Obama Ducks State of the Black Union Forum

by Taylor Marsh

Yep, Barack Obama is doing it again, this time on his own community. He's ducking the State of the Black Union forum in New Orleans, as is John McCain. Hillary Clinton will be there.

I've been a Hillary Clinton partisan since last fall. This is not one of those posts. Because contrary to everyone's belief, not everything I write has to do with Hillary Clinton. Criticism of Barack Obama can actually be just about the type of politician he is, having nothing to do with Hillary Clinton. This is one of those posts.

Today we find Barack Obama skipping out again. You know, like he did on Kyl-Lieberman, as well as the vote on MoveOn.org when they were taking fire on their General Petraeus ad. He's skipping the annual State of the Black Union forum in New Orleans so he can campaign. Besides, why should Mr. Obama feel pressured to attend a forum about his own community, especially when he believes there will be no consequences. After all, he ducked out on MoveOn.org when they needed him, but they endorsed him anyway. African Americans have helped Mr. Obama get this far to the Democratic nomination, so why should he feel compelled to actually speak to the annual State of the Black Union forum in New Orleans?

Meanwhile, Tavis Smiley is registering minor criticism of Obama for his decision, so what's happening? His family is getting besieged by Obama supporters, people who will not allow any criticism of their candidate.

But Smiley's criticism has also prompted many people to come to Obama's defense. The talk show host told The Washington Post he has been inundated with angry e-mails and even death threats.

"I have family in Indianapolis. They are harassing my momma, harassing my brother. It's getting to be crazy," Smiley told the newspaper.

He will be busy despite Obama's absence. Some of the nation's top black activists and politicians attend the State of the Black Union. ... ..

Obama takes heat for skipping State of the Black Union

The threats and hate mail comes as no surprise to me, because I've been receiving them for months and months. But Obama ducking this forum will come as a surprise to some. Not to me and I'm not alone.

Comments

[LoveTruth]

I will go ahead and close this off and put it to rest. This story broke a while back. It was being discussed by black radio hosts and the black blogosphere.

This controversy blew up into more than it has to be. I agree with absolutely no one on this comment board, except mabye two or three people. Many of you are weighting and you dont even know what has gone on and what has been discussed involving the matter.

I will go ahead, and let you know my opinion. It is a busy campaign season, Barack Obama needs every single moment that he can get!! Hillary Clinton on the other hand, needed to go to the SOBTU in order to apologize and try to gain back support from black voters. She has realized how much the lack of black voters has hrt her in this election. Unfortunately, she was not thinking about that when sheher campaign offended many black voters and when she discounted the states with black populations over 20%. Remember that Hillary Clitnon was NOT in NOLA when Louisiana was having their primaries. She discredited the state. Barack Obama was there, outlining his plan for those affected my the 2005 disaster and speaking about what he has done thus far for those people. Next, anyone who has looked at Obama's record and what he has done, they would know that he has spent many years trying to improve the lives of those in the black community and he has fought discrimination in various institutions.

Read this:

http://thinkonthesethings.wordpress.com/2008/02/14/audio-tavis-smiley-criticizes-fights-calls-out-barack-obama-attending-state-black-union/

http://thinkonthesethings.wordpress.com/2007/11/27/jesse-jackson-needs-to-blame-media-not-barack-obama-for-neglecting-issues-facing-blacks/

That should put a lot of the specutaltion about where Obama stands on black issues. As a black Obama supporter, I will always hold him accountable for not only issues in the black community but to uphold his stance on many of the issues that he has been speaking about.

[BrooklynLager]

I watched the Black State of the Union - it was really great. Everyone was so on point.

That's all.

[Micah616]

All you need to know about Taylor Marsh

http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/early-line/2008/jan/17/following-paris-las-vegas-incident/

[FogCityJohn]

You know, Taylor, your darling Hillary might not have felt so compelled to attend this event had she (and her supporters like you) not treated African-American voters with such undisguised contempt. First, it was Bill trying to spin Hillary's loss in South Carolina by blaming it on the high percentage of African-American voters in the primary. (Racial subtext: Obama "only" won a bunch of black votes, and those don't count as much as those of Hillary's (white) supporters.) Then there are the attacks on Obama as some kind of intellectual lightweight. (Racial subtext: a black man just isn't smart enough to be up to the job of president.) Now, you've all taken the position that Obama supporters are just a bunch of suckers, too dumb to see through Obama's lofty rhetoric. And you know this because, basically, you're a highly educated white woman (oh, gee, just like Hillary) and therefore you must understand things better than all of those poor, benighted black folks supporting Obama.

Senator Clinton needs to learn that Obama supporters are perfectly capable of thinking for themselves. They just don't buy her support for the war, her praise for that brainchild of her husband's, NAFTA, her vote for Kyl-Lieberman, or her slash-and-burn politics. Oh, and by the way, if she does get the nomination, remember that she'll be *begging* these same gullible Obama followers for their support. You might want to think about that before your next bilious emission.

[vbond]

At this year's State of the Black Union, Jesse Jackson brought the house down with an extended, erudite, multi-dimensional peroration on the transformational moment at which America has arrived.

I have heard him speak for many, many years, and I have never heard him or anyone else carry an audience through the emotional and intellectual education that I just witnessed.

It was riveting...

The capper to this tour de force of social, political and spiritual exposition was his urgent call:

"Don't miss this moment!"

How, then, Jesse asked, do we grasp this moment of massive opportunity that is in front of us?

His answer was simple and calmly stated:

"Obamarama."

The applause was thunderous... so loud that the microphones in the auditorium were "clipping."

Barack didn't "miss this opportunity."

He was there.

[rwilliams1961]

Supporters from both sides have begun drinking their respective Kool-Aid. Read Huff. We're utterly dismissing our candidate's flaws while actively seeking flaws in the other. It's gotten WAY too nasty.

So let's get one thing straight. Both of these candidates are politicians. Each is trying every way possible to sell themselves while simultaneously tearing down the opposing candidate. Both will mislead (Hillary with Obama's Reagan comments; Obama with the "boon" quote; just to name two.) Imperfect and ambition, both get their hands dirty. It's why my wife and others avoid politics altogether.

Regarding Taylor's post: Because of SC, HRC had to go to Nawlins for a make-up session with the black community. Obama likely should have gone, but didn't because he didn't have to. We all know this. Let's move on.

From here on in, this race is either going to end or get very, very nasty. It's up to us, Democrats and Independents, to keep level, cool heads, and to try and start mending fences.

The November election is ours to lose. That loss will only happen if we get so wound up and angry during the primary that we forego our responsibilities to get a Democrat elected in the General.

For a couple months now, I've been staunchly Obama. Hillary's been pissing me off left and right. But the fact is, with Ohio and Texas in play we don't know what is going to happen, which way the race will go. And I've finally come back around that even if she pulls this off, she is by far the better candidate than McCain.

We need to bring the Democratic party together. Even if the opposing, imperfect candidate wins the nomination. Either is far better than McCain.

The infighting needs to stop.

[Researchguy66]

And here's why you're wrong... Obama will be there, in spirit. And the spirit of Obama will move upon the face of the waters in New Orleans and Tavis Smiley will turn from his wicked ways.

[NABNYC]

I thought Obama did not attend because of prior campaigning commitments in the states that have primaries next week. I watched most of the State of Black America forum on cspan, and thought it was really interesting, but maybe they should have kept the primary schedule in mind when choosing the week-end.

Dick Gregory is amazing. For people who do not see him this week-end, see if you can pick up a re-play of his contributions on c-span (or maybe even You-Tube). He's 75 years old. And he is just as sharp as ever. Has not lost a thing, and seems to have picked up a few. His analysis of problems is right on the money. (Except possibly some of his theories about malt liquor, similar to the belief some have that the CIA spread drugs in the black community -- which maybe they did, and maybe they didn't, but it certainly wouldn't be surprising).

And when Dick Gregory started in on Bill Clinton claiming that he was the first black president, it was hysterical. It turns out some black people found Clinton's bragging about that to be offensive. Dick Gregory ripped him up.

I think I'll have to go back and re-read some of Dick Gregory's works, because I am now reminded of what a great mind he has.

As far as someone writing a column attacking Obama for not attending: Hillary Clinton is losing because she has never sold herself. She tried to re-sell her husband. And now she's trying to discredit Obama. But she's never given the public good enough reasons to vote for her. Most of her claims have been shown to be false.

For example, the little emotional tone she gets in her voice when she proclaims that she will bring "universal healthcare" is absurd when you realize she will order all Americans to buy their own health insurance, at whatever the obscene costs, and will fine people if they don't do so. That's not universal healthcare -- it's a captive market and capitalist healthcare at its worse.

The insurance companies can charge as much as they want, and our government will fine us if we don't pay for it. Of course given all the bribes paid to Hillary by the corporations, it's understandable why she would propose such a screwing of the public.

[Nommo]

Perhaps you can explain how this nation that spends as much on intelligence and law enforcement (which includes customs, by the way) is so easily infiltrated by drugs that cannot be grown here. Does it sound reasonable that perhaps we should hire the smugglers to look after the security of the nation or have we not already done that?

Have you ever heard of Gary Webb?

[KenTao]

Dick Gregory IS amazing! I didn't see him on c-span recently but I read his autobiography and even lived on his diet for a few years. He has a good brain and uses it well. I love him!

He'd make a great ambassador to anywhere within the Obama administration.

Earthlings Unite!

[Vixen0932]

There's no need for Obama to attend. Black folks with vote for him regardless have we have come to see. Plus he didn't want to be seen as "too black"...lol

But I think Hillary had to go. She is fairing badly with black supporters.

[Marrob]

I think you're spot on when it comes to Obama appearing "to black" to white voters. Think of Jenna 6 and Katrina and asl yourself, "where was the community organizor?". As for Hillary, she could have said to hell with the black voters after they allowed the media to fool them into thinking her and Bill were racist. Talk bitting the hand the fed you.

[LoveTruth]

The Clintons have fed me nothing but crap for years. I dont have a problem with them, I dont think that they are racist BUT I dont owe them anything!! Obama has worked to pass legislation for the victims of Katrina. He has also spoken about the Jena 6.

[BrooklynLager]

When exactly did Hillary Clinton "feed" African Americans? You drip with condescension, and you wonder why things like race-baiting goes over your head.

[KarenZipdrive]

I think it's safe to say Obama thinks he has the Black vote in the bag, and he's probably right.
But the Clintons have always reached out to the Black community and I am not surprised Hillary made time for this event.
P.S. You won't see George W. Bush renting office space in Harlem once he's out of office.

[LoveTruth]

KarenZipDrive:

I'm a New Yorker, I live in Brooklyn. I used to live in Harlem. If you knew anything about the city then you would know that living in Harlem and having an office in Harlem is the "whitest" thing you can do. A lot of white people live there!!! The Clintons don't. They live in Chapaqua. I was never fooled by that. Midtown was too expense and they did not allow him to have an office there. Hence, he had to move to Harlem. The rent is much cheaper. Its a fact.

Hillary wasn't there last year? She had time this year because she needed to pander and prove a point.

They have reached out for our vote? Thats what you meant right.

[AnninCA]

The Obama supporters have turned mob-like. No question about it.

I personally hold Obama responsible. He is the one who chose the strategies for Hillary-hating.

Hate begets more hate.

His leadership so far has been to incite people to scapegoat and malign unfairly.

This lack of true Democratic principles and open speech truly exposes his attitudes, and he may talk pretty, but the ideas he's inspiring show a completely opposite result.

I'm so sorry for the people in the firing line. Would you ever have dreamed we'd witness the day when speaking out in America elicited this type of mob-hating reactions....while at the same time calling that Hope?

[LarBear]

What in the realm of any kind of intelligent thinking would cause any thinking Being to consider skin color qualifies anyone for the Office of President? What in Heaven's name does either Race, or skin color, have to do with qualifying for the office of President? None! Nada! Zip! Zilch!
Hey, maybe we can find some skin peelers and make Obama's skin President! Would that qualify?
Why do the Obama's, and the MSM, and Obama followers, continue to bring Race into the Election? WE want America to be NOT racially biased, then corruptly make this Election about Race... There is no doubt in my mind the Obama's are either "Black Racists," or at least attempting to manipulate the Voters with "Race"... Hmmm, kind of like G W Bush manipulated the Voters with Fear... And Obama is supposed to be a "inspiration" of Hope and Change!
BLACK is not a Race! Beliefs, Behaviors, etc, yes... Race, NO! The Obama's ran Ads saying there is One America... Then Blatantly appeal to Black America, Black People, Black Voters, etc... And, imply all Black People should wake up and Vote for the First Black President, and imply White's would be racist to not vote for a Black man... They have played the Race Card against the Country and Clinton's...
Promoting a Belief in "Blackness" is the last thing PERSON's with black skin need... The "Black Community, Black America" is very Dysfunctional... High rates of Incarceration, Drug use, School dropout, single families, fatherless homes etc...
ALL PERSON's are Equally of Godly Nature... More than allow, insist your Children with black skin be allowed to grow into their Natural Personhood... Black is a Belief and accompanying Behaviors... TELL Kids, you can't be BLACK... You might do "Black", but you can only be a Person! IE, you can't be a Smoker, Alcoholic, or Drug user... Those are doings, NOT BEING..
Hope/ Voting for the First "BLACK" President, is about Negating of Personhood..

[jrand5248]

Did she even watch the state of the black union? Is this women off her meds? First off, Hillary HAD to be their. The way her and her husband acted in South Carolina, she needed that opportunity to explain herself and her actions. I don't fault McCain or Obama, they are running a campaign for the highest office in the land.

[vcthree]

No she didn't watch it, and she wouldn't have cared in any other year. There's the truth.

[LoveTruth]

Thank You.

[BrooklynLager]

Of course she didn't watch it; if she had, she'd know that half of it was about Obama and "how we take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity."

[Ides]

Funny how Hillary Clinton didn't even GO to Louisiana until this weekend after she lost the black vote. Obama was there on the stump, but where was Hillary?


Nasty bit of reality check, isn't it? Obama needs to finish Hillary off in the second largest state in the country and still hit 3 other states in a little over a week and Tavis Smiley invites Obama to take an airplane flight from Texas to Louisiana for a 2 minute speech?


"Give me a BREAK" Bill Clinton would say. My initial response to him "ducking" the Black State of the Union was mild disappointment, then I watched Dick Gregory (jokingly) tell white people they're lucky he wasn't president because he has a grudge and they wouldn't get off easy and I replayed it in my head with Obama's face over it.


I wonder if the heavy Fox News replays of Obama silent at the podium with Dick Gregory's commentary playing in the background would have been considered a "rookie mistake" if he stumbled blindly into it. :)


Feeble, people, absolutely feeble this line of attack. Funny enough, but I was just relayed a story last night of how one of my mom's coworkers, one of the last Hillary holdouts, finally gave up after listening to her go off on Barack Obama in Ohio. If you don't think her rant gets heavy rotation on the radio, especially black radio, you're clueless.

[deb123]

The fact that Obama is running a good campaign and has a good shot at POTUS supports the black community more than a conference appearance. Of course HC showed up. She had a lot of healing to do after throwing AAs under the bus in SC.

[Vixen0932]

so when does Obama stop throwing low skilled AA under the bus for illegal immigrants?

[BrooklynLager]

When did he start?

[JJI]

I'm really not sure why I keep reading Ms. Marsh's posts, but that is my fault. I am all for logical debate, but to just jump on someone every time there is a potential to criticize (even something so insignificant as this) is beyond partisan and hinges on blind hatred. Definitely not the way to support your candidate.

Senator Obama won Louisiana by 20 points, including winning the black vote by over 80 %. I think they know he is supportive of them, thankful for their enthusiasm, and their understanding that there is a greater goal at stake.

What I find far more disgraceful is Senator Clinton's complete lack of respect for her own constituency by refusing to thank the millions who have come out to vote for her during the "planned"" month of decline. Her inability to concede to the winner is understandable (although juvenile) but her lack of respect for the "small states" is what is costing her support.

[seepee]

"Senator Obama won Louisiana by 20 points, including winning the black vote by over 80 %. I think they know he is supportive of them, thankful for their enthusiasm, and their understanding that there is a greater goal at stake."
THAT IS THE PIOINT " so where gratitude and support to the people of Louisiana?? (TX is less than a half hour plane ride and OH is less than an hour)
What other greater goal will President Obama be perusing when it the next "Katrina crisis" "

[shano]

Obama crafted a furious round of legislation to help the Katrina victims. Look it up before you try to make a point. He was on top of this issue, more so than Hillary.