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Mon, 12/10/2007 - 00:22 | Politics
Despite the hoopla this past weekend around Oprah's support of Sen. Obama, a Pew Research Center study offers some interesting data on the influence of endorsements on the majority of voters:
When compared with several other celebrities and public figures, Winfrey is more influential than most, ranking on a par with Bill Gates and slightly behind Alan Greenspan. But most Americans say endorsements by celebrities and other well-known figures, including Oprah, would not affect their voting decisions. In addition to celebrities/public figures, the study also assesses the potential influence of clergy, elected officials, and local newspapers.How, if at all, is your vote influenced by endorsements?
The Covenant with Black America
Comments
Let's take a closer look at
Let's take a closer look at who's really qualified and or who's really working for the good of all of us in the Senate. Obama or Clinton.
Senator Clinton, who has served only one full term - 6yrs. - and another year campaigning, has managed to author and pass into law - 20 - twenty pieces of legislation in her first six years. These bills can be found on the website of the Library of Congress www.thomas.loc.gov, but to save you trouble, I'll post them here for you.
1. Establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site.
2. Support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month.
3. Recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
4. Name courthouse after Thurgood Marshall.
5. Name courthouse after James L. Watson.
6. Name post office after Jonn A. O'Shea.
7. Designate Aug. 7, 2003, as National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
9. Honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton on the bicentennial of his death.
10. Congratulate the Syracuse Univ. Orange Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
11. Congratulate the Le Moyne College Dolphins Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
12. Establish the 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemorative Program.
13. Name post office after Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda.
14. Honor Shirley Chisholm for her service to the nation and express condolences on her death.
15. Honor John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, firefighters who lost their lives on duty. Only five of Clinton's bills are, more substantive.
16. Extend period of unemployment assistance to victims of 9/11.
17. Pay for city projects in response to 9/11 18. Assist landmine victims in other countries.
19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care.
20. Designate part of the National Forest System in Puerto Rico as protected in the wilderness preservation system.
There you have it, the fact's straight from the Senate Record.
Now, I would post those of Obama's, but the list is too substantive, so I'll mainly categorize. During the first - 8 - eight years of his elected service he sponsored over 820 bills. He introduced:
233 regarding healthcare reform,
125 on poverty and public assistance,
112 crime fighting bills,
97 economic bills,
60 human rights and anti-discrimination bills,
21 ethics reform bills,
15 gun control,
6 veterans affairs and many others.
His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427. These included the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006 - became law; the Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act, - became law; the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, passed the Senate; the 2007 Government Ethics Bill, - became law; the Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill, in committee, and many more.
In all, since entering the U.S. Senate, Senator Obama has written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1096. An impressive record, for someone who supposedly has no record according to some who would prefer that this comparison not be made public. He's not just a talker. He's a doer. Pass it on....It's impressive.
The Action of an individual
The Action of an individual speak louder than words...And...politicians speak a lot of words. America does not need another action figure; we need a strong male figure to take the lead and take action. Star Power is fine in its place.
However, political power affects the whole human race. We do not need secret surveillance of innocent women and men. Why control our minds through technology? We the people still have the power to Pray. One Nation UNDER God...is who and what we are. No, my vote is not influenced by endorsements of
movie stars.
I don't think the endorsement
I don't think the endorsement of any famous person matters in this election. Obama has Oprah and Hillary has Magic. Why does it seem as if everything Obama does is wrong but there is little conversation about Hillary's actions? It is about the message you hear from the candidates during the 2008 election and who you feel is able to give the changes and improvement in this country. I am a little disappointed in the commentaries from Tavis and some of the news media because everyone seems to be making this election about race and it is not. Since the last election and many years prior to this election we have been stressing black people to vote and let their voices be heard. Now that has happened with the SC Primary on Jan 26th and the media and some people black and white want to make this election about race. We really need to stick to the facts and what's at stake here. Everyone is entitled to vote for whom they choose and let their vote count as their voice in this election. Obama's results in SC are a result of black people now voting and letting their vote count.
I just finished a
I just finished a conversation with a couple of brothers I work with at the office and issue centered around politics. While we discussed the hopes of black inspirations in the current race, the issue of past black candidates came up. I recall the prominent black candidates over the last twenty years, at least thought that I had. There's Obama, Jesse, Sharpton, Chisholm and the one that I could not remember...Allan Keys.
It's a given that blacks have a significant voting block in politics. One that is often not given credit for its cold and calculated ability to dissect truth of character and predictability. The ability to hold a candidate's words to our bosom or his feet to the fire. While one of us argued the praise for Reagan's Military Pay raises and against Clinton's involvement in Kosovo (Not ME). I would have been persuaded of faith based initiatives economy growth and marriage standards if the messenger wasn't an idiot.
Today there is a legitimate, most likely capable (as well as the next) candidate and many of us have argued whether he meets the black test (as compared to who?) whether he has the experience (as compared to who?) or whether he can unite the country (as compared to who?). There is no question that the man is qualified as compared to many in the political game. It appears we are looking for leadership in a potential black president and the problem is that we don't have a unified agenda he or anyone else can lead. Therefore we continue to wonder if the bread crumbs will fall on our side of the table.
We tell our kids they can grow to be what ever they dream to be. But we never let them forget it needs a white man's approval. Get the agenda down first.
Start the process of getting leadership in office that looks like you. Even if the first one isn't as successful eventually it will get better.. Anyone ever heard of try, try again.
Eventually you will not have to worry were the breads going to fall if you will get off your ass and sit at the damn table and butter your own bread. And shut up too...you talk too much, do something.
Ok let's see if I have this
Ok let's see if I have this right- Black women would like to see a white woman as President while their brothers, fathers, husbands and son are underemployed in most cities across America! A white woman who never seems to talk to black men about our problems [ANYBODY SEEN HER TALKING TO BLACK MEN]. Obama, what has this brother done to have so many Black Folk thinking of voting white. How many Obamas are in the Black community that whites as well as others will vote for if he has his back!!!! His back-As James would say!!!!! I'M BLACK AN I'M PROUD SAY IT LOUD. We are a lost people when some of us would rather see a white person continue to lie to us! Continue giving our community bad schools [no money]. Jobs for Black men not national from Mexico! What is Mrs. Clinton saying to you BROTHERS AND SISTERS that I'm not hearing?
As a responsible African
As a responsible African American mother, I feel Senator Barack Obama is the only way to go. Right now my daughter is in the process of applying to law schools. She worked so hard to achieve a 4.0 in college and the whole while I was telling her, “Yes You Can”. This was before I even heard that phrase from Senator Obama. When she started getting letters from Harvard, Stanford, NYU, etc.. she got nervous and said that she did not think that she could do it. I responded, “Yes You Can”
Her father was murdered at the age of 9 and she felt abandoned. She was raised in a mostly white community and she did not have any positive African American male figures in her life. She started dating a boy of another race and I was curious why she did not want to date any one of the same descent and she said she did not think she could find any positive African American men. I told her, “Yes You Can.” Not that it is anything wrong with her dating someone outside her race, because “Yes She Can.”
Recently she called me one afternoon crying after she went to go see Senator Obama. She said he restored her faith in mankind. He painted a picture of hope and possibilities. She said, “Mommy, Yes I Can be a success at anything that I set out to do and I Will be. I did not know too much about Senator Obama at that time, but I wanted to find out who is this man that blossomed the message I planted in my child.
From that day forward I have been on his bandwagon. Everything I read about him I agreed with or at least understand his thinking.
As an African American woman, it does my heart well to know that he will have to go home to look in the face of a woman that looks like me. Not only that, he is IN LOVE with a woman that is like me. He is me and I am him. To deny him an opportunity to prove that he can make a difference, is to deny myself and child that same opportunity. I recently liked Hillary, but I believe this is the time to take the next step and move forward. He is the most educated of both parties. If we do not do it now, we may not have another chance. I just do not believe that the Clintons are my saviors.
We have to take a stand for children and grandchildren and show them that Yes They Can.
Dear MR.TRAVIS, My opinion
Dear MR.TRAVIS,
My opinion about Mr. Obama is he could be our next president of this county, but he will not be our only black president. This man seems to be smart and know what's down the line for him. Clinton wants black vote on her husband's honor, but I was insulted when they call bill black. He's a good actor; people should realize he stopped a lot of programs for blacks. I am 63 years old and I will see a black president this year.
Your Jan.7, 2008 TJMS was
Your Jan.7, 2008 TJMS was right on point. I wrote Nancy Peloski; did She allow Pres. Bush to ignore the constitution? Dems took the House. We should hold everyone accountable, even the plumber. I understood your commentary. Would have written earlier, didn't think people would be blinded by the "ignorance light". Gave, 12 copies of Covenant 1 & 2. Gave "This I Know" for Christmas gifts.
Tavis your critics must be the same people who did not understand Bill Cosby, on self sufficiency. I believe it is time to resurrect "WHAT" the "Covenant/WBA" means. Glad you told those people to go read and re-read the Covenant. I get IT.
Continue in good health.
PBS is 12:30 THUR, UNCG-TV Channel 4, I tape it. I appreciate you, I appreciate your mind, love your spirit, you have the HEART/Soul. Accountability has no racial color or gender. Shirley Stroud
Watching the primary last
Watching the primary last night on CNN was the most exciting televised event seen on T.V. in a long time. Even though Barack Obama lost by 2%, which is a very close and small margin, I still say it's not over -it has just begun. I was so excited to see such energy between the two parties that I lost track of time last night. I watched the entire event.
I like Hillary and Bill Clinton but their words against Senator Obama will make me drop my favor towards them in a heart beat! Leave Obama alone Bill, before your black card gets revoked!
Senator Obama scares the Hell out of the Traditional Americans. The new generation sees the vision, but the old generation is stuck on old principles like a fly on honey. Like a wise man once said: At every crossway to the road that leads to the future, each progressive (old heads) spirits are opposes by a thousand men appointed to guard the past".
I'm not prejudiced when I make this statement, it's just honest from the heart. I'm so tired of old white men running this country six feet under. We are so far in the dark that even bloodhounds find it hard to dig us free. Finding our way out of the dark will take COURAGE AND HOPE! We have for so long voted for an old white man to run this country because we didn't have any other options; now that we do have an option, it feels so refreshing to see history in the making.
Hillary didn't move me with her fakeable tears at will. Hillary didn't take Senator Obama serious until after Iowa. Now that she sees she has a real contender, she is pulling every trick she has out to trip him up; not happening Hil.
When I saw how Bill and Hillary attacked Obama, that did it for me. I refuse to sit back and let them attack Obama as if he is a throw-away child. My vote will be going to Senator Obama-yes indeed! So Hillary, trump up so more of your fakeable tears, because you’re going to need them-it won't be an easy road for you and Bill, like you once thought! (IWES) It won’t be simple.
I am an American woman of
I am an American woman of African American decent and I have not made up my mind yet on whom I will cast my ballot. However, the comments that I overwhelmingly hear from the pundits and commentators concerning why blacks and especially black women should support Senator Obama have really started to irritate me. Why it is the assumption that all blacks should support Obama’s candidacy? We are individuals and think as individuals or should.
My five year old daughter and I were picking out a new placemat for her spot at the dinner table; she had several choices one of which was the pictures of the U.S. Presidents, she took a moment to look at the faces and said “I don’t want that one” when I asked why she replied “There are no girls on it”. Her concern was not that there were no black faces but no one she identified with.
Please give the voters more credit than voting based on what you tell us to be concerned about and for just one moment consider that we are voting based on personal convictions. If it is truly the desire of this nation to move past judging people by the color of their skin then don’t expect someone to vote based on what we all say shouldn’t be a criterion for judgment.
Not at all. I do my own
Not at all. I do my own research-endorsement. Certain unions, groups of people,churches, and organizations will cause me not to vote for a candidate.
You hit the nail on the head
You hit the nail on the head choclate boy!
Read today Rev Al is meeting
Read today Rev Al is meeting with Bill Clinton. Have any of you forgotten DR KINGS DREAM? Blacks would vote for another who would do for some in high places but for the rest fish or cut bait. Stop it; Whites do not have our best interest at heart or we wouldn't see the foul attack on a Black Man like was done to Harold Ford Jr. Power comes when we stick together like we did in the 50-70's, the times most talked about. Let's return to those days and stop being oreo's; come back home.
I am having a hard time
I am having a hard time understanding black america on Mr. OBAMA. I have been hearing black folks all my life saying we will never see a black president in their life and am one of them. Neither party cares about Afro Americans, Black Folks, not any of the past presidents cared about our race. Nor were they qualified to run this country yet, we black americans, afro american, black folks voted for some of them (presidents). Just vote for Mr. Obama; what other problems and issues can he bring into office as president? The two Bushes have not solved any problems nor issues and this country will be in bad shape for the next twenty years with or without Mr. Obama in office. If you're going to waste a vote, pull the lever for him; you will never know how good he may be as a president. Are We scared of "THE FIRST NEGRO" syndrome?
Celebrity support has no bearing on Mr. Obama and the coming election; it's about getting to the polls and vote.
With all of the hype around
With all of the hype around celebrity endorsements drowning out the candidates voices, you can barely hear the candidates talk in more than 30 second increments. I'm not opposed to endorsements, but I think that the public-at-large has been dumbed down to the 30 second sound-bite; the issues facing this country cannot be summed up in 30 seconds.
As for people professing they need the candidates to profess their faith if I remember correctly the current President eschewed his "faith" and "religious conviction"; many people were bamboozled into voting for this man & his mis-administration. With the resulting aftermath, I'd rather not have a repeat, thank you.
What I would like is for all good people of conscious to vote understanding the issues- both facing this county as a whole and as communities. Yes, there will be
issues that not everyone will agree on, but there are core issues (e.g.-health-care, affordable housing, elites getting tax breaks while the people pay the bills, jobs, etc) that we can coalesce around that should be supported by everyone.
I think that celebrity endorsement is fine - I just hope that this time we all pay attention to the details.
While Ms. Winfrey shouldn't
While Ms. Winfrey shouldn't really influence many voters, what she will do is bring a larger and a more diverse audience than those other folk. Now that = a lot nicer mic & some big ole speakers. HOLLA!!
There are so many candidates!
There are so many candidates! We should look at endorsements as that person's personal choice. We should really study the candidates (there is enough time), pray about it, and get the answer from God on who He has selected as our leader. There is too much at stake to just take a celebrity's endorsement of a candidate and not make our own choice. Keep up the good work, Tavis!!
Hi Rebecca I feel the same
Hi Rebecca
I feel the same way you do. I feel it is important to build a community with people that share your interest. I like posting on Tavis Smiley page but so often the conversation stops after several comments. It’s not his fault but I think if we want that community to grow beyond his website I think we will have to initiate it. Here is my email address laprice8888@yahoo.com. This is not my main email address. I just don’t want to post the main email address on the web page for security purposes. But you can reach me here or anyone else that would like to contact me…
I am not influenced at all by
I am not influenced at all by celebrity endorsements but I am glad that some are.
I have been concerned with the apathy of so many potential voters given the voting machine issues and the absurd portrayal of the african american voter in the mass media.
I think however there are some who will pay attention if for no other reason than to ask the question---"who lit a fire under Oprah". I am praying that this attention will allow some to become familiar with Obama and what he is about.
An aside: Mr. Smiley---I have a bone to pick with you that does not fit anywhere else that I have seen so far.
I wish that those of you with the requisite visablity would consider STOPPING talking about the african american communities as though they were all urban or all impoverished. I wish you would stop ignoring those of us who have accomplished things but are NOT the Cornell Wests of the world!
The Black middle class is invisible to the white population and we continued to be defined by the least of us instead of the "majority" of us. With all due respect---I think you have added to a lot of this perspective!
Please---the next time an interviewer decides to discuss "THE" black community with you or choses to refer to all of us as though we were all hip hoppers---would you note that this is not now, nor was it ever true! There have always been successful, educated, african americans and their contributions should not be allowed to go unmentioned in an effort to make a point.
My second request---although it is wonderful to have an opportunity to respond to your thoughts here---I wish you would give consideration to having a posting community where we could discuss with one another. I have had a hell of a time finding a good african american site to discuss politics with my own people on line.
Maher has several sites that have allowed his followers to for communities where debates could take place.
His real time site with HBO has given rise to a community of friends around the country (and has attracted a lot of trolls--it goes with the package). It also allows the posters to create topics they would like to discuss. The format is managed by Liveworld ---hint hint!
Last, tonight on Dan Abrams MSNBC show they talked about the devastating changes that have occurred in the civil rights division of the DOJ. The transcript is not available yet but I personally see this as a critical issue for african americans to be alerted to. I hope that you will open that discussion soon. Perhaps you even know a lawyer or two who would enlighten us a bit on what we are seeing transpire (in light of occurrences like the Jena 6).
This summer I told all teenage boys I know to be aware that there may or may not be laws that will protect them. I think our boys (and girls) should be alerted to the drastic changes that are taking place in the legal system. They have no concept of NOT having the freedom to be as wrong as a white child.
Sorry to be so long winded. I hope to be a participant here from now on.
Endorsements? That kind of
Endorsements? That kind of stuff doesn't phase me because I like to think for myself. But in a case where some staunch Republican like Bush endorses Haley Barbour or any other politician, I know to stay far away from that person because birds of those type of feathers always flock together. Really though I would give the person time to be heard then I would judge for myself.
In my sixty plus years I have
In my sixty plus years I have noticed a growing influence of celebrity on our lives. I believe it is because of the scarcity of champions in our midst. So, we seek alliances that are conversational to our peers. Celebrity endorsements allow us to talk about someone that a larger society will know about. After all, we are basically "followers", and that means we need to have a view that tends to be intimate and long lasting. In the black community we seek that intimacy to a fault. We got into the polling place do something wild and crazy. Then it is important to have someone we can know and we can love.
When it comes to Obama and Winfrey - people will do that crazy thing in the polls on election day. It is how we win win. The difference this time is that the Blacks who are most likely to vote will think the worst of these two and vote backwards, because in the end they just will believe that the unthinkable can be done in this country. We, Blacks or African-Americans, still do not believe that These people are real; that they have real hope and aspiration for people of all nationalities in the country; That anyone would want the seemingly worst job in America.
Obama - if he wants to win Winfrey VOTERS he is going to have to hold and kiss babies; Put children in his advertisements; show up at a place where no one has gone; he will have to appear on Sesame Street; he will have to stop at the VA center - again; and he will round table with seniors - on their turf. And, lastly he will need faces like mine - faces of Black veterans of WWI, WW2, Korea, Viet Nam (mine) and the face of the Hispanics who joined the military to gain his citizenship.
I believe in the man who is Obama - but he going to have to MAN-UP now!!
I respect and admire Ms.
I respect and admire Ms. Winfrey for her commitment to her views; however, on some major issues of importance for me, we disagree and that’s alright. I make it a point of informing myself about the candidates regardless of who is endorsing them. Celebrity support of a candidate doesn’t automatically qualify their opinions as gospel; this also applies to clergy. The current administration should be a poignant example of how we can be deceived when we are not cautious. Many of us who thought we were voting on the side of a righteous agenda, today find our voices smothered and ignored. I pray we recognize that men are just human, and God is God.
I live in Illinois and I am well acquainted with the work of Senator Obama; if he’s half as productive as President as he has been as a Senator, this world has a hope. I just happen to agree with Ms. Winfrey that he is “the one” who can move us into a new era of politics. When Winfrey, Glover, Streisand, Norris, or my minister, for that fact, puts their stamp of approval on a candidate, I don’t hold their choices sacred or greater than that of my own; “look to the hills”.
How, if at all, is your vote
How, if at all, is your vote influenced by endorsements?
Being that we are in a crunch-die heart for change-endorsements may be a thing of the past. I think we really got a hunger for change it’s almost certain that no matter who endorses whom-this time around just might be different. Personally I love me so Oprah… lawd knows I do, but sorry Oprah-Obama has got to convince me of his agenda for change. Under former circumstances Oprah endorsement would have worked for me but time has changed. We have too many issues under scrutiny now and we can thank the Bush Administration for that. I have Obama 2008 sticker on my car but yet I’m still not convinced of his agenda. I like Hillary-but still not convinced. I’m still the confused old possum in the middle of the road-can someone help me to the social decision corner?
Obama; to me his color is not considered as a sufficient testimony against him but what could be the hump in the camel's back for him is the same old political language. Vote for me I’m your man! I can make changes that will make a difference! Yeah… Yeah …we have heard that one even in our sleep.
What I really look for in a candidate is not so much of the words he/she says but the heart of that man/woman.. If you can track the hearts past rhythm- that alone is the key to where that person stands. It is his/her past heart beats that will make a difference to me… What are you passionate about? Does it connect to my passion? Do you have the right heart beat for the kids, community, education, economy? Or will you just be like the rest of the tongue wagers with vain words and a corrupt heart murmur.
This Country has been run my by so many men who promise to stand for the people (the kids) but have done otherwise. Its time out for Carnal minded men- we need a Man Of God… A man that is lead by the spirit of God and not by his large amount of testosterone. We need to know what God thinks and we need that man/woman to be in tune with what God really wants for this country…Not wimpy, not Napoleon but we need a Job. Job was a man of character a man of integrity a man that carried the troubles of this world on his shoulder topped with mockery of his misery but yet he wore the lashes of the people with pride. Lobbyist couldn’t peruse him from his beliefs. His own wife told him to curse God and die but that couldn’t happen in Jobs faithfulness... Can we get a Job for President?
Any man that can look an innocent child in the eye (Bush) black/white/etc and not reach his hand out and make a smooth path for them to walk on is a heartless man.
Bush looked at our kids—gave them the smirk smile and left all our kids behind... What good is a man when he can’t even take care of his kids? He can walk out on them and leave them homeless, insurance less, jobless and yet the four footer can pounce under his roof-smile at his family, sit down at his dinner table while he listen to the whales of the other kids crying out for help. Tell me what kind of man could do that? I can only think of a selfish individual who could consider that kind of behavior.
Here America stands with so much love for the helpless four legged animals and yet NO love for our kids. What America is this now the Land of the Free the home of the WHO-SELFISH?? America has gotten so outraged by the mistreatment of the four legged animal but yet sits silently while our kids die from neglect... We need to examine America’s consciousness; something has been deprogrammed by the Mental Power Rangers. Something has happen over decades to cause a mental fuse to erupt and the thinking process has been tampered down to the lowest level of thinking with substantial amount of brain damage, leaving only the dead cells in tact. We are in danger- a mental outage and no one seems to notice-I guess we need four legs and a loud bark like Petey the Pit-bull to get them to focus on our kids. This is just my observation- maybe I’m the only one with an x-ray vision …
MuchLoveInEssence