General Discussion

brush

(61,033 posts)

5. i second that.

Sun Jul 21, 2013, 03:19 PM

Jul 2013

Green monster time: Somehow they think President Obama came from out of nowhere and usurped their position as the heirs to the throne of black leadership. They were poised to take over from Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson while adding an "intellectual" gravitas that would validate themselves even more as the anointed ones.

This goes back to the mid-2000s when Smiley was a huge Hillary supporter and she was the presumptive Dem nominee for the 2008 presidential campaign. He may even have envisioned himself as a running mate, or at least a high level appointee when Hillary won.

But that got all screwed up when upstart Obama arrived on the scene. He even had the nerve during the campaign to bow out of an invitation to appear on Smiley's annual "State of Black America" TV panel show.
He claimed to be busy (he actually was, running for president and all). Michelle, no slouch herself, was going to sub for him but Smiley wouldn't have it and that incident added fuel to his already building jealousy.

It's been downhill since with Smiley and West bashing the President whenever they get a chance.

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Highlight:

Tavis Smiley On Obama's Trayvon Martin Speech: 'He Was Pushed To That Podium' (VIDEO) [View all] WillyT Jul 2013 OP

i don't agree CatWoman Jul 2013 #1

Hey Cat... I Don't Necessarily Agree, But... Since I Was Basically Accused Of Being A Racist... WillyT Jul 2013 #12

Why are you avoiding my questions regarding your post on that thread? msanthrope Jul 2013 #16

What I Was Saying... WillyT Jul 2013 #20

I do not find your explanation credible. nt msanthrope Jul 2013 #91

Well No Shit Sherlock... WillyT Jul 2013 #92

I smear you? No, I think your original post and your explanation of said msanthrope Jul 2013 #93

How do you know this? How do you know how much Liberal_Stalwart71 Jul 2013 #160

Why do you find it objectionable? It is an opinion that is all. Why are opinions that sabrina 1 Jul 2013 #141

Sabrina, I don't answer your questions. If you have a question about a word I've used, there msanthrope Jul 2013 #145

Your opinions on other people's opinions are listed on Google? sabrina 1 Jul 2013 #148

Oh give it up. Your reaction to that speech was to try to come up with a way geek tragedy Jul 2013 #36

Did You See Post #20 ??? WillyT Jul 2013 #41

Willy Cali_Democrat Jul 2013 #59

So Is Yours... WillyT Jul 2013 #74

What the fuck does your asinine theory that Obama isn't 'tough enough' geek tragedy Jul 2013 #96

I Honestly Answered A Question Asked Of Me... WillyT Jul 2013 #101

Cool story bro. Not fooling anyone. nt geek tragedy Jul 2013 #104

Well Hell Dude... Take Your Swings... The Fact That This Story... WillyT Jul 2013 #108

Funny, all the stories I've seen involve the reaction of Trayvon's parents to Obama's geek tragedy Jul 2013 #110

Nailed it...nt SidDithers Jul 2013 #112

And What... It Shouldn't Be Discussed Here ??? WillyT Jul 2013 #113

Got your hand caught in the race troll cookie jar, and now playing the victim. geek tragedy Jul 2013 #117

That is a personal attack. Please explain what was wrong about Willy's opinion? I did not read his sabrina 1 Jul 2013 #143

Tavis does not represent all black people: In fact, he is a well known Obama hater and basher HipChick Jul 2013 #2

thank you CatWoman Jul 2013 #3

Rightly characterized on Twitter as the "Statler and Waldorf" CakeGrrl Jul 2013 #4

Yep...I hate the way people dig them out as if their opinion counts for anything.. HipChick Jul 2013 #6

They trot out Smiley and West CakeGrrl Jul 2013 #7

and would it hurt Cornel West to buy a bloody comb?????? CatWoman Jul 2013 #9

He definitely needs a makeover. nt brush Jul 2013 #13

good comparison KittyWampus Jul 2013 #11

Exactly! And ProSense Jul 2013 #23

they are on chicago`s progressive station on sunday afternoon. madrchsod Jul 2013 #84

i second that. brush Jul 2013 #5

Hater and basher? burnodo Jul 2013 #26

You don't know the backstory. Read it before Liberal_Stalwart71 Jul 2013 #161

Thank you. All you have to do is look at the responses at the black posters in this thread Number23 Jul 2013 #51

Question: How Does One Determine That A DUer Is Black ??? WillyT Jul 2013 #53

lol Yeah, I believe someone thought you were black. Yeah, okay. Number23 Jul 2013 #56

Really ??? - Name All The Blacks On DU... Can You Get Past 20 ??? WillyT Jul 2013 #58

It would be hard to get past 20. And we all know how broken up you'd be about that. Number23 Jul 2013 #61

You Assume Much... WillyT Jul 2013 #70

being related to a black person does not make one informed on black issues. kwassa Jul 2013 #103

I Agree... Therefore... One Should Examine Respected Leader's Opinions... WillyT Jul 2013 #119

I haven't asked you for anything. Number23 Jul 2013 #114

Hey WillyT, tblue Jul 2013 #127

Thank You For The Much Needed Dose Of Sanity... WillyT Jul 2013 #133

Stop being coy and just call him a racist Union Scribe Jul 2013 #102

Post removed Post removed Jul 2013 #116

No one, including me, knows what you're talking about. Union Scribe Jul 2013 #124

Of course you don't. The lone voice supporting an OP panicking about riots after the Zim Number23 Jul 2013 #128

That's a lot of bullshit for one post. Are you tired? Union Scribe Jul 2013 #135

You apparently believe the point of a discussion board is to needlessly harass people that Number23 Jul 2013 #137

For someone who "ignores" me "fully. completely" Union Scribe Jul 2013 #142

Oh, and (thank God above) I am not nor ever will be your "honey." nt Union Scribe Jul 2013 #126

Oh, you most DEFINITELY have that right. So put me on ignore and find someone else to bore. Number23 Jul 2013 #130

I'm with you on this olddots Jul 2013 #136

the stupid has run amok in this place hasn't it? Puzzledtraveller Jul 2013 #156

Psst. Willy T. Don't tell anybody but... Kahuna Jul 2013 #172

They can't, and there are several people who do not want to identify themselves sabrina 1 Jul 2013 #144

+1 n/t IL Lib Jul 2013 #67

Hey, Tavis. This is a representative government. You seem pretty smart, Pretzel_Warrior Jul 2013 #8

Tavis Look-at-me Look-at-me I'm THE Important Black Man Smiley? Schema Thing Jul 2013 #10

Tavis Smiley has first and foremost always been... Liberal_Stalwart71 Jul 2013 #164

This President is always thoughtful. mzmolly Jul 2013 #14

Didn't Obama say something a while back , refrencing FDR to the affect, "make me do it"? bahrbearian Jul 2013 #15

Awwww, u mad bro? nt geek tragedy Jul 2013 #31

The bitterness is strong with this one... Drunken Irishman Jul 2013 #17

Ok I see so.... burnodo Jul 2013 #28

They challenge Obama's authenticity as a black leader geek tragedy Jul 2013 #33

Obama is not a black leader. Bonobo Jul 2013 #43

I think almost every black DUer would be offended that YOU think YOU DevonRex Jul 2013 #63

Obama is not a black leader. Bonobo Jul 2013 #65

"Barack Obama is not a black leader. He�s a leader who�s black." Bonobo Jul 2013 #71

That was Toure's article from March 2012. Before the investigation DevonRex Jul 2013 #79

It is a general statement. Bonobo Jul 2013 #81

Then why is his strongest support from African-Americans? kwassa Jul 2013 #107

Being supported does NOT make him a "black leader". Bonobo Jul 2013 #109

It sure as hell does. What planet are you from? kwassa Jul 2013 #115

You should get out more. Bonobo Jul 2013 #118

So black people support this man 90% because we are stupid? Number23 Jul 2013 #125

Most of the problems that engage blacks are not unique to the black population. kwassa Jul 2013 #129

Al Sharpton.. NM_Birder Jul 2013 #169

I love it how white Obama haters feel fit to opine on his cred as a black man. geek tragedy Jul 2013 #97

Post removed Post removed Jul 2013 #105

And there's always one black person to come along and make the crowd feel good Number23 Jul 2013 #131

Ironically, the ones who use Tavis and "Brother West" to prove that geek tragedy Jul 2013 #132

Oh, you know it. And I'm not just talking about Tavis and Corny being the ones people like to trot Number23 Jul 2013 #138

Happens with most oppressed groups. geek tragedy Jul 2013 #139

Sometimes our own internalized sense of inferiority Liberal_Stalwart71 Jul 2013 #163

Some people can't get past that. tblue Jul 2013 #99

Yes, I do that completely. Bonobo Jul 2013 #106

So their opinion is not legitimate burnodo Jul 2013 #44

"It sends a thrill up the leg of white lefty Obama haters." Are you serious? nm rhett o rick Jul 2013 #98

Yes. Not a coincidence that the OP's reaction to Obama's speech on Trayvon geek tragedy Jul 2013 #100

I don't think that's the definition of racist... Drunken Irishman Jul 2013 #34

He's being played by whites?? burnodo Jul 2013 #46

I agree... Drunken Irishman Jul 2013 #57

Not what you said burnodo Jul 2013 #153

And he is... Drunken Irishman Jul 2013 #158

Yes, Drunken Irishman is saying that and... Liberal_Stalwart71 Jul 2013 #162

so you're totally discounting everything these men think burnodo Jul 2013 #165

I've noticed that in every thread you post, you don't Liberal_Stalwart71 Jul 2013 #166

Oh snap Cali_Democrat Jul 2013 #64

Fuck Tavis Smiley...nt SidDithers Jul 2013 #18

Tavis Smiley holds a grudge, and has turned into a bit of a punk SoCalDem Jul 2013 #19

Yep...I remember he ranted and raved about that HipChick Jul 2013 #24

OT, LOL your sig pic! Dark n Stormy Knight Jul 2013 #32

Smiley has a much larger grudge than that. He isn't nearly perceptive as he thinks he is and always grantcart Jul 2013 #37

i remember this, it's very much about Ego for him JI7 Jul 2013 #68

Criticizing the President's Trayvon Martin remarks is like AllINeedIsCoffee Jul 2013 #21

For some he's just not black enough. Know what I mean Willy? great white snark Jul 2013 #22

Lots of white DUers would love to come out and say that. geek tragedy Jul 2013 #30

So Tavis Smiley and Cornel West aren't black???? burnodo Jul 2013 #47

Again, your reading comprehensive skills are horrible. Liberal_Stalwart71 Jul 2013 #171

The ONLY reason Smiley was on MTP today was because they wanted a Black person who they jenmito Jul 2013 #25

That's exactly how "OBAMA BAD" works. JoePhilly Jul 2013 #52

Exactly... jenmito Jul 2013 #69

Amazing how the haters gotta bash him for that speech too and geek tragedy Jul 2013 #27

As one who has falsely been called a "hater" because I have dared to criticize the President... markpkessinger Jul 2013 #35

Sure, and when he does something bad on drones, you criticize him geek tragedy Jul 2013 #38

Smiley is a jackass. MjolnirTime Jul 2013 #29

Well that is a technical description of the fellow, lol. grantcart Jul 2013 #39

Tavis and West - two jealous assholes Whisp Jul 2013 #40

Tavis Can't Hide His Disdain for PBO Indykatie Jul 2013 #42

Others in the AA community also criticize Obama burnodo Jul 2013 #48

They Conveniently Forget That Part... WillyT Jul 2013 #50

Willy, you may think that you're slick but please believe me when I say that you aren't Number23 Jul 2013 #54

Many other AA may be critical of some of the President's actions or inactions but they do not kelliekat44 Jul 2013 #66

Have You Ever Heard Of Cornel West ??? WillyT Jul 2013 #73

The hilarious thing about this thread... Bonobo Jul 2013 #120

I Feel Your Pain... WillyT Jul 2013 #134

You don't get to tell black people who our leaders are. Liberal_Stalwart71 Jul 2013 #168

How many of them are trying to claim he deserves no credit geek tragedy Jul 2013 #95

I am black, and *I* have criticized the president... Liberal_Stalwart71 Jul 2013 #167

tavis smiley is a clown Dustin DeWinde Jul 2013 #45

I have not watched his show, but I greatly respect Cornell West quinnox Jul 2013 #49

I used to revere Cornel West. I loved him. I loved, respected, Liberal_Stalwart71 Jul 2013 #170

how did Trayvon's Parents feel ? JI7 Jul 2013 #55

you know when Republicans bring up people like Larry Elders JI7 Jul 2013 #60

QUiCK , somebody bring up Harry Belafonte JI7 Jul 2013 #62

And why am I not surprised that WillyT dragged this swill into DU? DevonRex Jul 2013 #72

Damn... Sorry You Are Fearful Of A Major Story On The Internet... WillyT Jul 2013 #77

Haha. I haven't been afraid of a goddamn thing for a very long time, WT. DevonRex Jul 2013 #82

Well... You Keep Kicking And Commenting... WillyT Jul 2013 #83

Tavis Smiley bloviating is not a major story. nt geek tragedy Jul 2013 #94

+1000 zappaman Jul 2013 #87

Fucking Hell! Can't this guy do ANYTHING right? 6000eliot Jul 2013 #75

Tavis Smiley has had a burr under his saddle and refused to let Michelle Obama Peacetrain Jul 2013 #76

Found a direct link to watch the video of what the OP is about quinnox Jul 2013 #78

travis we do`t need another hero... we really know the way home. madrchsod Jul 2013 #80

I heard a plan and I also heard appreciation from so many who heard his words SaveAmerica Jul 2013 #85

Ironic...since I doubt anyone who was black would agree with you.. HipChick Jul 2013 #86

Anyone? That's a lot of people. I could find several examples in one quick search SaveAmerica Jul 2013 #90

I don't need to search.. HipChick Jul 2013 #111

That's kind of like the magic powers that reveal a young man is robbing SaveAmerica Jul 2013 #149

I miss UNREC. zappaman Jul 2013 #88

Does Tavis realize that ecstatic Jul 2013 #89

This message was self-deleted by its author boilerbabe Jul 2013 #121

No intelligent person believes what you just wrote. nt geek tragedy Jul 2013 #122

I didn't write that post...so I deleted it. boilerbabe Jul 2013 #150

Funny, I was thinking about writing "someone hacked your account and wrote something stupid" geek tragedy Jul 2013 #152

I can't agree with Tavis here fortyfeetunder Jul 2013 #123

I watched the Tavis Smiley show a couple times. LuvLoogie Jul 2013 #140

Love Tavis. The Link Jul 2013 #146

First off, NCTraveler Jul 2013 #147

I read Cornel West's comments on Obama warrprayer Jul 2013 #151

Oh there goes Tavis again trying to make himself feel important by bashing the President. bravenak Jul 2013 #154

I disagree with Tavis wholeheartedly Blue_Tires Jul 2013 #155

I will Kick and Rec this thread. bvar22 Jul 2013 #157

A note regarding Cornel West and Tavis Smiley: Liberal_Stalwart71 Jul 2013 #159