Should Senator Obama attend Tavis Smiley's Black State of the Union?

[admin]

Should Senator Obama rearrange his schedule to attend Tavis Smiley's Black State of the Union?


The letter Obama sent to Tavis Smiley:

Dear Tavis,

Thank you for the invitation to participate in the 2008 State of the Black Union forum in New Orleans, Louisiana February 21-23. The exchange of ideas raised at this annual symposium are invaluable as our nation strives to address the critical issues facing not just African Americans, but Americans of every race, background and political party.

I especially commend you for hosting this dialogue in New Orleans. On the eve of the Louisiana primary, I visited this great city for the fifth time since declaring my candidacy to share policy proposals for rebuilding the Gulf Coast so that we never experience another Hurricane Katrina. On February 9, I was deeply humbled to win the Louisiana primary with 86 percent of the African American vote and a 14 point lead among all voters who said they were adversely affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Uniting our country and creating a national constituency for fundamental change is why I am running for President of the United States. We have come a long way in this race, but we still have a long road ahead. In the final stretch, I will be on the campaign trail everyday in states like Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin talking directly with voters about the causes that are at the heart of my campaign and the State of the Black Union forum such as affordable healthcare, housing, economic opportunity, civil rights and foreign policy. I am committed to touching every voter, and working to earn their vote.

That is why with regret, I am not able to attend the forum. I understand that you have declined the campaign’s request to have Michelle Obama speak on my behalf. I ask that you reconsider. Michelle is a powerful voice for the type of real change America is hungry for. No one knows my record or my passion for leading America in a new direction more than Michelle Obama.

Tavis, this is our movement and our time. I look forward to working closely with you throughout this election. Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,
Barack Obama

[J_Wes]

I don't think he should go. it is almost like blackmail. Tavis said that he will go off on Barack if he doesn't go. I don;t know what is wrong with Tavis.

[frankshadey35]

I think right now he should focus on Texas and Ohio. He is running for president of the United States not just Black America. As soon as he is seen as JUST a black canidate, campaign over. Tavis should know that

[Mr1738]

I really dont think that Mr.Obama should attend this function. This man is the heat of a very very close race. He needs to concentrate his efforts in either winning Texas and Ohio or at least chip away from Mrs. Clintons lead in those states..

So for Tavis to put Mr.Obama out like that is very counter productive. Mr Obama could do more for Tavis's cause if he is the President.

Also Why DIDN'T he have the function BEFORE the LA Primary!!!!

[mdj20000]

With Texas and Ohio on the line, I understand why Barack won't be there. Hillary needs to be there to try and regain some of the black vote she lost due to her husband. It would have made more since to have it before Louisiana. I love Tavis but I've never got the impression that he is an Obama supporter and I think this may be a struggle for power on his part.

[shekeria78]

OBAMA SHOULD NOT GO TO THE STATE OF THE UNION....TAVIS IS ACTING LIKEA CHILD. Does Mr. Smileys need ratings..............?

[Melis35]

Mr. Obama & Mrs Obama has better things to do then kiss the ass of Tavis "house Ni**er Smiliey. The last time he appeared on your show he didn't even know who he was voting for. I can't stand TS. You may like him but I can't stand his none speaking the English language ass.


Peace!

[thickness27]

I do not believe Barack Obama should go. Who does Tavis Smiley think he is? Barak has to reach other people and states, and he does not have time right now. He can do more for the union as far as listening and action once he wins the nomination. Obama must win the nomination right now and that takes priority. He is not only for helping blacks, he has to get white and latino voters too. Tavis needs to stop trying to marginalize Obama. One mistake could hurt Obama. So TAvis needs to stop. I would not put it pass Tavis to be working for the Clintons.....

[franjesca]

We have to realized the Senator Obama is running for president of the United States. If Senator Obama's platform is to say no to special interest groups, then that INCLUDES every group. We can't be so self serving that we cause the man a nomination! Tavis is acting like a crab in a basket right about now. BTW why diss Michelle Obama? She would have been an excellent attendee.

[AnnKLK1]

What is wrong with Tavis lately? Can't he see that Barack has his eye on the prize.

Senator Obama should continue with his campaign in order to stay on the winning streek that he has been on. He can talk to Tavis later.

Tavis, ease up already!

Ann