TJMS Caller: Let's vote for Obama, THEN ask what his plans are for Black America

[journalist3072]

This morning on Tom Joyner's show, Tavis Smiley was doing his commentary, and talking about Barck Obama's effusive praise of Ronald Reagan.

Basically, Tavis said he's concerned about what Obama DIDN'T say about Reagan. It wasn't so much what what he said, but what he didn't say.

Tavis said Obama failed to mention, for example, that Reagan had to be FORCED into signing the King Holiday; that it was only after being threatened with a veto override, that Reagan signed it.

Tavis said, however, that he was willing to give Obama the benefit of the doubt over the Reagan comments.

He was being extremely generous to Obama; too generous, IMO.

Anyway, a few people called in and slammed Tavis, saying Obama is trying to be the first A-A POTUS, and Tavis was being too hard on him.

This one guy said we need to vote for Obama and let him get the nomination, and then see what he wants to do for Black America.

I'm like, what? Vote for him first, then ask what he wants to do for our community? I thought the whole point was to examine the candidates first, then vote. Not vote the examine.

This is precisely why I've said previously here on DU, that as an A-A myself, I'm concerned about my community. Too many of us are not educating ourselves on the issues in this campaign. Too many are simply caught up in the group think of let's blindly get behind the Black guy.

And the caller's comments about let's vote for Obama first, then see what he wants to do for us, jus crystallized my concerns.

[rodeodance]

1. wondering what is under all the glitter.

[journalist3072]

3. You and me both. eom

[aquart]

2. Since the Republicans don't offer any alternative...

The primary process IS where you have to make those decisions. And it would certainly be more fun if you had a selection of African American candidates on this slate. I wouldn't mind a selection of women. We aren't getting that. I did NOT want to choose Hillary Clinton because she's a woman. I was voting Edwards because of labor, because jobs is the first issue that alters all the others.

Then came Iowa. How did you feel after Iowa? Elated? I was profoundly depressed. And the piling on made me so angry I couldn't see straight. Suddenly, I realized it was vital to me that a woman win. And I remain astounded at Hillary Clinton's strength in enduring this demeaning and vicious process. So my decision was made by my partisan gut.

That may not be the best way to choose, but it turned out to be mine.

But sometimes the gut is simply validating what your brain has decided. Make the decision that doesn't upset your intestines. That'll be the right one for you.

In November, I vote for the Democrat, whoever it is. And pray that absolute power will NOT corrupt absolutely, because this president will have ALL of Bush's usurped, unchallenged power, a Democratic Congress, and an undemocratic Supreme Court. It's a frightening combination. And, coming from the city that gave us Tammany Hall, I have no illusions about the incorruptibility of Democrats.

We're all trying to do what's right and what's best. Good luck.

[jaysunb]

4. Maybe you could use his work in Chicago as a guide

to his thinking.
Further more, has any other politician ever said specifically what they may do for our community if elected ? I haven't heard it in my 65 years of being black. It's usually a wink and a nod followed up by a bunch of excuses.
Telegraphing anything to the AA community is the kiss of death for any politician, and Obama especially. America is not THAT far along in it's racial mindset.
If you like someone else in this race that's your right, but I kinda don't like you putting this shit out here for those outside our community to use against Obama. White folks will still be your friend if you chose to stick to the core issues that make your choice more acceptable to you.

:evilfrown:

[journalist3072]

9. So you think that this is something that should only be discussed in our community? And that the

rest of America shouldn't see our infighting?

I see what you are saying. However, I honestly feel like our community has TOO many issues we are facing right now.

The our unemployment rate is more than the national average.

We have a Supreme Court that has tried to chip away at affirmative action.

The gap between the haves and have nots has increased.

We need our issues addressed. And if people in our community aren't educating themselves, and they're simply engaging in group think, that's a huge problem.

We need to have a come-to-Jesus meeting within our community.

[Frances]

5. Good Question

I remember 2000 all too well.

The media portrayed Bush as charming and funny and bipartisan in his dealings with the Texas legistlature.

So many people (including my co-workers) were so taken with Bush's personality that they didn't ask any hard questions.

Other people who weren't for Bush couldn't bring themselves to vote for Gore because he was "controlled by the corporations."

We see how that turned out.

Obama gives fantastic speeches. But how will he govern?

Of course, I will vote Dem in the general.

[journalist3072]

8. And my question is: what comes after the speeches?

I admit: After his speech at the 2004 Convention, I got all caught up. I even typed the words "audacity of hope" and taped it to my desk.

But then I had to ask myself: What exactly am I supposed to be hoping for? And what comes after the hope? How does hope translate into policy?

[CatWoman]

6. ever listen to Warren Ballentine?

he and his callers are in la-la land.

they denigrade black congressmen who back the Clintons, and they continue to push that stupid slur about Bill calling Obama's run a "fairy tale".

Assholes.

[jaysunb]

7. Rightly or wrongly (stupid ? )

you're going to hear lots more of it as time goes on, and it has me seriously worried.

If HRC gets the nom and the community is pissed, we'll have a good bet for another Republican admin.
This is a real dicey deal we're facing, and it has to be handled very carefully or we all lose. :hi:

[Karenina]

10. Send this over to GD:P

SOFORT, bitte. O8)