Reader Posts
« previous | TPM CAFÉ READER POSTS HOME | next »
Bob Johnson Had The Right Response For Tavis Smiley
A few years ago Tavis Smiley was boohooing on the Tom Joyner Morning
Show after being fired by Bob Johnson, the former BET president. After
being a witness to the cancerous growth of Smiley's super-sized ego, I think Mr. Johnson deserves a medal for his actions.
Now Smiley who is known
for "blanking" on people wants to take his wrath out on Barack Obama
for refusing his offer to appear at Smiley's upcoming Covenant with Black America Summit in New Orleans.
Yes, it's the same summit that could have taken place before the
recent Louisiana primary when it would have been more timely.
Special
memo to Tavis, the candidates are now battling for delegates in the
upcoming presidential primaries in Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Smiley who doesn't
appear to be capable of seeing the forest for the trees, needs a
reminder that Mr. Obama happens to be a little busy right now.
As
was the case with John Kerry, I am proud of Mr. Obama for not
participating in Smiley's ring kissing ritual. Also like Kerry, Obama
can expect Smiley to be a detractor throughout his campaign for not
kowtowing to him.
When Obama recently called into Joyner's
Morning Show with an explanation of why he could not attend the summit,
co-host Sybil Wilkes asked him to call Tavis to smooth things over. My
response to that request would have required a time delay.
Comments (7)
Did you read the article at The Root on this?
It opens:
Who put Tavis Smiley in charge?
Over the past two months African Americans have emerged as equal partners in a multi-racial, intergenerational, bipartisan, national coalition led by the most exciting political candidate of the past four decades, who also happens to be the first viable African-American presidential possibility in our history. So why is Tavis Smiley throwing a temper tantrum?
You should read it and I agree with her. I also agree (faint) with Roland Martin's piece on this silly subject too. I've never thought much of Smiley and these past two years have only proven to the rest of black America what I've been saying for eons.
February 19, 2008 4:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, I hadn't read about Tavis in The Root, but I did follow your link and read the article. thank you for that. I have listened to Tavis since he was first featured on the Tom Joyner Morning Show (TJMS). I have purchased two of his books. I have heard him speak in person at least three times and he once visited my church when in my city for a book signing.
Originally, I was an admirer, but success went to his head when he started reading his press clippings. And the cast on TJMS does him a disservice by constantly pandering to this spoiled child. Recently on TJMS, he refused to give his commentary when Aretha Franklin referred to him as Tavis who? and Booga Pudding. Was it Aretha referring to him as "Tavis who" or "Booga Pudding" that upset him so badly. It's anybody's guess.
I listened to Tavis this morning on TJMS and his tone concerning Obama was more reserved. I think he got the message. Tavis may have acted stupid, but I don't think he is dumb.
February 20, 2008 12:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Bob Johnson shouldn't be painted in such a positive light. He let Tavis go because there was no malt liquor or pimpin' in his news show. Bob Johnson is the scum of the Earth.
That being said, Tavis is a jackass.
February 19, 2008 5:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
TM, I was not praising Mr.Johnson, but simply saying that this was one business decision that he made with which I agree.
February 20, 2008 12:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Tavis reminds me of Charlie Rose. More interested in his own questions than he is the answers he puts me to sleep.
February 19, 2008 5:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Charlie Rose doesn't hold political conventions where he proclaims to have the best interests of White America as the focus.
I do see PBS grooming Tavis to replace Rose eventually.
February 19, 2008 6:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't see this comparison, but I don't watch Charlie Rose a whole lot either.
February 20, 2008 2:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
Post a Comment