Since I live in Sydney, I am not listening to the Michael Baisden show anymore, though when I was back in Virginia for December and January, I listened faithfully. Baisden is a major national black radio host.  While in Virginia, I witnessed Michael Baisden's gradual conversion to an Obama supporter, though he still makes an effort to appear neutral. To Baisden's credit, he demands of his listeners that they educate themselves on the candidates. He challenges Clinton loyalists to explain what Bill Clinton did that they admire, and he admonishes any black or female voter for voting their race or gender.

He also encouraged his listeners to send in tough questions to ask all three candidates before their appearances on his show, and heaped great praise on Edwards in particular for his performance in debates, his position on the issues, and his compelling appearance on the radio show. Some of the questions posed to them were exceedingly more interesting than those posed at the 18 debates thus far.

Meanwhile, Tom Joyner, the most popular national black radio host, has long been a fan of the Clintons and was not too impressed with Obama initially. I am told now, he has been very slowly giving Obama more credit, and may even be leaning his way, though I am not at all sure of this.

And then there is Tavis Smiley...

Rumor is Smiley is unhappy. Tavis Smiley invited Barack Obama to speak at the annual State of the Black Union, to be held in New Orleans on February 23. Obama very respectfully declined, and Smiley is none too pleased.

Hillary Clinton accepted.

Here is Obama's response to the invitation:

    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


This issue has started an animated discussion on the Baisden show and its message boards and I am hard pressed to understand Smiley's anger over Obama's declining his offer at this most crucial time in the election. It is also puzzling that Smiley should think his anger/offense(?) would be shared by the average black voter who understands that when you are running for President of the United States, and are in a delegate tie with the nomination in the balance, you don't leave the campaign trail to go to a state you've already won to attend an event such as this - especially when your opponents would be overjoyed to have you successfully pigeonholed as the black man's candidate.

Elsewhere: Roland Martin addresses the issue on Anderson Cooper 360.

It will be interesting to see if anything is made of this when the media covers Hillary Clinton's appearance at the event.