Comments on: On The Tavis Smiley/ Barack Obama Controversy

By: Regina Greene

Regina Greene — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 05:09:19 +0000

I never missed a Tavis Smiley Show, but since Obama has been President, I can’t believe some of the mean spirited comments coming out of Tavis’ mouth. It makes me wonder who he is really trying to impress?? Is this his way of not appearing too black, to keep his job on PBS, or does he really believe the garbage that he is spewing about Obama? I don’t really get what his complaint is about Obama, but it seems every chance he gets, he making negative innudendoes about the President. I am in disbelief, we finally have a black president, and you have another black man on TV, putting him down, and knocking him for no good reason. I just don’t get that mentality. Tavis is a good interviewer, but because he is so slanted against the President, I don’t watch his show anymore. One other thing, I can’t stand that bushy headed Cornell West, why don’t he go gt his hair combed or cut that mess. He just really turns me off, with all his rhetoric about Obama. Tavis, and West are both haters. Shame on both of them.

By: Ms. Davis

Ms. Davis — Tue, 27 May 2008 06:43:23 +0000

I thougth the world of Tavis, I can’t understand why he would at like this, I always knew he was a clinton lover, but for him to treat Obama like he has is just mean, I don’t think much of that show anyway. Tavis if you are so concern about the state of blacks, start coming in our neighborhood, help our young black boys do something for themselfs , stop going on tv talking. Don’t talk about,be about it. And stop getting mad if people don’t want to come on that show. You just want to be seen.

That show hasn’t done a thing for us poor black folks.

By: Dwight G

Dwight G — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 01:49:11 +0000

As a 45 year old black male that was a young child when Dr. King was assasinated, feel thought as a people we could unite. I have supported everyone one of the past black candidates that has vied for the office of President, even when many people said that to support a black candidate is like throwing your vote away, I cared not. I hate to see what has happened between these gentlemen, and the impact this public squabble is and wil have on so many others whom have not made up there minds about Sen. Obama. The Senator may or may not fulfil all of his promises, as with so many other Presindents of the past, surely if elected he will be bird-dogged by the opposing party, as usual. Most assuredly, for my young adult children and my yet unborn grandchildren, black america needs a President, this in-turn will inspire generations of black children to better in school and take academics much more seriously. Believe/accept it or not Sen. Obama is vital to us all, let put away the crap and press on…

By: anon

anon — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 17:20:13 +0000

This is such an interesting topic. Actually Dr. Boyce Watkins had something interesting to say about this. Its on http://www.yourblackworld.com. I thought it was a good response.

By: Dori winn

Dori winn — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:27:07 +0000

Where were all of you when he invited white candiates who never came and he criticized them. Was he having a tantrum then?

By: Tommy Allen

Tommy Allen — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:52:33 +0000

Id have to say that Tavis is showing his true colors. His overwhelming support by corporations such as Walmart and Exon mobile have not been lost on me. These are corporations built to make money regardless of the impact it has on all Americans… including black people.

I represent a different generation of black voters who aren’t confined to a racially defined thought process. I do, however, recognize the ramifications of such a thought process in the actions of those, like Smiley, who have built platforms for themselves to be heard above the fray. People who prey on ignorance cannot be trusted… bottom line.

To subtly suggest that my generation doesn’t have the intuitive or critical thinking skills to choose our president wisely, and that our choice is one based on our ignorance is an egregious offense to us… thus the backlash Smiley has received. We heard no such arguments posed subtly or otherwise when Clinton was polling higher with black voters.

WE ARE NOT STUPID. Those who want to retain their current positions in government, talk radio, and PBS.. ahem.. had better recognize that WE make those decisions… and at this rate… a goodly number of them will be looking for new jobs soon.

http://youtube.com/user/Tlallen29

By: sarah carter

sarah carter — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:39:03 +0000

Did Tavis have his customary commentary yesterday? I didn’t get a chance to hear the TJMS yesterday and I was curious to know if he commented on this or what his commentary was. If he didn’t have his regular commentary, why? Thank you.

By: Rayne

Rayne — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:57:09 +0000

Maybe they are haters just like Marc Lamont Hill. Oops, did I say that out loud?

By: Nubian King

Nubian King — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:38:20 +0000

WHAT temper tandrum???? What pile-on has Smiley joined in??? This article lacks direct quotes from Smiley (or any other so-called detractor)? We are creating a controversy that doesn’t exist!

By: Ian

Ian — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 19:58:14 +0000

I thought dinasours were extinct.