Tavis Smiley On Obama's Trayvon Martin Speech: 'He Was Pushed To That Podium' (VIDEO)

[WillyT]

Tavis Smiley On Obama's Trayvon Martin Speech: 'He Was Pushed To That Podium' (VIDEO)
The Huffington Post | By Rebecca Shapiro
Posted: 07/21/2013 1:19 pm EDT | Updated: 07/21/2013 1:32 pm EDT

<snip>

During a discussion on Sunday's "Meet The Press," Tavis Smiley criticized President Obama's remarks on Trayvon Martin's death and the outcome of the George Zimmerman trial.

Obama surprised everyone, including the White House press corps, when he walked into the briefing room unannounced on Friday. The president candidly commented on Travyon Martin's death, saying that the teen "could have been <him> 35 years ago." Smiley took to Twitter following the president's unexpected comments, calling the remarks "weak as pre-sweetened Kool-Aid."

The PBS host added to his criticism on "Meet the Press." He said:

I appreciate and applaud the fact that the president did finally show up. But this town has been spinning a story that's not altogether true. He did not walk to the podium for an impromptu address to the nation; he was pushed to that podium. A week of protest outside the White House, pressure building on him inside the White House pushed him to that podium. So I'm glad he finally arrived.

But when he left the podium, he still had not answered the most important question, that Keynesian question, where do we go from here? That question this morning remains unanswered, at least from the perspective of the president. And the bottom line is this is not Libya, this is America. On this issue, you cannot lead from behind.

<snip>

Link (w/Video): http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/21/tavis-smiley-obama-trayvon-martin-pushed-podium_n_3631739.html

[CatWoman]

1. i don't agree

[WillyT]

12. Hey Cat... I Don't Necessarily Agree, But... Since I Was Basically Accused Of Being A Racist...

For posting this...

DULink: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023299248

I just wanted to point out that their are many points of view on the Presidents remarks the other day.

Some of them from the African-American Community.

And being a critic is not the same as being a "hater".

[msanthrope]

16. Why are you avoiding my questions regarding your post on that thread?

You wrote:

Wish he would have spent more time on the street.

I find that objectionable, but would be willing to hear your explanation for it.

[WillyT]

20. What I Was Saying...

Was that maybe he should have spent more time as a community organizer...

Toughening himself to fight for the 99% against the 1%.

Unfortunately... he has fallen victim the the status quo virus.

As so many of our politicians do...

With the exception of Alan Grayson, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren.

Hope that helps.

[msanthrope]

91. I do not find your explanation credible. nt

[WillyT]

92. Well No Shit Sherlock...

That's why I didn't respond to your first challenges to try to smear me with racism.

And when I finally did... you find it not credible.



Big fucking surprise.

[msanthrope]

93. I smear you? No, I think your original post and your explanation of said

post do all the work here.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

160. How do you know this? How do you know how much

time he spent on the street?

My understanding is that he could've easily taken a job on Wall Street and become a corporate lawyer. He didn't!

[sabrina 1]

141. Why do you find it objectionable? It is an opinion that is all. Why are opinions that

you don't like 'objectionable'? 'Wrong' would be a better word. I don't find people's opinions to be objectionable, just wrong, as you have been many times but you're certainly entitled to have wrong opinions, and in a democracy no one should find opinions to be 'objectionable'. They should attempt to correct wrong opinions, to educate people with facts. Some are resistant to facts, but others learn when the facts are presented anyhow.

How sad, to find an opinion 'objectionable'.

[msanthrope]

145. Sabrina, I don't answer your questions. If you have a question about a word I've used, there

are online resources available that will help you. You only need google them.
.

[sabrina 1]

148. Your opinions on other people's opinions are listed on Google?

I had no idea. Thanks for the response though.

[geek tragedy]

36. Oh give it up. Your reaction to that speech was to try to come up with a way

to use it to bash Obama.

That's your game plan on EVERY story on Obama--twist it into a negative.

With Democrats like y'all Obama doesn't need Darrel Issa or Roger Ailes.

[WillyT]

41. Did You See Post #20 ???

I answered your question.

[Cali_Democrat]

59. Willy

Your slip is showing.

[WillyT]

74. So Is Yours...

[geek tragedy]

96. What the fuck does your asinine theory that Obama isn't 'tough enough'

have to do with his speech about race and Trayvon?

Answer: nothing.

Haters gonna hate.

[WillyT]

101. I Honestly Answered A Question Asked Of Me...

When was the last time you did that ???

[geek tragedy]

104. Cool story bro. Not fooling anyone. nt

[WillyT]

108. Well Hell Dude... Take Your Swings... The Fact That This Story...

Appeared On MTP, MSNBC, CNN, and all over the Internet should not dissuade you.

But you want DU to be... what...

[geek tragedy]

110. Funny, all the stories I've seen involve the reaction of Trayvon's parents to Obama's

remarks.

That you think bitter-ass Tavis fucking Smiley's reaction is more interesting and relevant than that of Trayvon's parents says a hell of a lot more about you and your fake concern than it does about the issue in general.

[SidDithers]

112. Nailed it...nt

Sid

[WillyT]

113. And What... It Shouldn't Be Discussed Here ???

How censoring of you.

[geek tragedy]

117. Got your hand caught in the race troll cookie jar, and now playing the victim.

Here's the link to the statement released by Trayvon's parents, not that you give a fuck, since they say nice things about Obama which instantly disqualifies their opinion as irrelevant in your sad little troll world.

http://sync.democraticunderground.com/1014542703

[sabrina 1]

143. That is a personal attack. Please explain what was wrong about Willy's opinion? I did not read his

thread so I do not know what he said that caused you to drag something from another thread into this one and attack the OP. Seems to me if you have a reasonable response to a wrong opinion it should not be difficult to prove someone wrong. Whenever I see personal attacks I assume someone cannot argue their case.

[HipChick]

2. Tavis does not represent all black people: In fact, he is a well known Obama hater and basher

[CatWoman]

3. thank you

he and his partner in crime Cornel West

[CakeGrrl]

4. Rightly characterized on Twitter as the "Statler and Waldorf"

of the race debate.

[HipChick]

6. Yep...I hate the way people dig them out as if their opinion counts for anything..

or is supposed to represent all black people...kinda like more profiling

[CakeGrrl]

7. They trot out Smiley and West

because they can be solidly counted on to bash whatever the President is doing: too much, too little, not soon enough, not enough, blah blah blah blah.

[CatWoman]

9. and would it hurt Cornel West to buy a bloody comb??????

[brush]

13. He definitely needs a makeover. nt

[KittyWampus]

11. good comparison

[ProSense]

23. Exactly! And

Tavis is a special kind of clown. They use the President to get attention. I mean, WTF is he talking about?

Obama: 'If I Had A Son, He Would Look Like Trayvon' (updated)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002460121

Considering the President's Comments on Racial Profiling
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023300448

[madrchsod]

84. they are on chicago`s progressive station on sunday afternoon.

i`m not sure why there isn't anyone in chicago that could handle the radio gig.

[brush]

5. i second that.

Green monster time: Somehow they think President Obama came from out of nowhere and usurped their position as the heirs to the throne of black leadership. They were poised to take over from Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson while adding an "intellectual" gravitas that would validate themselves even more as the anointed ones.

This goes back to the mid-2000s when Smiley was a huge Hillary supporter and she was the presumptive Dem nominee for the 2008 presidential campaign. He may even have envisioned himself as a running mate, or at least a high level appointee when Hillary won.

But that got all screwed up when upstart Obama arrived on the scene. He even had the nerve during the campaign to bow out of an invitation to appear on Smiley's annual "State of Black America" TV panel show.
He claimed to be busy (he actually was, running for president and all). Michelle, no slouch herself, was going to sub for him but Smiley wouldn't have it and that incident added fuel to his already building jealousy.

It's been downhill since with Smiley and West bashing the President whenever they get a chance.

[burnodo]

26. Hater and basher?

Really? You really think that?

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

161. You don't know the backstory. Read it before

making assumptions. See post #5

[Number23]

51. Thank you. All you have to do is look at the responses at the black posters in this thread

From Catwoman on down to see what alot of us think about Tavis and the OPs attempt to keep piling criticism on this president for his comments. And every damn thing else.

[WillyT]

53. Question: How Does One Determine That A DUer Is Black ???

I mean... I've known CatWoman for years... even talked to her on the phone once or twice...

After that... I have no idea who is Black on this board.

Hell... I was once "accused" of being Black because my handle has "Willy" in it.

[Number23]

56. lol Yeah, I believe someone thought you were black. Yeah, okay.

Catwoman in addition to openly stating many, many times that she is black has showed pictures of her gorgeous daughter who was a black woman.

Now, truly I can understand why that would be confusing to some people but to those of us with eyes, ears and a moderately functioning brain, it's really not all that hard to figure out.

[WillyT]

58. Really ??? - Name All The Blacks On DU... Can You Get Past 20 ???

[Number23]

61. It would be hard to get past 20. And we all know how broken up you'd be about that.

[WillyT]

70. You Assume Much...

But just for the hell of it...

I have a 4 year old nephew who is Black... I have a 37 year old Hispanic brother-in-law...

And I feel just ridiculous mentioning any of this, but...

I also gave time and money to BOTH of Obama's election efforts...

But none of that is good enough...

We are asked for complete and unfettered support.

Not the America I grew up in...

[kwassa]

103. being related to a black person does not make one informed on black issues.

Just to clarify things.

and speaking as another white person related to a black person.

It takes a lot of work. And a very open mind, and some serious self-examination.

[WillyT]

119. I Agree... Therefore... One Should Examine Respected Leader's Opinions...

Unless of course... having a negative opinion disqualifies one from respect.

[Number23]

114. I haven't asked you for anything.

We are asked for complete and unfettered support.

You're the one ASSuming. I haven't asked for you one blasted thing. And never would.

[tblue]

127. Hey WillyT,

It's tough here. For the record, I am just as black as Obama but I don't speak for all black people, or all mixed race people (and I am closer to Obama by that measure than almost everybody). I only speak for me.

I don't get attached to politicians of ANY color. When they do things I agree with, I'll say it. When they don't, I'll say that. I don't see President Obama as a great liberal or a great black leader. He's a president who's done some good and done some bad. I don't owe him or anybody unconditional anything. If other people want to do that, I really don't care. It's got nothing to do with me.

As for Tavis and Cornel, some of what they say I agree with and some of it I don't. It's not "all or nothing." I'm not a child and I don't have to choose sides. I don't think President Obama would even want people to do that. He doesn't.

Just don't worry about all these excited people. They have the President they want and I would think they'd be happy and celebrating. Instead they want to gang up on you. (Like, what can you do? Did you know you have this power over people? You can wreck their whole evening it sounds like.) But I guess they're still not happy for whatever reason. They want to berate you until you agree with them or are silenced. That's not your problem though. That's theirs. Peace.

[WillyT]

133. Thank You For The Much Needed Dose Of Sanity...

[Union Scribe]

102. Stop being coy and just call him a racist

[Union Scribe]

124. No one, including me, knows what you're talking about.

I can only assume by your tone that it's just another in a long series of posts about how people who disagree with you/Obama are racists. I don't recall any such thread, any such posts, and least of all any such "blast"ing. And I'll post wherever whenever I feel like it. Feel free to ignore.

[Number23]

128. Of course you don't. The lone voice supporting an OP panicking about riots after the Zim

verdict. It was so disgusting even the OP didn't come back to the thread but there you were, berating everyone who thought what the OP was saying was terribly racist and supporting him. Well, that was until you got your behind handed to you by two posters that tried to school you, though why they wasted their time was the real question.

You have steadfastly followed me around this web site. I have never ONCE responded to you because you never say anything that I find remotely valuable or interesting. I have absolutely no idea why you feel so compelled to respond to me but I find you ignorant and very racially clueless, to say that politely. I sincerely wish that you would leave me the hell alone. And I say that not to be needlessly rude or hurtful, but in ALL honesty.

[Union Scribe]

135. That's a lot of bullshit for one post. Are you tired?

For someone accusing me of stalking them you sure know a hell of a lot more about me than I do you. I posted, correctly, about people cramming things into the mouth of one of the nicest people on all of DU. If more people were like them there'd be less drama and a lot more action by posters to make this a better world. One person disagreed with me in that thread.

Tell me, what else is in your file of me? What other posts do you want to twist and spin?

And "in ALL honesty" I don't know or care about you other than as I try to any anonymous person. I certainly don't follow you. I don't think of you, nor when I see your posts am I compelled to reply to you. But if you go around saying dumb shit, I may call that. Every other person on this website seems capable of handling that except you. So if YOU don't want to hear from me, ignore me. I will continue to post, in reply to whomever. That means if you reply now, I may reply back. Horrible how discussion boards work isn't it?!

[Number23]

137. You apparently believe the point of a discussion board is to needlessly harass people that

have no interest in you or your perspective. There is no doubt in my mind that when I see your name, I won't agree with whatever half-witted foolishness you are espousing so I ignore you. Fully. Completely.

You are the one seemingly INCAPABLE of not responding to me. It is obvious you find me far, FAR more interesting than I do you. You never have anything even remotely interesting or intelligent to say.

Two people responded to you in that thread. You probably have the other person on ignore. Perhaps they've handed you your ass before? I've seen it done to you enough and yet, you keep sniffing around chasing people who have no interest in what you have to say. About anything. EVER. It is really pitiful.

[Union Scribe]

142. For someone who "ignores" me "fully. completely"

you're doing a hell of a lot of talking to and about me, and seem to know what I say about everything. Your attempts at casting yourself above me are undermined by your own behavior. It would be funny if it weren't cringe-inducing.

[Union Scribe]

126. Oh, and (thank God above) I am not nor ever will be your "honey." nt

[Number23]

130. Oh, you most DEFINITELY have that right. So put me on ignore and find someone else to bore.

[olddots]

136. I'm with you on this

this is fucking absurd and the give Cornel a comb remark really is uncalled for . This is the fucking internet people it is cyberspace .

[Puzzledtraveller]

156. the stupid has run amok in this place hasn't it?

[Kahuna]

172. Psst. Willy T. Don't tell anybody but...

there is an AA group and we all logged in and introduced ourselves. Our secret..M'kay?

[sabrina 1]

144. They can't, and there are several people who do not want to identify themselves

one way or the other, for obvious reasons as you can imagine. It is fun though to see them attack someone who has not identified themselves as Black and who gets a big kick of letting them so. Happens a lot with people who jump to conclusions.

I wouldn't worry at all about the small group here who laughingly accuse anyone who criticizes this president on policies as racists, haters or as I was called recently which made me laugh out loud, 'Republican Fan Girl' etc. Considering the sources it has zero impact. Most people, including African Americans who read this forum, simply laugh.

Don't waste your time, most other people have a very long ignore list which is why you see so few responses to them anymore. I have no one ignore, but I do jump over certain names now as I have so little time to waste.

[IL Lib]

67. +1 n/t

[Pretzel_Warrior]

8. Hey, Tavis. This is a representative government. You seem pretty smart,

Are a black man in America and have an elevated profile... What do YOU think should happen next in this country regarding issues brought forward in this case? And then how would you go about building consensus to achieve your stated aim?

And know this. You only have to answer this question. You don't have to do this while also managing Syria crisis, unemployment, Afghanistan, protection of our borders,immigration reform, etc. Etc.

[Schema Thing]

10. Tavis Look-at-me Look-at-me I'm THE Important Black Man Smiley?

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

164. Tavis Smiley has first and foremost always been...

...and always will be about one thing:

Tavis Smiley

This is something that most Americans always knew about about him for many, many years.

He's out for himself. He's out to sell his agenda.

And when Barack Obama couldn't make *HIS* precious event due to a prior engagement, well, that was just the highest sin Obama could ever make.

Ever since then, the bashing hasn't ceased.

[mzmolly]

14. This President is always thoughtful.

eom

[bahrbearian]

15. Didn't Obama say something a while back , refrencing FDR to the affect, "make me do it"?

Not what I want in a leader.

[geek tragedy]

31. Awwww, u mad bro? nt

[Drunken Irishman]

17. The bitterness is strong with this one...

But that's okay. Tavis gives white liberals cover to attack Obama - Cornel West too.

[burnodo]

28. Ok I see so....

Because they're black and criticize Obama, they're giving liberals an inroad to criticize him? Isn't that, by definition, racist?

[geek tragedy]

33. They challenge Obama's authenticity as a black leader

and pull shit like this--deny Obama's blackness by suggesting Obama is just 'being black' to please other people.

It sends a thrill up the leg of white lefty Obama haters.

[Bonobo]

43. Obama is not a black leader.

He is a leader who is black.

[DevonRex]

63. I think almost every black DUer would be offended that YOU think YOU

get to decide that. For every fucking body else.

Guess what? You don't.

[Bonobo]

65. Obama is not a black leader.

It doesn't matter who says it.

Obama is not a black leader.

Obama is a leader who is black.

[Bonobo]

71. "Barack Obama is not a black leader. He’s a leader who’s black."

http://ideas.time.com/2012/03/29/why-obama-will-never-call-out-racism/

Why Obama Will Never Call Out Racism

The President faces a challenge that befalls many successful blacks. How do you talk about racism when your position in life seems to suggest that it doesn't exist?

Barack Obama is not a black leader. He’s a leader who’s black. This is not an insignificant distinction. In order to become President, he had to promise to be President for all the people and not be someone who would be a special friend to the black community, and he has lived up to that pledge. Black America has enjoyed the spiritual boost and pride injection that’s come from seeing the brother break the highest glass ceiling and strut through the White House lawn and parade his beautiful family before the world. But when Obama turns to governing, it’s a different story.
-----------------------
BTW, this was an article by a black man.

[DevonRex]

79. That was Toure's article from March 2012. Before the investigation

was complete. Before the charges. Before the trial. Before the verdict.

You might think you're being cute, think I'm stupid enough not to divide the apples from the oranges. But you are sorely mistaken. You are not cute in digging up an article from then and comparing it to the Travis Smiley episode of this weekend, mixing it all up and trying to confuse the conversation. I can certainly separate the apples from the oranges.

I won't explain the different circumstances to you that change the opinion entirely. You'll probably pretend not to understand.

[Bonobo]

81. It is a general statement.

He is not a black leader because he does not advocate for issues that are important to black Americans.

He is a leader who is black.

[kwassa]

107. Then why is his strongest support from African-Americans?

They think differently than your perception of them.

[Bonobo]

109. Being supported does NOT make him a "black leader".

Obama is not a black leader.

[kwassa]

115. It sure as hell does. What planet are you from?

I haven't heard such an uninformed post in a very long time.

[Bonobo]

118. You should get out more.

So if he was supported by an overwhelming number of Asians, he would be an "Asian Leader"?

When I say "Black Leader". I am intentionally NOT using "black" as a nadjective to describe his race as YOU seem to be.

That is why he is a "leader who is black" and not a "black leader".

Perhaps if he were to actually engage in the problems facing blacks, he would be one. But he has studiously avoiding doing so.

[Number23]

125. So black people support this man 90% because we are stupid?

Is that what you're saying with this comment - "Perhaps if he were to actually engage in the problems facing blacks, he would be one. But he has studiously avoiding doing so."

My mother, grandmother, aunts, cousins, ME, we are all so incredibly stupid that we OVERWHELMINGLY support a man that isn't doing anything for our community?

[kwassa]

129. Most of the problems that engage blacks are not unique to the black population.

He has not studiously avoided those problems. Unemployment, recession, health care, many other things.

He is, however, the President of the United States, of all Americans, and he has approached his job that way.

Most black leaders have appointed themselves as leaders, and do not acquire that status by doing so, as African-Americans are very independently minded people. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Cornel West, Tavis Smiley, all would like to be thought of that way, however they are not regarded that way by black people. The media anoints them such, because the media is lazy and wants to find a single source black person that can speak for all black people without the media doing the legwork required to find out what black people really think.

There is no single black leader. There hasn't been, ever. And that is a good thing.

[NM_Birder]

169. Al Sharpton..

is an opportunist, not a leader.

[geek tragedy]

97. I love it how white Obama haters feel fit to opine on his cred as a black man.

P.S. digging up a random article by some black guy is the equivalent of "I have black friends."

[Number23]

131. And there's always one black person to come along and make the crowd feel good

and pat them on the head and tell them they aren't saying really moronically racist things. Always one.

[geek tragedy]

132. Ironically, the ones who use Tavis and "Brother West" to prove that

they know what's best for black people act all huffy when wingnuts do the same with Ben Carson or Hermn Cain.

[Number23]

138. Oh, you know it. And I'm not just talking about Tavis and Corny being the ones people like to trot

out to make themselves feel good. Sometimes, the black person is all too happy to trot themselves out. Even on message boards.

[geek tragedy]

139. Happens with most oppressed groups.

Women who tell other women they should be okay with a little sexism, gay men who lecture other gay men for acting too un-heterosexual, etc.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

163. Sometimes our own internalized sense of inferiority

leads us down the wrong path.

You're right, though.

I always find it interesting how white people try to define for us who our leaders are; when we should be offended by something; what is racist and what is not; how we should respond to an event or not, etc.

The arrogance and self-righteousness is amazing, isn't it?

[tblue]

99. Some people can't get past that.

They see only that he is black. Some support him for that reason and some hate him for that reason. BOTH are forms of racism IMHO, and neither see him the way he presents himself. He has never said he wants to be a black leader. He has never said he sees himself as black before he sees himself as president. That is not who he is and he has given no indication that that's what he wants said of him.

People need to stop seeing only BLACK when they look at Obama and evaluate his presidency based on what he does regardless of his skin color. Can you do that???

[Bonobo]

106. Yes, I do that completely.

He is not a black leader.

[burnodo]

44. So their opinion is not legitimate

[rhett o rick]

98. "It sends a thrill up the leg of white lefty Obama haters." Are you serious? nm

[geek tragedy]

100. Yes. Not a coincidence that the OP's reaction to Obama's speech on Trayvon

was to post not one, but two threads bashing Obama for giving that speech.

Does the OP really care about the issue of race? Fuck no. He just hates Obama and thinks he's scoring points for his team.

Just as predictable as the rightwing Obama haters, just slightly less obvious.

But, he has black friends.

[Drunken Irishman]

34. I don't think that's the definition of racist...

Maybe we're looking at a different dictionary, though.

What I do know is that there are a core group of white liberals who constantly post their attacks of President Obama when it comes to race issues. It provides them cover because, you know, they so WANT to attack Obama on his speech about Trayvon Martin, but find it difficult because they're not black - what the hell do they know about anything Obama is saying? So, they trot out those blacks who will do it for 'em and they don't have to worry about being pegged a racist for going after a topic they have no understanding of, because, you know, they're not black. Tavis? He can say whatever the hell he wants - but he should know he's being played by whites.

It's okay, though. The conservative racists do it too. They'll trot out a black conservative to attack Obama to hide their racism. It's common. Doesn't make it, right, though.

[burnodo]

46. He's being played by whites??

now THAT'S racist

[Drunken Irishman]

57. I agree...

It is racist of white people to hide behind black pundits to take shots at Obama.

[burnodo]

153. Not what you said

You said Tavis was being played by whites.

[Drunken Irishman]

158. And he is...

I'm not saying he doesn't enjoy being played by whites - and why wouldn't he? It gets his name out there. Hell, before he became so anti-Obama back in 2008 because Obama had the audacity to snub his little event while running for president, most probably wouldn't tell you who the hell he was.

Whites on both sides of the ideological divide have to find blacks to hide behind when it comes to attacking Obama on race issues. FOX does it all the time, and, sadly, so do white liberals.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

162. Yes, Drunken Irishman is saying that and...

he is absolutely RIGHT!!!

Ask yourself this:

Why is it that neither Cornel West nor Tavis Smiley ever appeared on any Sunday talk show, and defintely not anything on Faux News before 2007?

No one in mainstream America gave a fuck about these two clowns until they started to bash Obama.

And now all of the sudden, West and Smiley are everywhere. They have become the darlings of conservative talk radio and of those white liberals who take refuge in what they say because they are either angry with Obama, hate Obama, or never supported him in the first place.

Tavis Smiley only supported Hillary Clinton to spite Obama because he didn't show up to his even during the 2008 primaries and she did.

For both these men, it is personal.

I'm not suggesting that some of the criticisms against Obama aren't relevant (for example, the drones, NSA); however, for me, they lack credibility because many of us especially in the black community understand that their disdain for the president is personal.

[burnodo]

165. so you're totally discounting everything these men think

Because they don't support Obama on these different issues. Way to dismiss their point of view. As I recall, West campaigned strongly for Obama in 2008. West pointed out something the thee night that I did not know: Obama has used far and away more drones than Bush ever did. Let's see a truthful reckoning of the innocent/guilty ratio on the bomb deaths. There are things that Obama has done and is doing that are reprehensible from a liberal viewpoint.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

166. I've noticed that in every thread you post, you don't

read or comprehend very well. You conveniently dismiss the larger, more significant point.

If you were to re-read my comments--and comprehend them--I made it clear that I think they make SOME valid criticisms of the president. However, because their underlying motive is driven by a personal disdain for the president, they lack credibility overall, even when they make some valid points.

[Cali_Democrat]

64. Oh snap

[SidDithers]

18. Fuck Tavis Smiley...nt

Sid

[SoCalDem]

19. Tavis Smiley holds a grudge, and has turned into a bit of a punk

Waaaay back when PO was running the first time, Tavis invited him to some event and PO declined.. Tavis has been quite disrespectful ever since.. INMO

[HipChick]

24. Yep...I remember he ranted and raved about that

and has been bringing the shade ever since..

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

32. OT, LOL your sig pic!

[grantcart]

37. Smiley has a much larger grudge than that. He isn't nearly perceptive as he thinks he is and always

equates his "B" level status as an interviewer as a result of racial bias.

Ruben Navarrette Jr. is another who is much more impressed with their own ideas than others are.

[JI7]

68. i remember this, it's very much about Ego for him

[AllINeedIsCoffee]

21. Criticizing the President's Trayvon Martin remarks is like

stepping up to the microphone at a funeral and telling the audience that what the previous person had to say was bullshit.

[great white snark]

22. For some he's just not black enough. Know what I mean Willy?

I mean I suspect Travis feels that way.

[geek tragedy]

30. Lots of white DUers would love to come out and say that.

Instead they go all chickenshit and hide behind Smiley, West, etc.

[burnodo]

47. So Tavis Smiley and Cornel West aren't black????

That'll be news to them

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

171. Again, your reading comprehensive skills are horrible.

The issue is that there have been some black pundits/intellectuals who have questioned Barack Obama's authenticity as a black man.

After Obama failed to appear at Smiley's "State of Black America" event in 2008, both he and Cornel West took the stage to blast Obama's "blackness". They accused Obama of not being black enough, especially since his father was not a direct descendant of American slaves and therefore could not relate to the struggle, history and impact of slavery and racial discrimination in this country.

Because you continue to ignore the backstory regarding the origin of West and Smiley's disdain for the president, it's hard for you to understand what a lot of us are referring to when we assert that West and Smiley lack credibility. They lack credibility, not because they don't make some valid criticisms of the president; they lack credibility precisely because they have personal issues with the president. Please read the entire thread for context.

Read for comprehension.

[jenmito]

25. The ONLY reason Smiley was on MTP today was because they wanted a Black person who they

KNEW would say something negative about Obama. He didn't disappoint them. Now they have video to play over and over of "some on the left" who were unhappy with what Obama did.

[JoePhilly]

52. That's exactly how "OBAMA BAD" works.

The media will take some one from the right, and they'll tell us why "OBAMA BAD".

And then, for the counter point, they'll have some one from the left tell us why "OBAMA BAD".

See ... its fair and balanced.

[jenmito]

69. Exactly...

and the vast majority of those who say "OBAMA GOOD" get ignored.

[geek tragedy]

27. Amazing how the haters gotta bash him for that speech too and

do whatever they can to deny its merit.

Smiley has been a bitter-ass Obamasuxer for years now.

[markpkessinger]

35. As one who has falsely been called a "hater" because I have dared to criticize the President...

... in some areas, let me say unequivocally that I thought his remarks on this case were pitch perfect. (Still doesn't mean I agree with him on drones, prosecuting whistleblowers, etc.)

But do be careful with that one-size-fits-all "hater" label you find so convenient to apply.

[geek tragedy]

38. Sure, and when he does something bad on drones, you criticize him

and rightly so.

That's not what's going on here. This kind of post is parallel to the wingnut noise mqchine's efforts to denigrate the President and deny him any credit for anything, to kneecap him regardless of circumstance.

And, yes, some on the left have a partisan hatred of him that would make Joe Wilson blush.

[MjolnirTime]

29. Smiley is a jackass.

[grantcart]

39. Well that is a technical description of the fellow, lol.

[Whisp]

40. Tavis and West - two jealous assholes

because Obama is 20x the decent human being that they are.

jealous little squalling, snivelling brats.

[Indykatie]

42. Tavis Can't Hide His Disdain for PBO

I find all of his criticism of the president suspect because of idiotic statements like this. I stopped following his writing and program because of never ending criticism of the president. Others in the AA community have also written him off.

[burnodo]

48. Others in the AA community also criticize Obama

Or is their opinion suspect as well?

[WillyT]

50. They Conveniently Forget That Part...

And I LOVE how so many white people want to dictate the terms of an argument in the African-American Community.

[Number23]

54. Willy, you may think that you're slick but please believe me when I say that you aren't

This is not about criticism within the black community. This is about a certain subset of people rushing to put two men on their shoulders one of whom has had the unmitigated gall to say that president Obama "fears free black men." These men have been blatant in their unending, embarrassingly petty and stupid criticisms of this president. They know that a certain sub-set of white liberal loves this type of shit. Cornel, who had been a hero of mine for DECADES is one I can barely stand now because of his unapologetically bitter and blatant dislike of this president.

Now, if these are the kind of folks you want to hitch your little red wagon to, you go right ahead. You aren't black and perhaps this doesn't mean that much to you. But it means alot to many, many black people. Which is why people who quote Tavis and Corney and Black Agenda Report show their true colors and again, they fool NO ONE.

[kelliekat44]

66. Many other AA may be critical of some of the President's actions or inactions but they do not

disrespect him as some do.

[WillyT]

73. Have You Ever Heard Of Cornel West ???

Link: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/07/13/cornel-west-i-love-obama-and-pray-for-his-safety-but-he-is-a-war-criminal/

[Bonobo]

120. The hilarious thing about this thread...

When a white person like me voices an opinion such as "Obama is not a black leader", I get "What do you know, you are white. Black people overwhelmingly support him."

But when I point out prominent black leaders who criticize him on the very points I am, they say that those black leaders are somehow trolls, narcissists or radicals.

[WillyT]

134. I Feel Your Pain...

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

168. You don't get to tell black people who our leaders are.

You don't understand how condescending and arrogant that sounds, do you?

WE get to identify our own leaders. Not you or any other white person!!

[geek tragedy]

95. How many of them are trying to claim he deserves no credit

for his own goddamn speech about his own goddamn experiences?

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

167. I am black, and *I* have criticized the president...

I know other black people who have criticized the president.

And so what?

We STILL support the president. We don't agree with everything he's done, but he still has overwhelming love and support from the black community.

When Clinton was in office, I criticized him a great deal, as did many blacks and whites for some of his policies. Did that mean that we didn't still support him?

What's the fucking point here?

[Dustin DeWinde]

45. tavis smiley is a clown

Amazing how this idiot ,tavis smiley, didnt hace one tenth as much criticism for former president Bush. And par for course that the establishment media only trots him out to bash our president.
Smiley doesnt speak for black folks, the vast majority of us love and admire our president. Smiley is carrying water for teabaggers. Wittingly or not.

[quinnox]

49. I have not watched his show, but I greatly respect Cornell West

as a black progressive and a leader of the black community. Tavis Smiley I am not as familiar with, though I am aware he has a talk show of some sort.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

170. I used to revere Cornel West. I loved him. I loved, respected,

and admired him. I've met him several times when I was in graduate school and he came to speak and do book signings. I participated in college-wide panel discussions on racism, sexism and homophobia. I was impressed that he lives a modest life, vowing to focus his attention on the plight of the poor and downtrodden in this society. I had great appreciation for his intellect as a scholar, but also the work he did with Michael Lerner to try and bridge the divide and create understanding between blacks and American Jews.

However, something changed. Cornel West changed. Ever since Barack Obama ran in the Democratic primaries in 2007-2008, Cornel has morphed into a buffoon, a caricature. He has admitted that he was upset with the president, first and foremost--not because of some policy decision the president made--but because the president didn't personally invite him to the Inauguration and give him priority seating.

Here: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/11/23/1164307/-Naivet-of-Tavis-Smiley-Cornel-West-Attack-On-Obama-Danger-To-Poor-Blacks

But, a good number of white liberals love Cornel West and Tavis Smiley--even though many didn't even know who they were 20, 25 years ago. They love them NOW because these two clowns make them feel better about bashing the president. And yes, I've said it before and I'll say it again: there is racism in the Democratic party and among liberals. There absolutely is! And just as white conservatives are guilty of exploiting West and Smiley to serve their own ends, so too are some white liberals.

The black community, on the other hand, is very familiar with Tavis Smiley and Cornel West and have been since the beginning of their public careers. We know what Tavis Smiley is about and what he cares about. And there is a large number of blacks who have abandoned these two due to their treatment of President Obama.

The supporters of West and Smiley never even question why there is almost no criticism of the unprecedent Republican Party obstruction and how the Republicans have deliberately blocked JOBS bills. These two men are incredibly smart. They know very well how government works, and yet they choose to ignore the disrespect and downright hatred directed at the president from the political right.

West and Smiley have never given credit to the president for all the good things he has done. For instance, one of the first acts of his presidency was signing an Executive Order that repeals mandatory minimum sentencing for crack vs. cocaine.

Here: http://www.mainjustice.com/2010/08/03/as-obama-signs-crack-sentencing-bill-supporters-vow-push-for-retroactivity/

Yes, admittedly more needs to be done to address racial disparities in the criminal justice sytem. Neither the president nor congressional black members have avoided this fact.

And where Tavis and Cornel have made very valid criticisms for why Obama hasn't moved on some policies, I commend them. Where Cornel has criticized the president for drone attacks and NSA/FISA and other civil liberties transgressions, I agree and commend him.

However, I have never heard either of these men congratulate Obama when he has done anything good. It's much like here on DU where the ODSers will never give this president any credit for anything right that he does. It doesn't matter what it is.

I just don't think these men are credible. It is clear that they have personal animus against this president. And when they go on Faux News to join with the political right and reaffirm the hatred on that network, I continue to lose respect for them. I start to feel that they are really about promoting themselves, not about what is right and wrong.

West and Smiley's personal animus towards Barack Obama is well documented in both mainstream progressive and black media circles:

http://www.essence.com/2011/08/13/tavis-smiley-and-cornel-west-criticize-president-obama-steve-harvey-responds/

http://ericcharlessmith.thoughts.com/posts/cornel-west-s-animus-toward-obama

http://www.laprogressive.com/smiley-west/

http://rollingout.com/politics/tom-joyner-rips-tavis-smiley-and-cornel-west-for-their-hatred-towards-president-obama/

http://extremeliberal.wordpress.com/2011/09/20/cornel-west-and-tavis-smiley-have-never-supported-president-obama/

http://www.thenation.com/blog/160725/cornel-west-v-barack-obama#axzz2ZyaJcKH3

[JI7]

55. how did Trayvon's Parents feel ?

[JI7]

60. you know when Republicans bring up people like Larry Elders

to try to lecture most black people and think they are not racist because he is black .......................

[JI7]

62. QUiCK , somebody bring up Harry Belafonte

[DevonRex]

72. And why am I not surprised that WillyT dragged this swill into DU?

Oh yeah, because if it's negative about Obama, WillyT always drags it into DU. Seems to be a boring mission in life, but I guess it's better than hoarding cats.

[WillyT]

77. Damn... Sorry You Are Fearful Of A Major Story On The Internet...

One that was repeated On MSNBC on every show this morning.

But posting it here... and getting opinions...

Is now taboo ???

How vulnerable do you think this President is ???

Sorry you are afraid.

[DevonRex]

82. Haha. I haven't been afraid of a goddamn thing for a very long time, WT.

Much less any of the bullshit you churn out every 20 seconds on DU. Like the tired old, but hilarious, fear thing. Yeah, a silly article has me just shaking in my shoes!! I am hiding under my bed, typing this post! In the dark. Shh. Be vewy vewy qwiet.

[WillyT]

83. Well... You Keep Kicking And Commenting...

So thanks for that.

But... you apparently... are afraid of something here.

Hope you come to terms with it.

[geek tragedy]

94. Tavis Smiley bloviating is not a major story. nt

[zappaman]

87. +1000

talk about horseshit...

[6000eliot]

75. Fucking Hell! Can't this guy do ANYTHING right?

It's been nothing but nitpicking and criticism from BOTH sides from the minute he took his oath of office.

[Peacetrain]

76. Tavis Smiley has had a burr under his saddle and refused to let Michelle Obama

speak in 2008 at his State of the Black Union conference.. The President couldn't make it.. and he got in a royal snit.. and refused to let Michelle even speak..

edit : You know WillyT if I were a suspicious person.. with all your ops going after the President.. and you are pretty consistent on that.. I would start thinking you were Tavis.. Tavis is that you?

[quinnox]

78. Found a direct link to watch the video of what the OP is about

[madrchsod]

80. travis we do`t need another hero... we really know the way home.

[SaveAmerica]

85. I heard a plan and I also heard appreciation from so many who heard his words

[HipChick]

86. Ironic...since I doubt anyone who was black would agree with you..

[SaveAmerica]

90. Anyone? That's a lot of people. I could find several examples in one quick search

if I felt the need to correct your notion.

[HipChick]

111. I don't need to search..

to see what you are trying to claim based on all your previous postings..

[SaveAmerica]

149. That's kind of like the magic powers that reveal a young man is robbing

a neighborhood because of stuff he had in his backpack at some separate time in the past.

[zappaman]

88. I miss UNREC.

[ecstatic]

89. Does Tavis realize that

he's lost almost all credibility over the past 4 years? A real journalist would not try to put words in Pres. Obama's mouth. "He was pushed to the podium." Really? Forced by who? It's his last term. Technically, he doesn't have to do shit. It's amazing how the "haters" demand that Obama "say something" but are ready to attack the moment he does.

Tavis, here's my open letter to you:

It's time to do some real journalism and leave the petty, bitter bullshit behind. You can still come back from this, but you seem painfully ignorant of how you're coming across, maybe because you have a devoted firebagger following, but firebaggers are only like .05% of the population. They just talk loud.

Tavis, it's obvious you're still pissed that candidate Obama didn't attend the SOTBU conference 4 years ago, and that you and your BFF Cornel West didn't get front row tickets to the inauguration. But seriously, it's time to move on. Personal beef should never interfere with the quality of your work.

[geek tragedy]

122. No intelligent person believes what you just wrote. nt

[boilerbabe]

150. I didn't write that post...so I deleted it.

Someone else has my account info, from a long time ago. I changed my password. Sorry for the things that may have been posted in my name. Years ago, I gave my password to someone to introduce them to DU. Duh, not too smart I apologize

[geek tragedy]

152. Funny, I was thinking about writing "someone hacked your account and wrote something stupid"

Bob Dole once got a particularly insulting, nutty piece of constituent mail. He sent it back to the guy, noting "some jackass wrote me this letter and signed your name to it."

Cheers!

[fortyfeetunder]

123. I can't agree with Tavis here

I think POTUS had to take his time to craft a response. And I respect him for not shooting off within days of the verdict, knowing there were people all over hurting over this decision.

"Timing is everything"

[LuvLoogie]

140. I watched the Tavis Smiley show a couple times.

Between segments they'll often display a quote from someone of note. I remember one of these transition quotes that sort of sounded profound if you didn't think about what others had said with more grace years before. It was a Tavis Smiley quote.

Maybe the world will one day wake up to how important Mr. Smiley is.

[The Link]

146. Love Tavis.

He is right.

[NCTraveler]

147. First off,

Obama has to be pushed to do many things. It is a deep part of who he is as a President. Secondly, it isn't really his job to tell us where we go from here. His comments were wonderful and from the heart. He understands that it is the country that needs to move in a better direction and he was walking a difficult line with his comments. He did an amazing job.

[warrprayer]

151. I read Cornel West's comments on Obama

and his feelings seem quite similar to a large number of democrats who were thrown under the bus by this administration. Fuck the DLC.

[bravenak]

154. Oh there goes Tavis again trying to make himself feel important by bashing the President.

Anything to get him on meet the press.
Funny enough I never noticed him until he started Obama bashing. He and his Friend Cornell are trying to make their names bashing Obama. I can see the jealousy in their eyes anytime someone mentions the president. It must piss them off that we picked Obama over them as our leader.

[Blue_Tires]

155. I disagree with Tavis wholeheartedly

This is definitely something the president didn't "have" to do (and I am incredibly proud of him for doing so), especially since the RW pundits already disseminated their pre-made talking points about the verdict being some kind of repudiation on Obama allegedly trying to "politicize" the entire case...

[bvar22]

157. I will Kick and Rec this thread.

The opinion expressed by Tavis Smiley and Cornell West that President Obama wan not forceful enough in confronting the rampant RACISM apparent in the Jury and SYG laws
is a VALID opinion.

I am disturbed that there is a Posse roaming DU attacking anybody who expresses this opinion and now directly branding them as "racists".
I have trouble wrapping my mind around the logic behind that attack.
[font size=3]If someone believe that President Obama should have used the Bully Pulpit more forcefully in calling out the RACISM of Zimmerman, the Zimmerman Jury, and the SYG laws,
that somehow makes them a "racist"?[/font]

I noticed that Not a Single attacker chose to confront the substance of Smiley's remarks,
and exposed any flaw in his logic or opinions.
Every Single One used Ad Hominem Logical Fallacies to attack the messenger.

I listened to the speech, and thought it was a "Good Speech",
but felt that he was very careful to Walk Exactly Down the Center Line,
and his speech was more to Calm the Troubled waters than to solve the Problem,
or take an Unequivocal STAND on the Issues involved.

That IS My Opinion.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

159. A note regarding Cornel West and Tavis Smiley:

Because I don't think many white people (especially white liberals) understand the back story behind the animosity directed at President Obama from both men:

Both have had a personal vendetta against the president since the 2008 primaries. For Tavis, the animosity began when Obama couldn’t make his event due to a scheduling conflict, but Hillary came. Tavis took that time to bash Obama, questioning his authenticity as a black man. Things haven’t been the same since, and Tavis has taken every opportunity to bash the president for one reason or another, even appearing on Fox News and other conservative outlets to castigate the president. For Cornel West and a few other black intellectuals, they see Obama as haven’t experienced the kinds of hardships faced by most black Americans, since his ancestors are not the direct ascendants of slaves.

In addition, Cornel took personal insult when Obama didn’t give him a front row seat, personal invitation to the 2008 Inauguration. Since then, both Cornel and Tavis have been the “Bash Obama Tag Team” and have garnered adoring fans from both the conservative right and the liberal left, angry at Obama for various reasons. And mainstream media loves it when there are black folks who hate the president; they can use that to shield them against any charges of racial bias or unfairness. I see how the Sunday talk shows jumped with glee to have Tavis Smiley on to trash the president. It was sickening.

No one in the mainstream press would give Tavis Smiley or Cornel West the time of day 5 years ago!!