Disappointed in Tom Joyner today. (He wonders why Black Congressman won't endorse Obama)

[journalist3072]

I normally have a lot of respect for radio personality Tom Joyner, particularly when it comes to his support of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and his various "air advocacy" campaigns.

But I was really disappointed in him today. He had Sen. Hillary Clinton on his program today to discuss her candidacy. But he seemed to be advancing the theory that Black people should unite behind Sen. Barack Obama.

His very first question to her was: "Why should a Black person want you to be President when there's Barack Obama, a perfectly good and qualified Black person, running for President?"

Then, Rep. Kendrid Meek of South Florida, who happens to be African-American, joined in on the call to endorse Sen. Clinton, and Tom Joyner asked him "There's a black man running for President...why aren't you endorsing Barack Obama?"

This line of questioning, in my view, does a disservice to my fellow African-Americans, because Joyner was suggesting (and this isn't the first time he has done so) that we should get behind Obama simply because he's African-American.

I would ask Tom Joyner to consider the following:

- Just because someone looks like you, doesn't mean they represent your interests or values.

- Would you not be outraged if someone said they were voting for Sen. Clinton just because she's Caucasian like them?

I would suggest to Tom Joyner that instead of prodding the African-American community to unite behind the African-American candidate, he should be encouraging everyone to vote for their own best interests next November. And whether that leads them to Obama (or another candidate) is for them to decide; not him.

You can listen to the audio of his join interview with Sen. Clinton and Rep. Meek by visiting this link: http://blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/tjms/missed/index

[politicasista]

1. I heard the interview. One thing to remember though

Tom Joyner is just a radio host, a DJ. He is not an intellectual.

He and his wife Donna Richardson are supporting Obama. Ironically, he is a big fan of Bill. I remember listening to him rally around Obama after the "Obama not black enough" articles came out. He sounded angry and seemed willing to help him out in some way. Hillary was supposed to come on there last week and before that, but she was busy, according to her staff. (He sounded mad over that before Obama came on).

I don't have a candidate, but until she apologizes for stabbing her fellow colleagues in the back, then I will consider her. Sorry. :(

[journalist3072]

2. He may be "just a radio host," but he's one with a HUGE audience and following

And he has the ability to influence a LOT of people.

My concern is that people will hear Tom Joyner's 'vote for Obama b/c he's black' talking point, and they will go right along with it.

Like I said, I think we need to be encouraging people to vote for their own best interests, and if that leads them to Obama, fine. If that leads them to someone else, fine as well. But as an African-American, I am insulted that another African-American is basically telling me to vote for someone for President b/c they are my same skin color. It's wrong.

[politicasista]

3. I agree with your last comment

about encouraging people to vote for their best own interests. It's up to the people to do the research and understand where each candidate stands on the issues. I am guessing that he just encouraging us to support our own.


This early 08 race is a circus or an American Politcal Idol, especially when there are more serious issues that can't wait until 08.

[Nedsdag]

4. What was Meek's response?

n/t