Joyner cites Obama flak as reason Smiley is leaving radio show

[USAcitizen]

© 2008 The Associated Press

DALLAS — Tavis Smiley is leaving Tom Joyner's popular morning radio show after 12 years, and Joyner told listeners Friday he thought the political commentator's criticisms of presidential hopeful Barack Obama might be to blame.

Smiley, who had been on the syndicated "Tom Joyner Morning Show" since 1996, purportedly told Joyner he's quitting because he's got too many other projects. But Joyner said he thinks Smiley is tired of getting flak for criticizing Obama.

"We're so emotional about this Barack Obama candidacy," Joyner said on his Dallas-based show. "If you don't say anything for Barack Obama, you're considered to be a hater."

Smiley criticized Obama for not attending an annual "State of the Black Union" symposium Smiley held in February. Sen. Hillary Clinton was the only presidential candidate who accepted Smiley's invitation.

"I'm catching hell," Smiley said in a BlackAmericaWeb.com interview.

It is not clear when Smiley's resignation is effective. But Joyner urged listeners to show Smiley the love he needs via e-mails and calls.

"He loves black America and black America has been very critical of him," Joyner said of Smiley. "It hurts. It hurt me to hear black Americans criticize him."

Smiley has written several books and hosts the PBS show "Tavis Smiley" and Public Radio International's "The Tavis Smiley Show." The former Black Entertainment Television host is working on several projects, including a documentary, a bus tour and a book publishing company




This is too bad. I like Tavis. I am not really sure why he would get so bend out of shape about critcism though.

[smkyle1]

1. Heard Smiley at an Event a few months ago

I've always enjoyed Smiley's interviews. A few months ago I attended a talk he gave at the Urban Issues Forum in Los Angeles. He talked about Obama and I wrote about it here:

http://www.laprogressive.com/2007/12/30/as-the-black-vote-goes/#more-56

This was several months ago, before Obama got the nod from the majority of African-Americans. Smiley didn't openly endorse any of the candidates at that event. But he was fair. It's too bad so many of us have to either demonize or deify. Humans seem to have a hard time with separating a person from the opinions.

I wish Smiley the best. He's definately talented and I want to be able to continue to benefit from his wonderful interviews.

Sharon

[bliss_eternal]

2. ???????????

FYI:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=258x4396#4425

Quote:
Obama got the nod from the majority of African-Americans

What an interesting comment.

I frequently find myself behind a car w/an Obama sticker on it. Guess what?
Most of the cars have not had "African American" drivers.

During the primaries, I saw people of many ethnic groups voting for Obama--most Democrat, but some republicans, too. I'm guessing you missed that. Or perhaps I missed the news report (article, statistic or any other fact) stating Obama's nod had something to do with "...all those black people voting for him." :eyes:


...and this statement by Smiley meant nothing, apparently--(from the link you provided):
Smiley--“There are Black voters, sure. But a Black vote, no—at least given the demographics on the Democratic side.”

:crazy: