Speak Out!

Tavis, do you think people that are divided along racial and ethnicity is best for the country? Is best for the Democratic Party? Will candidates say anything to hurt the other? What are your views on Rev. Wright's comments and how it impacts the viewpoints of non African-Americans?

Tavis. I think they are important but are not front page news and become distractions for those who are easily distracted.

I was watching the State of the Black Union on CSPAN when you asked, "Do you think young people will be crushed if Obama doesn't win?" I say yes. Yes, yes and yes. I am a young African American woman (24) and I am a graduate student at Michigan. My husband who is 27, never voted before he met me at the age of 23! He is fascinated, completely with the message of Obama. It would not be fair of me or very well read of me to refer to Obama as MLK because I don't know the feeling. But the feeling that I get, the excitement, the hope, and the sheer possibility I get from his campaign has motivated me to no end.

I am a U.S. history and politics major. I have volunteered for political campaigns and worked for the NAACP, voter registration drives, etc. So I have always been politically involved. But I have never, and I mean never seen this in my life.

I promised myself, as I am watching the polls right now, if she (Hillary) wins with a Republican governor in Florida allowing those old retirees vote AGAIN and then disenfranchise us in Michigan where our Governor is a Hillary supporter and is frankly terrified by the Black demographics, I will wage a campaign to expose my community (young and Black) to these tactics and attempt to persuade people to hold the Democratic National Committee responsible and regretful!

We are a new generation, and there is a big disconnect with the older Black generation and the younger Black generation who support Obama. We need to run against these older leaders if they are not willing to train us and pass the torch.

I for one am fed up Tavis. And I am not a quiet one, nor am I just a talker.

There is once again a growing divide between race and gender. There is the fear factor commercial, that talks about the candidate experience and one response that talks about the candidate judgment. People in big states like Ohio and Texas are deeply divided, between the unknown in Senator Obama and the well known like Senator Clinton. So the question has not been answered as to whether or not to vote for the return of the Clinton-Clinton or if the country really wants to elect the first African-American to the White House.

There is still a fear that exists in America. The next president, whether male or female, will have to deal with the race and gender issue which has been brought out by these two highly dynamic people. People of Color and Gender will need to really look at what is wrong with our society and how we can overcome those prejudices that exist in and out of the communities. The business community will need to look at pay issues affecting women that lags when compared to their male counterparts. The EEOC and the Labor Department need to really take the blinders off and make sure that pay is equal in all respects regardless of gender or race.

NAFTA did hurt portions of this country and especially minority communities which had setback or a domino effect. Look around some of those communities which went from manufacturing base to service base with dramatic economic reversal. For others NAFTA was a huge success, especially those connected to sea corridors.

Here's a bit of history; the Congress recently apologized to Native American Indians for the treatment of that community and while some feel that race relations in America are not bad towards the African-American community, the Congress has yet to apologize and renounce Slavery to the African-American community. Maybe that's coming in the future. Vote for whom you like, it's the American way.

Here I was beginning to believe that the country was ready for change, and then a dose of reality hit. As discussed on CNN last night "White men" in Texas will vote for McCarin before they would actually vote for an African-American or Woman should either when the Democratic Nomination. Talk about race and gender issue. Now that stinks.

I'm disappointed in my people in this election to tell the truth. I am a black woman (Democrat) so I should vote for who?

I should vote for Hillary Clinton because she's a woman. Or, I should vote for Barack Obama because he's black.

How about I vote for who I believe can both win against the Republican nominee and be the best president for our country. That's just plain and basic voting principles right there. I think everyone should vote like that, but that's just my opinion.

Based on my personal, committed, and serious research of both candidates, I see similarities in "some" of their policies, but I also see "many" differences as well. I'm not speaking of their personalities, and lord knows they are both vastly different there. I've found a remarkable, FORWARD-THINKING, innovative and OPEN candidate which I like a lot.

Here's what I mean...

End Racial Profiling: Ban racial profiling by federal law enforcement agencies and provide federal incentives to state and local police departments to prohibit the practice.

Provide Ex-Offender Support: This support will provide job training, substance abuse and mental health counseling to ex-offenders. Also, create a prison-to-work incentive program to improve ex-offender employment and job retention rates.

Eliminate Sentencing Disparities between sentencing for crack and powder-based cocaine. It will be completely eliminated.

Expand Use of Drug Courts: First-time, non-violent offenders will have a chance to serve their sentence, where appropriate, in the type of drug rehabilitation programs that have proven to work better than a prison term in changing bad behavior.

Raise the Minimum Wage: Raise the minimum wage, index it to inflation and increase the Earned Income Tax Credit to make sure that full-time workers earn a living wage that allows them to raise their families and pay for basic needs.

Bring Our Troops Home: Immediately begin to remove our troops from Iraq.

Talk to our Foes and Friends: Meet with the leaders of all nations, friend and foe. (THIS is very important to me.)

And one of my favorites is: Expand the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Expand the FMLA to cover businesses with 25 or more employees and to cover more purposes as well, including allowing workers to take leave for elder care needs; allowing parents up to 24 hours of leave each year to participate in their children's academic activities at school; allowing leave to be taken for purposes of caring for individuals who reside in their home for 6 months or more; and expanding FMLA to cover leave for employees to address domestic violence and sexual assault. (That last one is the deal maker for me. I'm set in STONE.)

And I could just go on and on with reasons that I chose my candidate. If these issues aren't black issues, I guess I don't recognize them when I see them. But I also believe most of them are everybody's issues.

So here I am at black vs white, male vs female. Hmmm. So now, I have my issues all set and satisfied, who do I like personally? Because that's really what's left for me to decide on. Well, without being mean to Hillary, (because I was born and raised in DC so I KNOW what went on during those years and I was then, and now, disgusted with it all), I'll just say that I like Barack Obama's character, personality, "swagger", amongst a lot of other things. That's who I voted for in the primary, and that's who I want to win the primaries, and who I want to be our next President of the United States. And I believe he will be.

Question from a biblical standpoint, nothing set in stone just a thought originated into a question.

If man (m, a, n) from a biblical standpoint should be head of the household, wouldn’t Senator Barack Obama or any candidate on the Republican side be in right standing to preside over the United States House, if they have shown themselves to be capable of leading? Some people keep saying Hillary has experience; Hillary has no more experience than Senator Obama does. People know Hillary as the first lady, former President Bill Clinton’s wife. That gave her an edge on Senator Obama in some people’s eyes.

Head of the household from biblical standpoint would clearly elect a man. I know this statement will not get popular agreement, but hey, I did not write the good book… Take that debate up with the Lord Jesus Christ and his disciples. Just a thought.

Hi Tavis, I recently heard you speak in Columbus, Ohio and was genuinely impressed. I continue to support your efforts to get the message out to the public about African American issues. We still have a lot of work --yet--to do. Which brings me to the Democratic debate between Barack and Hillary.

It is February 11 and I am still undecided. The Ohio primaries will be held Mar 4 and I plan to vote absentee so that I can spend the day working at the polls. Although I am very proud that Barack stepped out there in faith and had the courage to run for president, I don't want to vote for Barack just because he is Black. It appears that the people are voting for him because he is black. I say that because he is a "shoo in" in almost all states where there is a high percentage of blacks voting. I am Ok with the fact that we as African Americans are what seems to be overwhelmingly supporting a black man. However my dilemma is that I am not convinced that Barack is ready to step into the shoes of the President of the United States of America. And, that if he does indeed win, that he --alone-- can change or effectuate positive change for the African American population in the U.S.

I am watching and listening very closely to the debates and "talk" from each of the candidates. And although I am a registered Democrat, I am also listening to the Republican candidates. I think we all should, so that we know what the opposition is saying.

Hillary has the experience and I respect that. And I don't doubt at all that she would not be a great president if elected. There is something to be said about female leaders. Either way, I want both candidates to embrace the plight of the African Americans and address and not ignore our issues. That is all a part of being competent enough to run this very diverse country. I will continue to listen to your comments which will help me decide which way I am going to go--

Thanks for listening

As an African-American who was brought up during the civil rights era, I can say that the issues of race and gender are both a distraction and a meaningful discussion. It is a distraction because I would vote for Mr. Obama regardless of his race. He appears to be a person of morals, intelligence and cares for his family. During the Clinton years we had intelligence but not morals. During the Bush years we had neither intelligence or morals. I refused to designate Mr. Clinton as the "First Black President," because we did not need a person of such low morals to be associated with us. His dalliances with African-American women during his tenure as Governor of Arkansas are legend. However, let's not forget Hillary. Remember the Whitewater Scandal of Bill and Hillary? Why does she not want her White House papers opened until 2012? Has it ever occurred to anyone that she would have almost completed her 1st term as President (if elected) before we really find out what was going on or that the statute of limitations for prosecution would have passed? Regardless of race or gender, do you really want someone like this for president?

On the other hand race and gender has to be a meaningful discussion when a person votes for someone on the basis of their race or gender and not for the content of their character. I was listening to the interview of an Asian-American and she was asked who she was going to vote for. She replied, "the white lady." When asked if she liked Senator Obama, she replied, "not so much." Unfortunately, there are African Americans who feel that a Black person cannot lead this country or that "they" will not allow a black person to be president. I have heard Latinos and Asian Americans say that their people are prejudiced and would not vote for a black man but would vote for a white woman. I still feel that many of the remaining personnel during the civil rights era have been brainwashed for so long they think that only a white person should be president and are reluctant to support an African-American. On the other hand, there might also be some jealousy lurking underneath.

I would suggest to everyone to really look at why you vote for persons. Are you voting because the person is black, white, male or female or do they possess what it takes to move this country forward?

There is no doubt that racial divide between older Hispanics and African-Americans is in full swing. There is no doubt should Senator Obama win the nomination, that that generation of people may decide to vote Republican or stay at home before voting for an African-American candidate. There is a need to somehow bridge the racial conflict that exists between our two people. In the future, we will see a Hispanic candidate for president who will seek the African-American vote to win the nomination. The Clintons have counted on the Hispanic vote based on historical trends and relations. The same thing can be said for the African-American votes that the Clintons once counted on. So the real question is did the racial make up play an important role? Yes it did. By the same token, Hispanics do not wish to be seen as racially motivated as damage control was evident by some of the media reps.

(1) Hillary Was AGAINST the Civil Rights Act of 1964 while a Republican and "Goldwater Girl"
(2) She had her husband Bill Clinton SEAL HER 92-PAGE COLLEGE THESIS that she wrote at Wellesley College?
(3) ASK YOURSELF "WHY" BEFORE YOU CAST YOUR VOTE!!

I know and appreciate that Barack Obama has taken the high road, but as a black man, it is important to me that we all know the TRUTH about Hillary. Read This.....THEN SPREAD THE WORD !!!! A March 12, 2007 article written by acclaimed Washington columnist Robert Novak sheds a very revealing light on the true sentiment of Hillary Clinton during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement.

Clinton recently was found to have minimized the great and monumental strides taken by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by stating that it was Lyndon B. Johnson, then president, who should receive the credit for the civil rights progress including the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

In an attempt to attract black support, Hillary Clinton regularly shares her 'civil rights experience' during every speech given to black audiences. Novak writes of one such speech at Selma's First Baptist Church on the 42nd anniversary of the "bloody Sunday" freedom march there, where Sen. Clinton declared: "As a young woman, I had the great privilege of hearing Dr. King speak in Chicago. The year was 1963. My youth minister from our church took a few of us down on a cold January night to hear [King]. . . . And he called on us, he challenged us that evening to stay awake during the great revolution that the civil rights pioneers were waging on behalf of a more perfect union."

But Novak's article states that there's a big problem with her statement. The fact is, in 1963, not only was Hillary Clinton a republican, but she was also a staunch supporter of republican Senator Barry Goldwater, well known as a segregationist and one of the most vocal senators adamantly against the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which is why he lost in his presidential bid to Lyndon B. Johnson. Novak writes, "how then coul she be a 'Goldwater Girl' in the next year's presidential election?" He continues, "..she described herself in her memoirs as 'an active Young Republican' and 'a Goldwater girl, right down to my cowgirl outfit.'

Novak adds, "As a politically attuned honor student, she must have known that Goldwater was one of only six Republican senators who joined Southern Democratic segregationists opposing the historic voting rights act of 1964 inspired by King. Hillary headed the Young Republicans at Wellesley College. The incompatibility of those two positions of 40 years ago was noted to me (Novak) by Democratic old-timers who were shocked by Sen. Clinton's temerity in pursuing her presidential candidacy."

Novak adds, "What Hillary Clinton said at Selma is significant because it betrays her campaign's panicky reaction to the unexpected rise of Sen. Obama as a serious competitor for the Democratic nomination. Clinton's plans were transformed by the advent of Obama, an African-American threatening the hard allegiance of black voters forged by Bill Clinton. On one hand, the Clinton campaign has attacked Obama and his supporters. On the other hand, she has sought to solidify her civil rights credentials. While Clinton was re-inventing her past, her road to the White House is not going as planned. Instead of a steady procession to coronation at the Denver convention, she is involved in a real struggle against credible opponents led by Obama. No wonder she and her handlers were tempted to imply the existence long ago of a young lady in Chicago's suburbs who never really existed." We greatly appreciate Mr. Novak's findings which bring one main thought to mind. WAKE UP AMERICA! DON'T BE FOOLED! The fact is, despite her falsehoods, Hillary was AGAINST the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that Dr. Martin Luther King died for. As a 'Goldwater Girl' she was actually even against Lyndon B. Johnson, the very person she now gives the credit to for Dr. King getting to the mountaintop. She has worked extremely hard to hide many truths about her past, including ordering that her 92 page college thesis that she wrote at Wellesley College be 'sealed' and unavailable to the public, an order forced upon the college by Bill Clinton while president, although all senior thesis' at Wellesley have been available for public reading for over 100 years, except one...Hillary Rodham Clinton's.

Reports have stated that information in her 'secret thesis' could be the 'Swift Boat' ammo to be used by the Republican Party against her should she become the nominee. (read more about 'secret thesis' at MSNBC)

In addition to re-inventing her past, the most obvious new Billary Clinton strategy is to use 'Token Negroes' like BET Founder Bob Johnson, Tavis Smiley, and Magic Johnson to name a few, to attack and discredit Barack Obama, a tactic which many blacks find additionally offensive, calling these black Clinton cronies 'sell-outs'. Spread the word..share the facts. The Clintons have been conning the black community for a long time and are NOT what they claim to be. I bet they go home at night, pour some expensive wine, kick their feet up and just laugh like crazy about what big black suckers we are. But now, it's time to prove them wrong!

I agree up to a point with hmb comments. We have for many years not trusted one another as African-Americans. Some in part to teachings for older African-Americans by their parents and some by experiences learned over the years. For others, it begins by stating that they are caretakers for the African-American community. The question is are they looking out for the interest of the African-American community or just themselves? Ya see, there it is, that mistrust that exists in the African-American community.

We need to exercise forethought before jumping head first behind any candidate or agendas that may prove disastrous to our welfare. Once ensnared, it has been proven difficult to untangle ourselves from the mess.

From the onset, I have supported Senator Obama, however, I expect others to vote their choice, not mine. Whoever we choose, I hope we make an informed choice after critically thinking about the issues that are important to us. To say I don’t think about how I will be affected when the new administration takes office as black woman of African decent would be a lie; to ignore how race has shaped and continues to affect my family, community and this world would be foolish. I am concerned about the plight of the poor from all cultural backgrounds, and until there is an equal playing field established in health, education, and employment for all, race does matter with me.

I will hold Senator Obama accountable to speak actively on these issues and compile a workable and just agenda during his campaign. I will hold President Obama to translate thought and word into action. If the fear is that when Senator Obama speaks the truth it will diminish his chances of being nominated, we need to examine why? If more of us chose to hold each other accountable for our responsibility, intentions, and actions to and for each other, all of humanity would experience true progress and move forward. This was Dr. King's dream. Mr. Smiley simply challenges us to stop, look, and listen before we leap, and for this I’m grateful.

Ditto to messages #39 & 40 above. I have listened to Tavis continue to "diss" Senator Obama far too many times (often by using semi-coded language). But we get the message. We are also smart enough to realize that Obama is a candidate for President of the US of A, and not President of Black America. Does Tavis not understand Politics 101?? What about coalition building??? What about mending fences and healing old wounds??? What about a President's need to create bi-partisan relationships in order to get anything done??? Perhaps Tavis is really a "hater" as "J" jokingly mentioned...All of his talk about his love for Black people just went out the window....and it seems to border on some form of "self-hate". I find this to be very disturbing and can only ask, "Why would Tavis choose to align his rhetoric with that of the likes of Shelby Steele and Bob Johnson..... professes to have the interest of Black Folks at hand??? It's a sad day when a commentator like Tavis has to have his message "interpreted" by Tom Joyner or Sybil (whom we respect) as happened with his past three commentaries.....for the record Tavis shoe It

Are Black Civil Rights Leaders (Tavis Smiley) Who Support Hillary SELL-OUTS ?

By Greg Jones

As a fifty year old black man I'm at the age where my mind is full of memories. I remember how, as a child, we were all so proud as black people to be able to watch Julia on TV, the first TV series starring a black woman.

I would watch 'I Spy' co-starring Bill Cosby with excitement and a sense of connection. I remember the pride we all felt when Carl B. Stokes won as mayor here in my home of Cleveland, Ohio becoming the first black mayor of any major city. I remember the shock of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's death and the riots that resulted in many buildings being burned down in our neighborhood.

I remember the National Guard riding up and down my street in military jeeps with guns making us stop playing football forcing us to go in the house. I remember going to church each night where it seemed liked hundreds of blacks all came together, while we kids were in another area of the church in what was called 'Freedom School'. I remember listening to the preacher who preached the message....and I first learned the song....'We Shall OverCome'.

I remember looking up at the preacher, who was our leader at that time, in total belief. All throughout my growing years I have held steadfast to the message in that song.... that we shall overcome. But now, in 2008, I listen to our modern day civil rights leaders and find myself in absolute dismay. The very leaders who, since the civil rights movement of the 60's, had invigorated, motivated and preached the message that we shall overcome through being a united people, working together toward empowerment, have unbelievably chosen to support Hillary Clinton instead of a highly qualified, capable, intelligent man who is an extremely credible candidate for President of the United States and is black.

My heart just drops every time I hear an Andrew Young, Charles Rangel, Rev. Calvin Butts or a Bob Johnson making statements that question whether we should support Barack Obama, and instead, are supportive of Hillary Clinton. It makes no sense at all. How can these 'leaders' claim to have devoted their lives to black empowerment, while simultaneously doing all they can to block our progress as a people? It is the most hypocritical thing I have ever witnessed and I find it to not only be very sad but also destructive to the cause. I ask myself, how could this be? Why would our civil rights leaders be anti a black man who is truly credible, choosing rather to support a white woman instead, who has absolutely no true history of being pro-black ? So, I just wonder.

I wonder if they are truly sincere about their desire to see us as blacks overcome, or are they just in the civil rights business to make a living? I wonder if the Hillary camp has promised these 'leaders' certain benefits if they 'deliver' the black vote? If that is the case it would mean that personal gain is more important to them than actual achievement and empowerment for us as a people. So I watch as we cry out....we march....we boycott.....then our 'leaders' turn their backs on our very own. To me, that is the epitamy of a SELL-OUT ! I just hope that the average black man and woman will see through the tactics of our so called leaders, and will rally together, as we should, striving together so that one day.....We Shall Truly OverCome !

NOTE: Blacks 4 Barack was organized in July of 2007 due to the fact that at that time polls showed Hillary Clinton receiving 72% of the black vote. I found that to be absolutely ridiculous and decided (due to the credentials, credibility, leadership skills, and solid judgment of Barack Obama) along with others, to form Blacks 4 Barack to invigorate black support for Obama. I am so pleased that we, as blacks are coming together, as evident by the wonderfully strong black turnout and vote in S. Carolina despite the misleading of some. TOGETHER....with our friends of ALL races.....We WILL Make The Difference !

B. Bagley,
I was lured to this site to give Tavis a piece of my mind, however, you beat me to the point! I submit, the exact sentiment you expressed. I wanted to re-name Barack "A Dream Realized" and you did it most eloquently. Tavis has disappointed me on so many levels that I can't even listen to him anymore! How can he stand for what he says he does, and not support the brotha??? We supported him, even when I didn't know him, I was impressed and got to learn more about him. And this accountability thing... what are you talking about??? Who, exactly is holding Tavis accountable? Can we all co-exist and support one another? I don't like the feeling of Tavis Smiley educating me on what to look out for, as if he is the "Decider"; no, he is the "Divider".

Barack knows that race matters. He learned that while Tavis was pulling on Big Mama's coattail. When someone can inspire racists to become open-minded, then it is no longer rheteric. Let's keep on keeping on with Barack, and Tavis, if you are listening/reading, just know that yes, we came correct with you and WE WILL come correct with Barack!

"Race doesn't matter" was chanted by college-aged students throughout Barack Obama's SC victory speech. For them, race doesn't matter. That's what Dr. King's dream was.....now we have an opportunity to make his dream a reality. Unfortunately, many of the older generation and black elected officials and leaders are silent. They sit on the sidelines and allow Bill Clinton a president who did NOTHING to help the black community while he was president and give him a pass when he and his surrogates use racially tinged language.

The voters are not stupid, however. We know what time it is and that is why Hillary was SHELLACKED by Barack Obama. We are sick and tired of being used by the Democrat Party. What the so-called party elite really wants is for Black America to sit on the sidelines and only come out as a monolith in our vote.

Remember when Maynard Jackson was up for the top spot in the Democrat party???? Why did he not get the top spot? Tell me ONE thing that Bill Clinton did as President for Black-America, specifically targeted towards Black America? I recall welfare reform under his tenure in the White House. Name an African-American in his cabinet? This is the man who gave the OK to put to death a black man who had a vegetable for a brain, and who used Sista Souljah's dialogue on race in America for political expediency. Hmmmm ..... now a viable black candidate has the gall to actually run for President?????

It is time for Black America to say that we will not stand for it. It is time to support Barack Obama, a candidate whose platform is pretty similar to a certain former first lady. It is time to go to the voting booth and cast a historic ballot and let our children know that they can do ALL things because while race may matter to some, Dr. King's dream was that Race Would Not Matter.

Hello Tavis,

I have heard the statement on some radio talk show, what is Senator Obama going to do for the African American people?

I want to know, what does he need to do for them different from what is on his web page? On his web page under issues he has a great outline describing his plan. On Senator Clinton’s, web page I could not find anything at all stating what she is going to do for the African Americans; neither have I heard people asking what is Senator Clinton going to do for them?

It is true that former President Clinton did more for the blacks than any other President before him, besides Lincoln however; President Clinton was elected because of the black vote, who demanded he help the blacks if he wanted their vote. It was the blacks who held his feet to the fire, other than that he went to sleep on us the same way he did in the church service.

Hillary, is a different issue; she should not get a pass simply because of what her husband. This is nothing more than a calculated plan for the Clintons to make history for themselves that started eight years ago. She was elected by New York because of her husband; what has she ever led on her own without the aid of her husband? I want to see that record.

This is first black man with a real chance of changing and making history in the United States and again there are some blacks who don’t want him in office, he could not do no worse than Bush, but with the support of the American he could make a change.

It is a shame that the people will vote in a women before a man, and accept a white woman before a black man to be leader of the United States.

I am not only disgusted by all of the bourgeouisie that have jumped on the Clinton bandwagon, I am saddened and want to know exactly how much they have been paid for their services.

I keep hearing how Bill was the "first black President", as a black woman I would really like to know what qualifies him to have that title; and yet Obama is not black enough. The nerve of them to forget - under Clinton, "welfare reform" kicked 1.2m children off of the curb, families that didn't make more than $100k were the main ones that did do better. Those of us under that didn't make out, wages weren't going up for those at the lower end of the pay scale didn't benefit from the largesse. I'm tired of the game that is really taking our focus off of the real issues that are facing not just the black community - but most of us as Americans such
as: healthcare, affordable housing, education, childcare, etc. Enough is enough - stay on focus.

The recent turmoil that presently engulfs the Democratic primaries is quite disturbing. The Clintons (Bill & Hillary) are utilizing classic Willie Lynch maneuvers to obtain POWER and our people who continue to suffer from mental leprosy as a result of our sojourn in this country fall for the nonsense hook, line, and sinker. It is beyond insulting for a black man to have to answer a question about a white man regardless of his so-called affinity for us, was he truly the first Black President? Emphatically NO! The slave master had affinity for his niggras also...as long as they did his bidding!

I've been following the Democratic race closely. Based on my observations, the media is holding Obama to a much higher standard than Clinton with regard to discussion about race and gender. In addition, I would go so far as to say Clinton is chopping at the bits for an opportunity to play the victim card should Obama make a comment with racial or gender under/overtones. It's really sad. Obama can't afford to instigate a race or gender war. Clinton would win that war all day everyday. More Americans (including the media) would choose her side because she is a white female (not to mention her husband, who's a notable white male).

Frankly, I thought Clinton's comments about King were very inappropriate. She tried to use King to deemphasize Obama's campaign message of "Hope and Change." Unfortunately, her argument backfired because it was logically incorrect (and she used King in the wrong context). Also, I think the media let her off easy. In fact, it appeared as if the news channels were trying to cover it up (because they skirted the issue).

In the end, I'm very pleased with the way Obama has handled the Clinton machine. He's remained focused in spite of the attacks. Every time Clinton attacks, it backfires and reveals just how shrewd she really is (King comments, Johnson comments, union lawsuit etc.). I hope the people are taking notice.

Since we’re talking about race, since when has it been okay for the media to marginalize black voters and the legitimacy of our vote? Don’t act like y’all don’t know what I’m talking about. How many times have you heard the following (or something similar)?

“Black voters are going to support Obama now that they realize he has a chance to win the Democratic nomination.”

What evidence do they have to support such a claim? Jessie Jackson? Shirley Chisholm?

I love my mother more than life itself-my sisters are strong women not weak like white women. So why would strong black women choose a white woman over their brother who would like to see change in our community-A father who is tired of having to take any job he can get-A son who has never had a job-Black women why do you hate us brothers? Don't make excuses if you vote for any white person when you don't understand white people! They will never fight over us as a people; again they stick together-At least in my city they do! Gated community

This is all to predictable and familiar. Race isn't even a factor. It's a tool used to manipulate people into reacting to nothing. Senator Obama is very well liked and the Clintons were once in the White House; as a result they provided good legislation that helped a lot of people, not just blacks. I like the Clintons, but I remind myself that President Bill Clinton was simply doing his job. And Americans don't owe him a thing.

There's no loyalty in politics, nor should they be. Each candidate should be judged on his or her own merit! Case closed. If you think Senator Hillary Clinton is the best person, then vote for her. If you think Senator Barack Obama is the best candidate, then vote for him. But don't be manipulated.

I'm voting for Senator Barack Obama based on his platform for healthcare and education and veterans assistance recommendations, and his keen sensibilities about how to conduct foreign policy. He's been criticized for his stance on the Iraq war, but he was right. It's being downplayed, but he's been right about many things that are in urgent need of change. Senator Obama has good sound judgment. Intelligent to boot. I'm listening to all the candidates. I would switch to another candidate in a nano second if I thought they had a better grasp on the issues that affect our nation. Senator Obama is consistent with his ideas and resolutions. He's setting himself apart from the others as far as I'm concerned and he has raised the bar...This isn't a black voter, voting black. This is about voting for the right person. For me, that's what this is all about, nothing more.

I agree with the comment made by Tracy Sibbing. Race cannot be ignored in any campaign, but I still believe that the issues of race that have been brought up over the past week have been blown way out of proportion by the media. I watched Barack, Hillary, and Edwards last night, and they all looked as if they were old chums. The bottom line is, in the end, only one of these candidates is going to be on the ballot in November, and the other two are going to support them. Meanwhile they have to play the game of politics.

Our jobs as African Americans is do as Tavis keeps reminding us - hold each of them accountable for the real issues. Not only that, but we also need to make sure that we are doing our part.

As I was discussing this issue with my mother last night, she reminded me that in the end it will not matter which one of these candidates makes it to the White House; we all need to make sure we are doing our part. We need to make sure that we are voting, attending school board meetings, staying up on our congressional representatives to make sure they are taking our issues to Washington, and overall make sure that we are doing something to contribute to our communities. Yes we must hold our candidates accountable, but we too must be accountable as well. Once again Tavis thank you for standing up for what you believe, because if we do not stand for something, we will fall for anything!!!

I am writing in reference to the comments made by Tavis on the Tom Joyner morning show. I don't have many opportunities to listen to your show(s) but when I do get the chance I am often moved beyond words. I know that, for some, the information and opinions that you share on the Tom Joyner show may be their only exposure to what's happening in politics and in our world. I am thankful that you spread the truth but more importantly that you challenge us as individuals to look deeper, to become engaged in change and to stand up for what is just.

The issue of race and gender cannot be ignored during this political campaign because it is a historic moment in time. It is exciting to have two viable candidates running for office that are not white men - long overdue! However, your comments this morning were on point.

Healthcare, home foreclosures, domestic violence and so many other issues should be the focus. It is time to come together as a strong voice for change. One of the candidates will receive the nomination and we cannot afford for that person to have to focus on repairing damage inflicted by a fellow party member during the primary. Whoever receives the nomination will have enough to contend with coming from the other party.