Tavis Smiley Reportedly Quits Radio Show Over Obama Hate

Update: Tavis Smiley has posted a statement on Huffington Post regarding his decision to leave the "Tom Joyner Morning Show." The statement reveals that he did not quit effective immediately and will, as mentioned below, more fully address the situation on Tuesday morning. Read the statement here.

Original Post: Richard Prince reports that Tavis Smiley is leaving the "Tom Joyner Morning Show":

"He called me yesterday and said, 'I quit,'" Joyner said.

Joyner said Smiley told him he was working on too many projects, but believed the real reason was that "he can't take the hate.

"He can't take the hate he's taken over Barack Obama. He's always busting Barack Obama's chops. They call. They e-mail. They joke. You know Tavis like I do. He needs to feel loved"...

Smiley had been critical of Obama for not attending Smiley's annual "State of the Black Union" symposium on Feb. 23. Of the presidential candidates, only Sen. Hillary Clinton accepted the invitation. Obama said he would send his wife, Michelle, but Smiley insisted that was not good enough.

"I'm catching hell," Smiley acknowledged in an interview then with Michael H. Cottman of BlackAmericaWeb.com.

Tavis acknowledged the situation on his website and told readers that he will address the situation on Tuesday:

Friends and Supporters:

By now, you may have heard of my departure from the Tom Joyner Morning Show.

Story continues below

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I am traveling today and am not available to respond directly. I will address what you heard on the Tom Joyner Morning Show next Tuesday at 8:25 AM EST, during my normal commentary on the show.

Warmest Regards,

Tavis

Read the rest of the article here, or read Smiley's HuffPost blogs here.

Selections:
Tavis Smiley: Gen. Colin Powell on the Obama Moment
Tavis Smiley: My Conversation with Hillary Clinton
Tavis Smiley: My Conversation with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Comments

[truth2008]

AMEN! I'm glad Tavis Smiley is gone, no one in the AA community will miss him. I'm tired of so called people like Smiley who thinks he speaks for the AA community. He's a disgsting example of what we call the traditional HOUSE N****R, who speaks up and protects master no matter what.
I don't think MLK would approve of the likes of Tavis Smiley with his uncle tom agenda!

So Long Smiley, maybe you can get a job With Hillary!

[CC1]

WTF?! master?! We are not in the 1800's here.

[Julia1023]

Way off on this one, truth2008. Tavis Smiley is labeled a House N***** because he doesn't agree with the fawning over a Black candidate and has an opinion? Who are you to decide (s) what Reverend King would think about this Black man having the right and exercising it to have a positive personal opinion about a candidate, and (b) to say "no one in the AA community will miss him". The debate over who and why people in our community support Obama varies. Many of the discussions I've heard have less to do with his actual stances on foreign relationships, economy, or healthcare, or his votes these last 4 years in public office. Some of us read and have followed his career. We know the positions he's taken on certain bills. Leading a country has to be more than skin tone. We must avoid reverse discrimination when it becomes a question of leadership. White politicians have used this rhetoric whether it has been denying us the right to vote altogether, or through use of fear tactics and money. Not too long ago, we stood behind the Clintons because we've known them to fight for Black people no matter how little we had. Today, one man comes along and stills old distrusts among many in our community and we turn our backs on people who have long HAD our backs. Tavis didn't join the fray. The Clintons have proven themselves. All Obama is, is Black, and it's not enough.

[domdella]

r u kidding me......its not enough.....wat other candidate can open the doors to the white house for another black candidate....if another black candidate runs after obama he could get pretty far cuz whites and other races will be alittle bit more open to his views......i mean come on i don't agree with tavis gettin all that criticism...but honestly if DR. king was still here wat would his position be on obama who is intellectually on kings level? i'm not sayin obama is smarter than king, by no means am i saying that....but great minds think alike and obamas vision is for the future....just as kings was.....I had a dream speech was talking about the future.....the clintons get bad criticism from blacks when they was helping us all along i agree....but it was bill who had our backs.....not his wife....theres a difference....had bill clinton of ran for president again you might have a different story...but we dealin wit his wife....the vision that King had was that black kids, AND white kids AND asian kids And Latino kids could all play together without looking at each others color.....

[domdella]

and it starts with everybody viewing everybody as equal....and you can tell just off of how people are responding to obama that there is alot of resentment toward race in this country.....and its not just within the people that aren't supporting obama....there are alot of black people who vote for obama (mainly the older generation) because hes black.....thats the samething we speak out against....blacks label people that don't want to vote for obama as racist, when blacks are doing the samething....not wanting to vote for a white candidate cuz hes white....r­eguardless if we say we have good reason for it....voting on someone because of there race is wrong period....voting against someone because of there race is wrong...pe­riod.....i­ts the older generation that thinks in extremes and its up too us young people to point this out.....i vote for obama because he unifies people...he gets them to think outside of their own box....and thats what we need in this country more than anything...people to be open to other peoples views and thoughts....he never deals in extremes and extremes are what divide people....i can't say the same thing for mccain, there isn't that much diversity or variety in the republican party

[BoGardiner]

This is just DISGUSTING. Obama supporters reading this should denounce this kind of bullying, personal hate mail toward Smiley. So should Obama, for that matter.

[LeonardB]

Wait a minute, I think you guys are missing the big point here. Tavis got the level of displeasure that he got,at least from me and mine) because of he arrogance that he showed by (a) insisting that Obama and not his wife come to the state of Black America forum, in the middle of a bruising primary season .In order to show his blackness I guess. I think that Tavis was drinking this kool-aid of self importance, and THAT got the negative reaction. Tavi Smiley has spoken out on a number of topics, some I agreed with, some I did not. But his is and I hope remains on the air and viable to the community at large. But he does, imho, need to take a step back, and remember that he is a voice in the wilderness, not the only one. And that if people don't drink from his kool-aid from time to time, then so be it, and keep up the good work

[Ahyoka]

I respect Tavis so much for not throwing the Clintons over the cliff as soon as a black guy runs against her. He has class and courage..not like SO MANY back-stabbing Democrats (black AND white) who act like RWers now trashing the Clintons every way they can after all the good things they have done for them and our country (and our party). It's shameful that BO doesn't show respect to the black community by dissing that forum 2 years in a row...but HILLARY somehow found time to show up and show her concern and respect! BO is so full of himself and he thinks he is perfect and he and his America-bashing hateful mouthed wife just want power and I just really wonder what 'changes' they have planned for all of us if they succeed in this ridiculous campaign of theirs. Seems NOBODY can tell me what these oh-so-wond­erful-'cha­nges' are and HOW he plans to achieve them!
I for one am SO SICK of that annoying arrogant guy (BO) I could scream. He doesn't respect blacks and now we find he doesn't respect whites either(RE:they are bitter and angry and thats why they have guns and go to church!) HOW STUPID! He and his arrogant family should go back to their hate-spewing church and get out of our faces!

[liz3]

Well Said

[kato1]

Are you a Bushie? I don't expect such hate spewing from Dems. Why don't you amplify the reasons for your support of Hillary - no one seems to. I have seen just a few reasons for supporting her - she's a woman, she's "experienced", and finally, hatred of Obama. We can have differences of opinion and earnest dialogue but your post is hateful off the charts.

[Ahyoka]

I 'spewed' no 'hate'. I simply said I am sick and tired of hearing that guy trash a good Democrat I have followed and loved for years and am SO proud of.
Ah,yes but of course I MUST be a 'bushie' because I support Hillary and not the messiah ! ROFLMAO! You Obamaphites are so ridiculous. Did ya'll escape from the Davidian church?

[Julia1023]

I don't agree with you, kato1. While Ahyoka is fired up with what they're saying and the way it's being said, they don't necessaily need to be labeled a "Bushie" nor must they "amplify" their reasons why they support Senator Clinton as opposed to Senator Obama. Everyone has their own reason. Obviously, Senator Obama has touched off some firestorm of opposition to the way his message sent. I'm not a fan, either, however, I will say in "amplication: of my own reason for supporting Senator Clinton as an African American voter is that I share her views on public safety and the environment, the economy, national security and labor, as well as I am comfortable with the fact that she serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee as well as several subcommittees. I like her ideas and her stance on housing and because she has long worked hard for civil rights and protecting the consititution, I am comfortable with what I know about her. They all stretch the truth. ALL of them. They all waffle and dance to whatever beat they believe is the most appealing. It's American politics. Change and hope, no matter how often Senator Obama repeats the words, is useless if you don't have the muscle to make it happen, and he hasn't convinced me yet that he can.

[BDunne]

For that comment alone -- God will intervene.
Watch your karma...

[citadelgrrl05]

for that comment you are a complete idiot!! are you kidding me, we should be grateful to the clintons for what? Their race baiting, their divicive politics, takingplays out of the GOP handbook, you must be MAD!! The only thing am grateful to the clintons for is showing me who they really are, any lying politican and will say and do anything to win, even try to tear down a potential president to see their own ambitions through!! A someone in the beginign of this race that was completly for pro-clintons, till I saw her tatctics leading into SC and and through now, I am completely disgusted with her and fed up with her husband, I will nevr vote for a clinton ever again. I am dead serius. THEY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED!! IF she end s up stealing this nomination fromOBAMA, YES STEALING,(b/c that is the only way she can win) I will not vote for anyone. She should be ASHAMED of herself!!
WAKE UP AMEERICA

[Hueman]

Tavis is OUT OF TOUCH! His time has passed like a pig stuck in quick sand! I thought he spoke for "Black America" to make AMERICA better but he really just potificates! He has proven to be a fraud who can't see past his nose!!! Shameful!

[galateadoro]

what an ego this Tavis person has, go ahead, quit, no one really cares.

[Edmond08]

He is shameless and ignorant like Andrew Young, John Lewis, Charles Rangel, Bob Johnson, and Pastor James Manning. They all say things and do things for money and their ego, not for America or black folks. If you are in doubt, here is a CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE:

(If you do not have the time to watch the entire video, fast-forward to 2:33. You will hear the reason why people like Pastor James Manning, Tavis, Bob Johnson, Andrew Young, John Lewis, and Charles Rangels HATE Obama with passion - Clinton gave them money or position. Because Clinton gives pocket change to these people, because Clinton promised positions to them, we should not support Obama even if Obama is the best candidate to help America out of the current social and economic problems connected with wars and loss of jobs to trade deals, the same trade deals that help make the Clintons millionaires)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khuu-RhOBDU

[VitriolAndAngst]

In other words -- they go with whomever will butter their bread.

[zstroud]

let me get this straight so I understand correctly. No matter what you have done for Black America in your past, you are an idiot if you don't support Barack Obama. So this guy can fight his whole life FOR the African American community but because he doesn't support Obama, he is somehow evil. This is why this African American military veteran and proud Democrat, from Georgia no less, will NOT be voting for Obama.

His Politics is not one of hope and change, its one of support me or i will sick my attack dogs on you. He is Bush, but from the left.

[rudiy]

Nothing new. Anyone who opposes Obama is a racist!!! This is especially true of any African American. I guess these people forgot how whites were treated in the South who pushed for Civil Rights. Racism is racism.

[Edmond08]

You are right - Tavis is a racist, but hates both blacks, whites, Jews, Jesus, and everything that moves. Watch the videos if you REALLY want to know how a black man can be a racist towards everybody, including to himself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khuu-RhOBDU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY-to8M4hCI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgtIqeV-6mk

[jneems]

Wow. That was disturbing.

[OhMyGoodness]

Wow... I was literally sick to my stomach after watching this and sent the following to that man's ministry.

I saw a video of your bishop on youtube about this ministry and literally became ill. The words out of the mouth of a supposed man of God is disgusting. Particularly the comments about Obama and he being trash because he has a white mother. Further the use of the word "tits" from the pulpit with young black men laughing behind him is unreal. He had to have been looking at the Obama girl pretty hard to determine her bra size. I just wanted to let you people know that it's fine to have an opinion about whatever but be careful that you do not use the pulpit to spew your hate. Oh and one other thing. He calls Obama a Mack Daddy but in the same diatribe praised Clinton for his works when he was the one who had a 21 year old in the oval office on her knees. I just don't understand why.

[wilhelmR]

You have to differentiate between "personal experiences" with other racial or ethnic groups and the plight of those groups. If you don't do that then yes you could be a racist. I say you "could" because I do not believe in racism per se. Before anyone is a racist he/she is an ignorant or a "poor soul." To be racist would imply that you believe to be "superior" to people of other races other than yours, which is just ignorance to put it very, very mildly. I do not “get along” with some people of other background­s/ethnicit­y/racial groups as mine but that is because of the nature of history and theirs but not because I don’t want to get along (with them.) In fact, I could say that I have been discriminated against by certain groups but I hold no grudge against the GROUP itself. Individuals do many stupid things and one among them is to believe that they will “get ahead” by discriminating against others. I can only feel pity for these individuals because: 1) “What goes around comes around.” 2) They make a huge mistake “underestimating other people.” 3) I am strong enough to move forward by myself. 4) By loving and understanding the GROUP(S) I have met GREAT people who have risen well-beyond their call of duty to help me and be my friends.

[ImmanuelKant]

I watched Travis Smiley from time to time. He is an ok interview. He says he is receiving hate mail from Obama supporters. I just wonder how much of it is disagreement with his position. And given the piece above, I wonder how much it is Smiley's resentment that Obama didn't attend his State of Black America program. Is this a case of bruised ego.

[Meggie]

Barack Obama is running for a national position that is supposed to represent ALL Americans. He's already proved his interest in helping African Americans find better circumstances for themselves. Seems like TS is more interested in using Barack Obama for his own advancement than he is in trying to advance all African Americans.

[trinity29]

Dear Mr. Smiley:

While I do not condone the hate that has come your way due to your criticism of Senator Obama, I do feel that some of your criticism are overly exaggerated. Senator Obama has attended many "black" events and just because he didn't accept your invitation, it does not imply by any stretch of the imagination that he is not concerned about issues that affect black people in this country. I think that if you are really interested in using your political voice, then please address issues about Obama beyond his attendance at events where you were present.

[GravitonX]

I've been to the Tavis Smiley's repetitive and monotonous "State of the Black Union.' It's nothing more than empty and shameless parade of self-promotion masquerading as a "solutions" session for the Black community.

[shedances]

Tavis Smiley is one of my favorite personalities; & so I'm sorry to hear of the difficulties he's having. I hope it gets resolved ~ he's too good to lose.

K

[GravitonX]

Good ole Travis. Hates interracial relationships but love Hillary. A walking contradiction.

[williamg]

How dare Obama not attend Tavis Smiley's event ....Who is Tavis Smiley?

[northeast73]

Obama didnt attent that meeting for the same reson he did not go to Memphis on April 4th.....he takes the black vote for gratned.

[GravitonX]

Yawn. Weak.

[neenj]

Now, now do your research. If you do, you will realize that of Billary and Obama, it is indeed the Clintons who have taken (and will continue to take) the black vote for granted. What was it that Bill Clinton said in South Carolina: "I will go into every black church and black home....and get those votes for Hillary" (of course I am paraphrasing here, but you get the picture)

[northeast73]

Dear Tavis....welcome to the world of all those who do not worship the Messiah Obama....you will be hated for it.

If you spent you days bashing HRC, you would be a "progressive" hero.

Just look at all the hate in the comments below.....­Obamanatio­n is full of hate.

[messstower]

No one has to BASH HRC her husband and campaign manager do that quite well. Making backdoor deals, I wonder how that will work in the White House--- 'Sorry folks I thought that was the deal but BILL and MARK have made the REAL DEAL, so, sorry!'

[FirstShirt]

I like Tavis and I'm a republican. He has edgy commentary that is respectful while not catering to either the right or the left. Being objective will get him pilloried by those leftists who lack both objectivity and a desire to heal the democratic party.

[GravitonX]

My! My! A Republican who wants to heal the Democratic Party.

[maddog2112]

Yeah why would anyone question his judgement, he said he wants to help.

ANyone today who says "I am a republican" is either living in a fantasy world or horribley uninformed or coloasally ignorant. Pre Bush it was a proud, well intentioned party that provided many potential and positive ideas for America. Today, there policies have failed miserably in the hands of the Neocons that took over and corrupted the party. They are the definition of failed governent and the biggest threat to democracy this country has faced to date. If you want to spread democracy and fight for freedom, then stand up and fight todays GOP.

[2belinda]

I have listened to the Tom Joyner show for a long time. Tavis' commentaries of late are indicative of an ego that has become over-sized. I didn't always agree with him but he often had a valid point of view, but lately he has been so egocentric I can no longer listen to him pontificating about what is right and what is wrong. He was "sucking all the air out of the room." It's only Tavis Smiley's opinion that matters to Tavis Smiley.

It is also interesting to note that he has signed an exclusivity contract with Nationwide Insurance.
Nationwide Insurance was one of the major offenders of insurance companies that denied monies on insurance claims filed by the victims of Hurricane Katrina and Rita. H-mmm.

[Witkacy]

Speaking of which - did you note the corporate sponsors for Tavis' State of the Black Union event? Christ, it was like a laundry list of corporate offenders and exploiters...It's no wonder that Tavis could be so comfortable as a Clinton supporter...Man, I wish I could've seen the faces of the people in the audience during Tavis' rants against Obama at the SOTBU, puzzled and disgusted while he held the podium like a tyrant, attempting the Jedi Mind Trick to spin Sen. Clinton (and his corporate sponsors like Wal-Mart and State Farm, the company which also denied the claims of Katrina victims) as...what?...a friend of black people in America? Tavis, are you kidding me?

Hey Tavis - the ghost of Ricky Ray Rector says Hi...He says the Clintons are the best friends a black man could ever have!