Tavis Smiley quits the Tom Joyner Morning Show

Tom announced it on the morning. They are still discussing it now.

Don't know the back story, but I do know he's caught a lot of heat this election season for his criticism of Sen. Barack Obama.

Comments

[NPC]

Yes! At last! I think Tavis is great and a great business person and a great community organizer and etc. and etc. and have been listening to him since the CompuServe TX issue. Well I listened to his commentary on Tuesday morning and then Rev. Al's commentary on Wednesday morning. So I was a little surprised when Tom made the announcement this morning; however, it might be the time for him to move on to bigger and greener pastures. And really and truly some of us just weren't feeling the Barack dialogue.

[jco]

I am glad. He could not cover the stories without talking it personal. Tavis acts like the gatekeeper of the black race.

[Nikki]

As a black woman, Tavis did not speak for me. I'm far too educated. I can convey my thoughts about the issues in America.

[the entire truth please]

Tavis attempted to be objective in his analysis of Barrack, but it seems his personal bias became too much for him to hide the animosity that he held against Barack. I read Tavis' "What I Know for Sure". When he was about 8 years old his mother bought him a cup with the words "It's hard to be humble when I'm so good". He mistakenly thought it was a compliment. His mother was trying to pull his coat tail THEN. Unfortunately, his mother was unable to pull his coat tail NOW! I tried to defend Tavis' approach to several people that he was trying to keep African American focus on our own agenda, regardless who is in the white house. After hearing his commentary on Tuesday, I think he truly lost his journalistic objectivity on this issue. I tried not to reduce Tavis' behavior toward Barack as personal jealously, as all top journalists, the late great Ed Bradley, Tom Brockaw, Barbara Waters, etc... all fight to get the next great interview on their show(i.e., State of the Black Union). However, Tavis' focus/attack on Barack had taken a turn that was getting less professional and more personal. Bob Johnson was probably right to fire Tavis. Tavis probably did Tom a favor to quit before he had to fire Tavis the Prima Dona!

[Chelle]

Yes. I'm glad he is gone. Roland I hope they offer you the spot and if they do, please take it. You will be a wonderful addition. Matter of fact I encourage everyone to send Tom Joyner an email requesting Roland to join.

[Energize]

It’s Wal-Mart’s fault. As soon as African Americans (aka black folk) start making deals with corporate America they lose their originality and loyalty to uplift and develop the community that helped them to get started.

[sewoodson]

Wow I look at this totally different. I didn't get to hear everything that Tavis said but what I did hear I thought he was right on the money. I am sorry that he resigned. I think it is good to hear both sides of any issue. I think it is so sad that African Americans think that we should line up behind Obama just because of his skin color.

[Barack Supporter]

I have the upmost respect for my fellow fraternity brother, and truly believe he has given a lot of his time and energy in promoting issues directly for, by, and of black America. For him to be subject to hate-mail and death threats is highly unfortunate. On the opposite spectrum, we are all subject to constructive criticism, and for Bro. Smiley to suggest that Sen. Obama's absence from the State of the Black Union in February was a "missed opportunity" and "critical miscalculation" and that we should not "confuse the cause with the candidates" was, coincidentally, his own critical miscalculation.

[Barack Supporter]

I have the upmost respect for my fellow fraternity brother, and truly believe he has given a lot of his time and energy in promoting issues directly for, by, and of black America. For him to be subject to hate-mail and death threats is highly unfortunate. On the opposite spectrum, we are all subject to constructive criticism, and for Bro. Smiley to suggest that Sen. Obama's absence from the State of the Black Union in February was a "missed opportunity" and "critical miscalculation" and that we should not "confuse the cause with the candidates" was, coincidentally, his own critical miscalculation.

[S G]

YEA!!!!!!!!!!
YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree with Nikki - Tavis probably did Tom a favor by quitting. Tavis is supposed to call Tom back with his final decision, but I hope he will not change his mind.

THank you Tavis for making my day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Carla Epperson]

I admire Tavis for his professional accomplishments. Tavis has been an inspiration over the last year since I began listening to talk-radio (now that I am in my forties). While I do not agreed with mainstream America's view that Tavis speaks for all Black American, I recently developed concerns as to whether or not Tavis has a personal vendetta against Senator Obama.

I am a health professional, single mother of 2 adoptive children. I have learned through professional experience, not to allow my emotions to interfere with profesisonal decisions or potential life changes opportunities. I also put forth great efforts in sharing this practice with my 2 daughters. However, I must say both Senator Obama and Michelle have been inspirational just for stepping out on faith and believing in what they, as ONE believe in. When I look at the crowds of people that have come out to hear Senator Obama or Michelle speak it brings tears to my eyes. Yes, this would be considered emotional but it's much more than emotions. When I assess what is going on from a spiritual perspective, I have visions of Moses leading the people out of Egypt. I vision Senator Obama leading ALL people to a better land. Leading the people is the begining, however, it is the responsibility of the people to do their respective parts.
I share with my two children how they are bless to have been born multiracial. They have a responsbility and obligation to learn about both their biological parents heritage. Senator Obama has shown this to be true and I believe not only will our next president lead black's and white's but I believe Senator Obama will lead all races and ethnic groups into unity. I believe Senator Obama is annoited to be the father of many nations and will be able to bring about world peace.
God Bless,
Carla

[Tina]

I hope that Tavis will reconsider leaving the TJM show. Although I don't always agree with or appreciate is opinion I still hold him with good regard. Just because someone doesn't agree with you doesn't mean they don't love you, some people just don't know how to express themselves. Keep the faith.

[kimberly parrish]

Hallelujah! Tom and the "money" had to know this was going to seriously effect his ratings. If you looked up the definition for hubris in Webster's you would find Tavis's picture. I hope this is a lesson he will learn about his "black people" he loves so much and most importantly, "Accountability"

I hope they ask you to join the show Roland. That would be fantastic.

[kimberly parrish]

Hallelujah! Tom and the "money" had to know this was going to seriously effect his ratings. If you looked up the definition for hubris in Webster's you would find Tavis's picture. I hope this is a lesson he will learn about his "black people" he loves so much and most importantly, "Accountability"

I hope they ask you to join the show Roland. That would be fantastic.

[Llew Fambles]

I believe Tavis Smiley has out-stayed his welcome on the TJMS. In fact, the day that Areatha Franklin used a pet name for him and the TJMS staff teased him about it, he pouted like a kid. The Queen of Soul had to call back in to ask the staff to ease up on Tavis. He can dish it out, but Lord knows, he can't take it.
It appears that he has been working for the RNC all along. He has probably been offered a position if McCain wins the election.
For a brother to tell you what he knows for sure, he is not too bright. His preachy commentary was often off-point and did not relate at all to most educated people of African descent's views.
Tom must have owed him for some previous favor, but I think his time passed two "State of the Black Union" ago.
Now, there has to be an Alpha, Omega, or Sigma who can express the views of the listeners much better than the self-centered Kappa kid...

[Torri Logan]

I enjoy listening and hearing what Tavis (TS)has to say. I think it is unfortunate that Tavis has decided to resign because there are people who he speaks for and even though I did not agree with his stance on Senator Obama, I respect his voice. He is a strong brother that is willing to do what no one else WAS or IS doing.
I do however hope my dear Fraternity Brother Roland Martin is offered a position with the TJMS. I agree with a lot of what Brother Martin has to say, but I have always believed, No one can speak for you except you.

[Generational Divide]

Hopefully Tavis is the first casualty, with more to come, of the generational divide of "black leaders" that chose to support Hillary Clinton even when their political constituency overwhelmingly chose Barack Obama.

It's insulting to assume Blacks aren't sophisticated or educated enough to understand the supposed complexity of the needs of Black folks, Tavis' State of the Black Union SOBU) and Obama's campaign needs. Barack is running against, (1)Bill, a 2 term former president, (2)Chelsea don't talk to press, and (3)Hillary a psuedo 2 term former president.

First Tavis, then Andy Young, Bob Johnson, Mary Francis Berry,... etc. Every supposedly Black Leader that subjectively, spoke their mind, against Barack's candidacy should resign. Or at least apologize.

We've got a right to hold them to higher standards. If they represent us. Black folks don't let them off the hook. They stuck their foot in it and exposed themselves.

[Feeling Exuberant]

As much as I love the TJMS, I was beginning to listen to other morning shows because I couldn't stomach anymore of Tavis' negative comments on Mr. Obama. I wondered if Tom's ratings would suffer if others did as I did. Tom, please consider this a blessing that Tavis is leaving on his own free will without any subtle suggestions from you. I will now resume listening to you 100%. Your show is the best----as long as Tavis doesn't reconsider and return. And please stop encouraging him to reconsider! He did you a favor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[L Jewell]

In the words of HUGGIE LOW DOWN, "Tavis Smiley, YOU ARE THE BAMA OF THE WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK". GOOD BYE AND GOOD LUCK, Not that your arrogant behind needs it. I for one was really surprised of how long this relationship lasted between the Omega (TOM) & the Kappa (TAVIS). This has to go down in the history books for the longest cordially functioning relationship between two GREEKS from two different sides of the planet. MY FRAT, Dr. Cornel West (Alpha Phi Alpha) would be a awesome addition. But truly, ROLAND GETS MY VOTE. BROTHER MARTIN YOU HAVE HELD IT DOWN ON CNN, MY BRAHS TALK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME AT CHAPTER MEETING. What up with that brother "Lemon" on CNN. Also what is Soledad O'brien, I'm confused? Help your brother out. Hit me up @ mrjewell@gmail.com 06 & Obama 08!

[Adrian]

Tavis's weekly comments on Barack annoyed me to no-end. I continue to think back to his smug comments when he stated that "Barack would have a Christopher Columbus moment and really discover America" (as if Barack didn't know what he was getting into himself). How irronic, it now appears to me that it is Tavis Smiley who has had a "Christopher Columbus Moment" and discovered America... It is he who has been ridiculed, received death threats, and even been called an Uncle Tom... How ironic...

FYI - But I still do not think he should quit, we learn from those who we disagree with... Tavis is smart, passionate, and motivated, it is simply a disagreement in philosophy, but we can still learn from him.

[Shiver]

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the State of the Black Union at Hampton University last year and was awed by the way Tavis Smiley conducted the entire affair. An eloquent man who is not afraid to stand firm in his beliefs popular or not. I can only wish my son will develop some of these qualities as he grows into manhood. Tavis tends to tackle issues in their truth which sometimes doesn't make us comfortable. I for one was a little put out when Tavis slammed democrats during the last Presidential election for not taking our leaders to task. Didn't feel comfortable but there was an element of truth about it. Do we really want a commentary on the TJMS that doesn't make us think? Rock on Tavis.

[Barbara]

It was insulting when Travis made the statement that we support Obama because he is black. This position is too important for us to support him merely because he is black. I was in Clinton corner until I saw that she took my vote for granted because I am a woman. I truly like Travis but I feel he was getting to personal.

[Kandi]

I have been ashamed of Tavis' comments and obvious bias against Senator Obama. I feel like Tavis is taking America's love for Obama as a personal slap in the face. I appreciate all that Tavis has done to aid Black America, but for the life of me, I cannot understand how he feels threatened by Obama's ability to take it miles further. I cannot understand how he can question Obama's commitment to the black community. Could the man's resume be anymore skewed towards the advancement of blacks? I don't understand how him attending the summit would have been the magical band aid that Tavis is making it out to be. I think its sad how many of our black "leaders" have decided to be jealous (can't think of another description) of Obama's come-up. When Obama delivered the now famous "race" speech, my first thought was "what now Tavis? what can you say now about his disconnect/inability to properly channel the feelings of blacks?" Of course, Tavis found some stuff to say anyway. I can appreciate that we all have different opinions as to what we would like to see for the country. My problem is in him speaking for all of black america. If you are going to continue to market yourself as speaking for us, at least champion the cause that we have worked so long for. I'm not saying we should vote for Obama because he's black...if that was the case, Jesse and Al and a few others would have locked up the black vote a long time ago. I'm saying that this man has proven that he can get the black vote, the white vote, and country's vote, so its time to put our personal feelings aside and really do what's best for this black america that you have been single-handedly speaking for all these years. Isn't that what a real black leader would do? I said all of this to say that while I have been saddened and disappointed by Tavis' refusal to at least keep his negativity to himself and stop the public in-fighting, I'm sorry to see that he went so far as to quit. He has helped us talk the talk for years now, and I wish he would have stayed on board long enough to watch Ohama help us walk the walk.

[Mike]

His departure is disappointing and reveals what happens when one has the audacity of independent thought. Joyner has been slowly throwin' Tavis under the bus because Tavis has the temerity to think for himself and look at things objectively. While there are plenty of people who can do commentary and will do almost anything to have access to that audience (Roland, are you listening?) the reality is that Tavis almost singlehandedly created this role for Black commentators on national radio. Bon voyage, Tavis. You've done well. You were brave to take a wait-and-see approach to Obama and not get caught up in the hype. Too bad your people didn't appreciate what you were trying to do and took your approach for hatin' on Obama or that you're in the Clinton's pocket. It's obvious that we can't have objective conversations about Obama. You get fired when you try.

I know better and wish you well.

[Necole]

I will greatly miss Tavis from the TJMS, it was a welcomed addition and insight into political commentary. I feel that having various opinions only enhances the conversation, and Tavis brought that. I didn't agree with everything he said, but I listened to it and it made me think about the issues at hand. And isn't that what we want from the media, to get us thinking one way or the other? I think he's amazing and I will miss his commentary.