There's a feud going on between Tavis Smiley and Rev. Al Sharpton

[CatWoman]

and it involves Obama.

Not sure what's going on, but I caught the tail end of it this morning during my drive to work. Sharpton had just got off the phone with Tom Joyner. From the conversation, Sharpton was really mad at Tavis over some allegations Tavis made about Sharpton and Obama.

I had to make a run a while ago and tuned in to Rev. Al's radio show in the car. He was still talking about it, (and still pissed) and said that more information was on his Facebook page.

Here's the link to his page: http://tinyurl.com/ybk35a3

I still don't know exactly what's going on, and don't have time to read thru all those posts.

However, this forum that Tavis will be hosting might have something to do with it: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/broadcaster-tavis-smiley-to-moderate-conversation-on-need-for-black-agenda-85059817.html. Perhaps Tavis tried to invite the two and they declined?

Maybe someone here will be able to make sense of it.

[hlthe2b]

1. Sigh....

With all the overt and blatant racism being conveyed and used by those on the "right," I hate seeing these kind of internal skirmishes by influential African American pundits and leaders. ....sigh.... (pollyannaish, I know)

[99 Percent Sure]

2. Tavis Smiley is/was an Obama skeptic, so much so that during the 2008 campaign, when he held his

State of Black America conference in 2008, candidate Clinton was the presidential campaign representative. IIRC, there was some kind of dust-up re Obama's invitation to participate. In fact, Smiley's "skepticism" about President Obama is said to have resulted in his falling out with urban DJ Tom Joyner, such that he was derided by Joyner listeners, and quit his reports on Joyner's show.

So they say. Googling it will yield much data, I believe.

I've watched Smiley's PBS show on occasion, particularly since the Obama era, and my observation is that he doesn't have high praise for Obama, neither before nor since his ascendancy to the Oval Office. Tavis has repeated frequently that we blacks particularly need to hold elected officials accountable for their actions/inactions.

I've also observed that, as prominent as Smiley is, he hasn't had an interview with the president yet, not even during the campaign.

[Empowerer]

35. It was "State of the Black Union." State of Black America is the National Urban League's book

[FrenchieCat]

3. Tavis has been anti-Obama for some time now......

His Corporate funded SOBUS is no more!

We talked about that here in AAIG!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=258&topic_id=9249

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=258&topic_id=4673

During the Primaries, Tavis Fave Democratic Candidate was not Obama.....
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4727598

[Cha]

4. Thanks for these links to the AAIG, Frenchie..

I'm with Fire on # 7.. I hated to see all that unfold but such is life and all different kinds of people. Michelle would have been/and is an awesome addition to any gathering.:fistbump:


Fire1 (1000+ posts) Wed Jan-06-10 03:37 PM
Response to Reply #3
7. Yep. I used to think he was cool until President Obama got
elected and he started showing his ass.

[Top Cat]

6. Yes he has I cannot stand Travis Smiley... He is a true hater of President Obama

[IndianaGreen]

8. and Sharpton was the Tawana Brawley champion

even after it became clear she was a lying sack of shit!

[ecstatic]

9. typical

I'm sure I could dig back a few years and post some dirt about one of your heroes.

[Empowerer]

37. Yes, let's bring up Tawana Brawley - it's so much easier than actually discussing current issues

That incident happened more than 20 years ago. Rev. Sharpton has since worked his butt off doing good things and is an outstanding progressive voice and activist who does more to fight for the things we care about than most people could ever hope for. Yet some people still want to whine about Tawana Brawley whenever Sharpton's name comes up, regardless the context or point. Nothing like passing judgment on people based on one thing in their lives and never recognize that they have matured and grown over the years.

[goclark]

16. You got that right!

There is no love lost between Tavis and Obama.

I say, " Bye,bye, Tavis."

[kjackson227]

32. +1

[Top Cat]

5. here's another link -

Urban Radio Nation - Urban Radio Stations, Internet Radio, New Media and Music Blog: Al Sharpton and
www.urbanradionation

[ecstatic]

7. SO glad Sharpton put

the hater in his place. Wow! Tavis has really jumped the shark in recent years. Like someone else mentioned upthread, I remember how Tavis acted during the 2008 SOTBU but I thought he'd be over it by now. Unbelievable!

[Cha]

10. Here's a comment I liked on Sharpton's Page..

"Thank you for putting Mr.Smiley in his place,he's been speaking reckless about Pres.Obama since the 2008 and thinks because he adds the word love that he should be allowed to say what he wants about who he wants."

[ecstatic]

11. So true... He always tries to preface his comments with a

fake compliment. LOL!

[Cha]

13. I just listened to that audio

of Sharpton and Tavis on the radio and I heard Tavis professing love for everybody and Sharpton saying something like .."if you love us so much why didn't you call and ask us about it first?" Paraphrasing here.

[Thrill]

12. Tavis Smiley has been jealous of Obama since the 04 convention

He's never been able to hide it

[PVnRT]

14. I believe Tavis invited Obama to come to his "State of African-Americans" summit

(or something like that, the title escapes me, and it's been a couple of years)

and (then candidate) Obama didn't come, primarily because he was campaigning at the time. Ever since, President Obama has been on Tavis' shit list, which is unfortunate, because Tavis is an otherwise intelligent guy who I enjoy listening to.

It's all about ego, nothing more.

[Name removed]

15. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[babylonsister]

17. Obama had other pre-scheduled events to attend, but he DID offer

to send his wife. She wasn't good enough for Smiley.
The fact that Tavis thought Obama should drop everything to attend and got his nose bent out of shape when that didn't happen speaks volumes.

[Solomon]

18. Obama sent Michelle in his place and that wasn't good enough

for Tavis.

Tavis is an old-school racism pimp. The time has passed but he won't give it up. He's got his little niche and he ain't budging. He'll still be singing the same sad song even after we have a black emperor of the universe.

[Cha]

22. It's really too bad..just think if

the alternate scenario would have gone down.. Michelle goes to the SOTBU ..they all have a good time, Tavis is cool and progress goes from there. But, Nooooooo.

[Drunken Irishman]

33. It happened before that, though.

Smiley has been anti-Obama prior to when he even won the nomination. I remember shit from late 2007 and early 2008.

Fuck him.

[PalmG]

19. I listened to the exchange a little while ago

after hearing so much about it. Personally, I found Al Sharpton to be immature and rude, as well as dishonest. The reality is Tavis QUOTED him VERBATIM from the NYT and instead of owning his words, Sharpton LIED and said Tavis misquoted him (in which case Sharpton's ire should be with the NYT not Tavis, but I digress on that). Sharpton said "Obama shouldn't be ballyhooed with the Black agenda." Tavis said Sharpton and others stated Obama shouldn't address a Black agenda. Same dang thing. And Sharpton knew it, and resorted to personal attacks ("You've always been anti-Obama Tavis") instead of owning his own words. I found his talking over Tavis very silly and juevenile.

The reality is Tavis has not been anti-Obama; he's just not been PRO-Obama, and a lot of folks have a difficult time with that. I was one of the kool-aiders for a minute...until I started to really observe this president and some of his questionable decisions. Tavis peeped dude's game a long time ago, and it's hard for a lot of Blacks to come to grips with that. Obama has NOT earned all this praise and loyalty from Black folks. Blacks put him in office, yet are told their interests can't "ballyhoo" the person they got elected. No other interest group is marginalized this way. Tavis recognizes it and has the wherewithall to say it, even knowing the backlash he would receive from koolaiders. I say more power to him. And I hope Sharpton learns some class. Imo he made a fool out of himself. LYING about what he said and hollering like a hit dog.

Team Tavis all the way.

[BronxBoy]

21. Well...........

A lot of folks in our community feel that Tavis is nothing but a huckster who is marginalized now that Obama is President. For all of his State of Black America Summits, he really doesn't have much of a track record as far as an ongoing contribution to the Black community goes.

[FrenchieCat]

29. Tavis, is that you?

I agree with Sharpton....

and there's a different between ballyhooing an agenda and simply being supportive of an agenda....

bal·ly·hoo (bl-h)
n. pl. bal·ly·hoos
1. Sensational or clamorous advertising or publicity.
2. Noisy shouting or uproar.
tr.v. bal·ly·hooed, bal·ly·hoo·ing, bal·ly·hoos
To advertise or publicize by sensational methods.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ballyhooing


Now why would anyone want President Obama to "advertise" a Black Agenda by ballyhooing it when there are so many in need of all color? I'd prefer President Obama worked on a Black Agenda in concert with all of his other work, not apart from it, and certainly not elevating it above all others as that would only buy us bad press which would not help the effort to begin with. Who do you think many of the 31 million who are uninsured are? How is providing health insurance to folks of color not a great thing, and without the "ballyhoo"?

Tavis Smiley likes to sell books, and what's happened is that folks have stopped buying what he's selling, which is himself.....and his corporate sponsors.

[PalmG]

30. Nope, Not Tavis

lol What evidence do you have that your president is "supportive of a Black agenda?"

*Crickets* And that's the issue. Your president won't even mention the WORD "Black." His "bring up all boats" agenda is a direct AFFRONT to Blacks because it supposes that all are equally down. Tavis' point is that is NOT the case. It should not even be a discussion really. No "ballyhooing" needed. Just do your dang job. If there are people who are disporptionately affected by circumstances, you as a person in power shouldn't have to be asked to appoint a special task force or promote ideas that DIRECTLY deal with THOSE SPECIFIC PEOPLE. To not do so is derelict. To not do so as a "BLACK" man is downright mindboggling.

P.S. If Tavis is trying to "sell himself," what do you think your president is doing?

Hmmm

[FrenchieCat]

31. I disagree with you totally!

My President, (since he ain't yours, as you indicate), insuring 31 million, many who are Black folks and other people of color, IS supportive of a Black agenda....cause wayyyyy too many Black folks die due to lack of preventive care; diabetes, heart desease, and any other ailment you can name.

Which young 18 year olds tend to have their credit destroyed before they even reach the age of 21 because some credit card shark pulled the wool over their eyes, and got them to thinking that credit was like free money? Why are there more check cashing establishment in some neighborhoods more than in others? Because folks with bad credit, tend to not have checking accounts. A lot of those folks happen to be people of color; Black people. The credit card bill ends this predatory practice. You don't think that's gonna save some folks' credit before they even get started? I do.

Who is likely to have purchased a home with no money down, moved to the suburbs (cause they couldn't afford the city) where home values are now pummeling, so they find themselves with a home underwater and now can't find buyers (as real estate in the cities become affordable again) and are being foreclosed on? Who do you think qualifies for a modification for an negative AM loan they took out because it sounded really good at the time? Many are people of Color. In the Bay Area, places like Antioch, Tracy and Modesto are littered with Black families who are in just this fix. I know first hand, as many are people I know.

Where are the schools failing the children the most, because the "good" teachers want to teach in the "good" areas, which happen to be where the property taxes are higher because the property is valued at more? Usually in neighborhoods of people of Color (because, yes, things aren't equal).

Who is most likely to be unemployed and would need unemployment benefit extensions? See what the percentages are in a breakdown by race for your answer.

Who eats at McDonalds (they don't call it Mickey-Ds for nothing) way more than they should because its quick and cheap, and grocery stores are not available in their neighborhoods (because you are right, things aren't equal)? Many are children of Color.

Back in the 50s and 60s, even in the Oakland projects, mothers on welfare would grow gardens, even on a small patchwork of land. It stopped being done, not because it isn't possible, but because it's something that the recent generations haven't been "into".

And who many times lacks exercise, sometimes because there is no safe places to go to use up that energy after school and end up underexcercise and overweight as youngsters? Many are Children of color.

So even something like Childhood Obesity, as well as organic gardening are also in a long run about folks of Color.

If you believe that Pres. Obama has to put labels on his programs and ballyhoo who they might help in order to win brownie points, than you just don't get it. See, folks who can do a whole lot of talking do that, but at the end of the day, what is it that Tavis has done for the Black Agenda that makes him so special? Sold books? Had "conversations" with Exxon signs in the back of his head as backdrop? How is that providing life saving measures to a needy Black community? And a better question still....how is it helping more than what Pres. Obama has accomplished in the short 13 months that he has been in office....elected to be there as the President of all Americans; those who are in need the most as well as everyone else.

Rev. Al Sharpton gets that.....Tavis Smiley does as well, but he just needs to continue to be relevant....so he needs "Conversation" cause he ain't doing that much else.

[Cha]

38. Thank you Frenchie ..that

post was really bothering me.."your president"? And, I've been thinking about it and wishing that you or someone who could speak to this better than I would respond.

[firedupdem]

43. Thanks Girl!

You hit the nail on the head. All I could come up with is 'fuck Tavis with his hating ass!"

[Number23]

45. Fantastic post. Excellent

Contrary to what some folks want to believe, it is entirely possible to have a Black Agenda without being stupid enough to label it as such. With all of the racism and racial stupidity in this country, why anyone would be surprised that Obama or ANYONE black in a position of authority would take the "stealth angle" is beyond me.

[vikegirl]

46. Oops.

Nevermind.

[damonm]

49. Dayum!

I MIGHT just have to call you sensible again...:hug:

[BronxBoy]

20. Hey Cat

How have you been?

Tavis came on to do a segment and basically said that there were Black leaders that believe there should be no such thing as a Black agenda because we have a Black President. He said that he felt that was unwise. Aside from what he said, I think it was how he said it that caused fireworks. He called them a choir that was singing a different tune and that they needed to learn a new song. And then he proceeded to call them out by name including Sharpton, Charle Ogletree and some others. He claimed that he had set up a conference to discuss this matter and that he had invited the choir to come and learn a new tune.

Well 5 minutes after the segment, Sharpton calls up and basically says that this was the first he heard of any conference and that no one from Tavis's office called him about anything. It started to get pretty ugly after that. Apparently he and Tavis had gotten into a heated argument at John Johnson's funeral over the fact that Tavis called Clinton the first Black president yet didn't seem to hold Clinton to the same standards that he is now holding Obama. Poor Tom, you could tell he was caught in the middle. I understand that Ogletree was due to call in but I didn't hear that segment.

It definitely made for some interesting radio

[Cha]

23. Thanks for that detailed

account of what went on. Tavis has had a bug up his ass ever since Senator Obama couldn't make to his SOTBU and offered to send Michelle in his place. Which wasn't good enough for Tavis' ego.

His grudge is exposing him to be a petty little man who needs to take stock of what he's doing to himself.

I'm glad Rev Al told him like it is. Tavis was trying to talk over Sharpton in the beginning and Al told him that he let him talk without interruption.

And, "ballyhooing" is different than helping the Black agenda. I can see why Sharpton got pissed..why should he or anyone want to learn from how Tavis Smiley has been doing things?

[BronxBoy]

24. Yes...It was interesting.....

I think what really sent Rev over the edge aside from the comments was the fact that he came on a nationally syndicated radio show and said he invited all these folks to discuss this when it appears that he hadn't. Took on the air of him "summoning them to the mountain"

[CatWoman]

42. Hi BB!!!

:hi:

[jenmito]

25. Sharpton will be on MSNBC in a minute talking about this to David Shuster. n/t

[Cha]

26. That should be interesting..will

you report back what's said, jenmito, please? :)

[jenmito]

27. It's over already...

Shuster invited Tavis, too, but he "couldn't make it due to a previous radio commitment" (paraphrased). Sharpton pretty much just reiterated what was explained above and added that HE is an activist trying to get things done, unlike Smiley who's a commentator, and even just came back from a meeting at the WH about jobs. And he also repeated the statement that Smiley didn't hold Clinton accountable even though he called him our first Black president.

ETA-he said he doesn't know any Black leaders who said Obama ought not deal with the issues in the Black community, but that he ought not be held RESPONSIBLE, and that he should address their community like he addresses other communities like labor, business, or anything else.

[Cha]

28. You're precious! Thank you, jenmito~

This is exactly how I feel about it..thank you, too, Rev Al:fistbump:

[Empowerer]

34. Well, at least now the views of some black people will get news coverage

since the only time the media is interested in anything black folks have to say is when we are arguing with each other. Otherwise, we're our views are virtually ignored . . .

[FrenchieCat]

36. True. But remember it's nearly the same with Netroots and Dems.....

if the Netroot disagree with Republicans, who gives a shit? But if the Netroots disagree with this Administration, the corporate media is all on it.

[Cha]

39. Precisely.

[firedupdem]

44. You said it! n/t

[Number23]

47. TRUTH

the only time the media is interested in anything black folks have to say is when we are arguing with each other

It ain't just the media, either. People who despise this President for what are, I'm sure, the BEST and most NOBLE of reasons :eyes: only seem to care about the opinions of black folks in this country when they are in disagreement with Obama. No issue is too small, no comment too stupid.

[politicasista]

40. This is more about feeding Tavis' ego,

his jealousy of Obama, and not being invited to the WH to talk about his agenda more than anything else.

Out of all the major cities that could have hosted this so-called Super Bowl type forum, he chose Chicago aka the presidents adopted city and the place where his wife, kids, and mom-in-law were born and raised.

This whole thing has been brewing since the 08 primaries, so it is not surprising that it has come to this. Obama was Democratic candidate standing in the way of them and loyalty to the Clintons.

Though Rev. Al says or does some things we may disagree with at times, he is right on this deal. And do not blame Professor Ogletree for a prior commitment also.

And Tom Joyner needs to stop eating Tavis' cheese, but like he said, he is just a DJ, so he may need to stick to that and raising money for HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).











edit for clarity

[Peacetrain]

41. Tavis has had a wild hair about the President since long before the election.

President Obama did not attend a meeting he was a part of, and he was not a happy camper and has been nursing hurt feelings ever since.

[Jim Sagle]

48. Smiley roolz, Sharpton droolz.