inappropriate but maybe other years I hope the invitation is open

BAISDEN: Did you realize that you are growing in popularity- you have done a great job in representing this man

MO: Well thank you Michael, I believe in this brother and I believe in us- people have not let us down I am so proud of my country and so proud of my people- we are not there yet look at here, we are almost there.

Question of the Day: Was Tavis Smiley right or wrong to reject Michelle Obama to address the State of the Black Union in place of her husband, Sen. Barack Obama?

Comments

[Dee of VA]

Tavis is wrong! This is NOT a DNC sanctioned debate or official candidate forum, but a forum where all voices from the African American Community are supposed to be welcome to discuss issues that matter to us. Michelle is now a prominent member of the community, so why can't she lend her voice? Tavis says otherwise, but there is not a doubt in my mind that if Bill Clinton asked to attend that he would be welcomed!

[Dietrich]

Does Mr.Smiley realize he is shuning the wife of our next Presidential Elect? Michelle Obama is in every essence just as qualified as former first lady Hillary Clinton to appear in representation of Presidnet Elect Barrack Obama. It appears that Tavis is going off message at a crucial time when Barrack Obama needs to continue to reach out and stay on focus. We are looking for his support here in Texas and need to pull these votes together. It would have probably have been a better idea to hold the State of the Black Union in the state of Texas. This was the last state in which black found out they were free. It would be just as befitting to bring the the address that would capitalize on the black vote and bring out votes to the polls. Just my opinion.

[calvin]

Talk about CLASS!!! I love michelle's response to Tavis snubbing her as Barack's replacement for the event. I beleive maintaining a high road posture by Barack, as it relates to addressing all those trying to derail his campaign, is the best strategy. I am relieved to see that this is shared by his wife as well. yu go girl!!!

[Faye Davis]

I respect Mr. Smiley but I could not disagree with him more on this issue. Barack Obama should continue to stay out and reach for new voters. Quite frankly this is not the time to for this issue. I attended the state of the Black union when it was in Flordia and it is the same today as it was that day. It is up to us the people to change. Mr. Smiley's thought process on this is very short sighted and comes across as someone who thinks he is now bigger than the rest of us. Let's stay on point people we may never see a black man that is on top of his game be in this position in our life time!

Peace

Faye Davis

[SJAY]

Tavis' insistence on Obama falling in step with his program is counterproductive. I am so disappointed in Tavis right now.

[Don Franco]

This whole Senator Obama and the State of Black America (SOBA) situation showed our community many things. For one, I think we are TRULY beginning to realize what's important for our community when it comes to empowerment. And two, I think new leadership is rising up with viable solutions. That said, I still respect Tavis and his burden for us as a people. However, I wish SOBA would begin to get "fresh perspectives" for answers to our issues, especially economically (i.e., black businesses produce only four-tenths of 1% of our country's total business revenues, how do we recycle the $1 trillion that blacks spend annually back to our communities, and how do we come together to tap the $300 billion that advertisers spend to promote their products--currently we do not get our fair share of this ad money!). The people in our community that have answers to these issues are the ones that SHOULD be a must-attend panelist for the SOBA event. Maybe one day, this type of leadership will be able to attend and get to some of these vital issues. FOR SOULUTION-ORIENTED PEOPLE, PLEASE VISIT: WWW.FAMDO.COM

[LaTanya]

Roland, Great job on keeping everyone informed on the facts. I truly respect Tavis and his contributions to our community. I have attend two State of the Black Union symposiums and they were very enlighting, well attend and engaging. That being said they are also very well planned and by that I mean planned in ADVANCE. This event has been planned for quite some time and I would think the invitations to the other panelist were sent well before February 2008. So why now think it's okay to extended and "invitation" to the busiest people in our country at the last minute. Not to mention there are already two debates scheduled one for Feb 21, and the other Feb 26, and now you want them to come to an event on Feb 23. Why were they not invited back in Nov or Dec when this event was being planned. Also, I personally don't think Michelle should have to change her plans to attend either. She has two children at home to look after and her weekends are better spent with them. Come on Tavis Sen. Obama attend your debate back in June in which I also attended, and he was there with the other candidates to discuss the Covenant Issues. Enough said.

[Ivan]

So if Hillary couldn't attend do you think He'd have told her that Bill Clinton couldn't come in her place? Either Tavis' ego has gotten to the size of a small planet or this whole thing was an attempt to get Obama on stage with Hillary and have a debate at the SOTBU. One tries not to be a conspiracy theorist, but between this and Julian Bond's letter to Howard Dean, this all looks like the Clintons are calling in markers in an attempt to disrupt Obama's campaign one way or another. I've seen the list of panelist for the STUB. There are quite a few Clinton supporters on both panels. Do you honestly think they wouldn't have ask questions designed to box Obama into answers that would be turned into sound bites and used against him? This story is quickly becoming the talk of the black blogosphere. I think Tavis has done himself irreparable harm this time.

[Ernest Love]

Black America we need to wake up. I heard once that the way the devil intends to start the spirtual warfare that I know everyone has been waiting on or those who can say we are already battle, is to break up the Love, family, marriage, brother against sister, etc. So my people please after you read this do a Prayer and read the word. Because to tell a strong educated black women that I want to talk to your husband and not you is a big sign of the spirtual war. Why do I say this well look at these factors, I am a very busy person and at times my lovely wife has to take on a dual role and I have no problem with her being my proxy because while she will put her own spin own it, she will defintely without question convey my true concerns. Tavis statement says know matter how people try to clean it up, She can not talk for you, This breaks the basic family fundamentals of Honey I know you got my back, it creates tension with there kids because do not take for granted they can not read or understand politics. I respect the single parent but the basic family fundamentals must be taught. For example yes you have a dad but it just us and we are family. And continue to enforce these principles daily not when a social situation arise or crisis arise. Now the pit against Brother and Sister, People it has already happen. Look at the NAACP view, okay I know what some are saying it was Bond personal view on National letterhead. Fall for that if you will but as a child of sharecroppers some one has sold out point blank. Roland please continue to teach and remind all people to do not play us short on our intelligence. We may sit back and watch things but when the spirit call us to fight we will. Give the God sent Man a chance, stop with we need a President who will listen to Black Issues he is coming but we have not had a President who has since JFK or as I close with this final statement. Some say Clinton did okay for Blacks we can debate that issue until we are purple in the face. We stood up for Tavis when BET cut him lose, Yes we did but it is clear Clinton stood up for him also. Peace

[Darlene Pierre-Louis]

Tavis is guilty of bad timing. We all have received invitations to important events that conflict with something more urgent. So I am not mad at the brother for trying to bolster national participation in the State of the Black Union address (SBU). However, Tavis a man known for his profound analysis, it seems illogical that he would expect Senator Obama, in the dead heat of the primaries, to neglect the votes in Ohio and Texas. That is, if Tavis wasn't attempting to sabotage the outcome. That fact that Senator Clinton agreed to attend the SBU after she neglected to thank the folks in Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland who voted for her, and after she went ahead to Ohio and Texas means that she only agreed to participate in the SBU after she completed some campaigning. Senator Obama would have more to lose than to gain by his participation in the SBU.

[tom friend]

Hello,
Black folks are riding Tavis kinda hard here lately. I caution everyone to remember that Tavis has a right to speak his mind. We are not monolithic and never have been. Obama's campaign while a great thing for the country does not mean that black folks will get everything they hope for from him. Who are his economic advisers, foreign policy advisers, and does he have a real agenda for urban America. This common refrain of discounting race will come back to haunt black people because I assure you that race and racism will not die with the election of Barrack Obama. Hell Roland you are starting most of this mess with your commentary. Remember alot of people are jealous of Tavis Smiley too. So black folks do not lose your damn mind over a presidential election.

[tom friend]

Hello,
Black folks are riding Tavis kinda hard here lately. I caution everyone to remember that Tavis has a right to speak his mind. We are not monolithic and never have been. Obama's campaign while a great thing for the country does not mean that black folks will get everything they hope for from him. Who are his economic advisers, foreign policy advisers, and does he have a real agenda for urban America. This common refrain of discounting race will come back to haunt black people because I assure you that race and racism will not die with the election of Barrack Obama. Hell Roland you are starting most of this mess with your commentary. Remember alot of people are jealous of Tavis Smiley too. So black folks do not lose your damn mind over a presidential election.

[Carolyn]

Who are Clinton's economic advisors, foreign policy advisors, etc? All you need to know about Barack and his plan for America are at www.barackobama.com. No one is saying that race and racism will magically go away with Barack as president. But don't think that things will be way better with a divisive Clinton. Just look at all the racism coming from her advisors/supporters (Bill Clinton, Gov Rendell, Mark Penn, etc.)

[Tony]

I don't know who at the moment has the worst timing, Julian Bond and the NAACP wanting to seat the MI and FL delegates, or Tavis Smiley, but they both seem to be contributing to the crab in a barrell mentality. I heard Tom Joyner say a few weeks ago that per Eddie Long that the crab in a barrel syndrome was a myth because we are actually trying to lift each other up but it looks like we pulling each other down, (which doesnt make sense even coming from Eddie Long). I think Tom needs to revisit his opinion on that notion because i don't see how this is helping lift Obama up.

Tavis is trying to annoint himself as the next great black leader, i think he's a Roland Martin wannabee in that nobody from CNN or anywhere else is asking him to speak or give commentary and this was his opportunity shine and Obama done went and wrecked it (sarcastic tone).

[bachelors, Ph.D and MD]

I disagree with Tavis 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 represent black interests. I think Al Wynn of Maryland got served on Tuesday. I recommend bringing the chickens home to roost.

[Eunice Ave from Bowie, MD]

We are nearing the end of a long road, hard fought, hopefully, hard won. We are NOT at the end of the presidential primary season. The two remaining candidates are practically neck and neck in popular votes and delegate counts, once you count the pledged superdelegates, and neither one may come out of this with the needed delegates to carry the day. If that is the case, much strategizing and maneuvering will have to take place in order for Barack to carry the day. This is a precarious time. Barack needs to get his message out in Texas, a state whee there is a large Latino population, who are pledged to Hillary Clinton. Mr. Obama's work is not even close to being over. Does Tavis really think that this is the time for Mr. Obama to make a detour? We know what our issues are in Black America. Unfortunately, they haven't changed much in the past decades. There are plenty of well-qualified and able surrogates out there for the task Mr. Smiley asks of Obama: academics, other politicians, activitists, corporate leaders, social scientists, and the like, who will do an outstanding job of analyzing, coalescing, and representing all sides of the community at the State of Black America. I wonder if Tavis realizes in what well-deserved high esteem Mrs. Obama is held all over America, by Americans of all stripes? I am and will remain a great admirer of Tavis Smiley, but I think he is short-sighted on this one. I will chalk this up to his passion in the importance of his message and mission.

[Tommy Allen]

Yeah I would say he is wrong... and that is putting it mildly. I have to say this line of action makes me really wonder about his motives. I agree that he would not have responded in the same way had it been BILL coming there in proxy for Hillary.

Im seeing a pattern among a large portion of the black caucus... one that does not take kindly to the fact that Obama is not kneeling and groveling to THEM. They have not "anointed" him and without their support he is at the moment farther along in this race for the Presidency than any other African American has been. I too wish the demographic of the SOBA would change. Im sick of hearing the same people saying the same things over and over again.

Yes folk are coming down on Tavis... but with good reason. When you have a platform it is important to be objective and he has been anything but that lately. When you don't you come across as one-sided and possibly a "hater". To deny Michelle a bid to speak on behalf of her husband while he is in a hotly contested campaign is just ignorant. I thought it was the State of Black America.. not just SOME of Black America.

To "tom friend"... nobody is suggesting otherwise. However, running around at the whim of Tavis and the gang is not by any means the actions a true leader should take. What Obama proposes is equality for ALL Americans not just the black ones. I wouldn't vote for Hillary if she paid me because I just don't trust her. The only way you know what someone will do when given greater power... is look at what they've BEEN doing. Her war vote, her support of Nafta, her "mandated" health care... which... by the way will garnish your wages if for some reason you cannot afford it... her policy switching with the wind... PLEASE. Id be crazy to vote for her.

Mark my words... the days of the current "black caucus" are numbered. Those of us who are coming up and stepping out are of a completely different mindset, and with this trend of bias coming from them... our votes won't be there for them when they need us.

Roland... I enjoy watching you on CNN and Im glad that you can pose these types of questions that don't necessarily go along with the lemming mentality train of thought. There are a LOT of different black folk out here... not just the ones who do most of the talking in front of a camera or on a radio show.

[Steven K Foster]

Wow...I've really been impressed with Michelle Obama. She is the true definition of a help mate! She could have turned that interview very negative and would have had every right to do so...but she stayed on the high road. Go Michelle, what an excellent first lady she will be.

I'm really disappointed in Tavis to be so selfish and close minded. I'm also very embarrassed for black America that we have to go through this. I would hate for the main stream media to get a hold of this story...how sad will that look for us.

tsk tsk tsk

[Michelle]

I love Tavis, but damn! Sounds like he's a little spoiled. So is he trying to suggest that we should be disappointed in Obama for not accepting the invite. Just because race is the common factor does not obligate our next President of the US to be there.
I really believe Obama has his priorities in order. I know he's constantly under pressure and trying to reassure us(Blacks, Latinos, Poor, middle-class, elderly, children, etc....) that he has not forgot about us. With that being said, it's going to be impoosible for him to please all of us, all the time.
While Hillary is there pouring that watered-down sugar on the Black people she needs to impress, Obama will be out in the trenches putting in work.
Yea that's the kind of President I need!!!!!

[Rachael Williams]

I completely respect Tavis. No matter what anyone says, this man truly cares for us as a people and he is going what "HE" thinks is right. No one can fault him for that. I do wish he felt differently about Michelle speaking but respect his decision. It is his right?

[Robmarie]

Tavis is splitting hairs now. He so much as said that Barack is not the candidate for us but wants him to win him over at a time when basically he has bigger fish to fry. It is obvious that Barack has the support of most african americans and Tavis seems to object to that fact. All of my family and friends has voted and or worked for Barack. We are a diverse social economic group. And he appeals to us all. I know that Tavis has been close to Clintons for some time now and that may be his oppossition. But at this time we need change and HOPE and Barack speaks that message loud and clear whether he shows up in New Orleans or not.

[Michaelle]

In the words of Julian Bond, I think Tavis "miscalculated" this one.

Also, Tom friend, according to MSN Money, Obama's economic advisors are led by Univ. of Chicago professor Austan Goolsbee and include Jeffrey Liebman and David Cutler of Harvard and Christian and David Romer of the Univ. of Cal., Berkley. He also talks to Warren Buffet frequently. Don't believe the smoke and mirrors that Obama doesn't have "specific" policies. You should check out his web site. Interesting stuff about "green" jobs for disadvantaged youth - he was talking about this before Hillary. Need more specifics? As it relates to drug crimes, according to the San Francisco Chronicle: "The Democrats' clearest differences involve sentencing for drug crimes, including the disparity between terms for crack cocaine offenses, which affect mostly black prisoners, and terms for powder cocaine, which affect mostly whites.
When the Sentencing Commission voted in November to lower sentencing guidelines for crack-related crimes, and bring them closer to sentences for powder cocaine, Obama favored applying the new terms retroactively to current prisoners, while Clinton opposed it, saying the change should affect only future cases. The commission voted for retroactivity in December, allowing 19,500 federal inmates to ask judges for sentence reductions, about two years in most cases.
Clinton has also questioned Obama's proposal to scrap some of the more than 170 federal mandatory-minimum laws, which require judges to impose specified prison sentences, most commonly for drug crimes.
Noting that the laws mostly affect minorities and have had many critics, including the late Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, Obama has attacked them as unfair to defendants and unduly restrictive on judges, but he has stopped short of calling for a wholesale repeal. Instead, he promises to review all mandatory minimums and try to eliminate those he considers too harsh." Maybe Tavis should ask Hillary about that at the SBU?

[LES JEWEL]

Excellent Job Roland. Tavis just lost his player card people. ALSO FOR BLOGGER "TOM FRIEND". IF YOU DON'T SEE WHAT THIS WAS TURNING INTO YOUR A DAMN FOOL. You must hang out at the mall with Julian Bond and Tavis. You suckers are the crabs that try to hold forward thinking brothers down. THE BIG PROBLEM YOU HAVE IS THAT NOW YOU GUYS KNOW THAT YOU CAN'T FOOL THE OBAMA FAMILY INTO SOME BS FORUM THAT NEEDs TO HEAD IN A NEW DIRECTION. I can't believe the the Clintons pockets run so deep. First Maya Angelo supports Hillary, Now this.. I thought Maya was Miss Black Culture, but I guess Bill got to that too.

[DivideNConquer]

As a black woman, I am most offended but Tavis' snub of Michelle Obama, as I am most certaing he would have enthusiastically supported the idea Bill Clinton as Hillary's surrogate. Tavis' actions are certainly speaking louder than his words. Tavis, Julian, members of the black caucus, our memories will not be as short as you think. Thank you, Senator Obama --your candidacy has started a movement in more ways than one.

[Alisha]

Roland I enjoy your commentary and your presence on CNN it is refreshing to here the election and other news presented from a black males perspective!!

I am disappointed that we as black folk continue beat up on one another.i.e(The Willie Lynch papers). Tavis is stroking his ego here!! I respect and applaud his efforts to bring the issues we face to the forefront but this is not the time for division.

Michelle Obama is a great representative for Senator Obama, no one knows him better!

It is imperative that Senator Obama continue to campaign here in the Lone Star State and Ohio. An opportunity of a lifetime has presented itself, it may not come again.

Of course HRC is attending the conference, she is in desperate need of votes! If she were ahead she wouldn't be there.

We are working hard here in Texas and looking forward to electing our next President, Barack Obama.

Austin, TX for Obama '08