February 13, 2008
Mr. Tavis Smiley
President and CEO
The Smiley Group
3870 Crenshaw Boulevard
Suite 391
Los Angeles, CA 90008
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
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1 comment:
It appears that Tavis Smiley is sadly disillusioned,if he believes that the energy/tone of his words regarding Obama doesn't reveal the truth;call it discernment, mother's wit, common sense, etc. While he's been very proactive in putting forth issues that concerns Black America, his common sense should tell him that this is the day, black folks have only dreamed of. He would fair better trying to market flatulence as the lastest perfume than trying to convince folk he's not trying to sabotage this great moment in history (under the guise of helping black folks). And further, for Tom Joyner and Silbil Weaks to scoff at listeners in defense of Tavis, indicates they've forgotten some of the old school adages: Life can change on a dime; right follow right and wrong follows wrong; up one minute and down the next, etc. In other words,just because the show is sucessful now --doesn't mean things will remain as such, particularly if they continue to bark at listeners (who call the show in reference to Tavis, who is wrong as two left shoes. Ugly shoes at that!
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