Joyner cites Obama flak as reason Smiley is leaving radio show

[maddezmom]

DALLAS — Tavis Smiley is leaving Tom Joyner's popular morning radio show after 12 years, and Joyner told listeners Friday he thought the political commentator's criticisms of presidential hopeful Barack Obama might be to blame.

Smiley, who had been on the syndicated "Tom Joyner Morning Show" since 1996, purportedly told Joyner he's quitting because he's got too many other projects. But Joyner said he thinks Smiley is tired of getting flak for criticizing Obama.

"We're so emotional about this Barack Obama candidacy," Joyner said on his Dallas-based show. "If you don't say anything for Barack Obama, you're considered to be a hater."

Smiley criticized Obama for not attending an annual "State of the Black Union" symposium Smiley held in February. Sen. Hillary Clinton was the only presidential candidate who accepted Smiley's invitation.

more:http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/5693966.html

[saracat]

1. And where is the outrage over barack causing a poular black radio host to quit?

Or is Randi Rhodes the only important host to DU? Tavis Smiley is a "real reporter" and has credibility. He is a real loss.But sadly, the bised blgggerworld, will not even notice this.

[Rosemary2205]

2. Yes, it's all B Hussein's fault.

:eyes:

[leftofcool]

3. There will be no outrage.

You must have forgotten that Obama is perfect and ALL reporters MUST support him.

[KSinTX]

5. What! I missed that part of the story

I will indeed be outraged over news that Barack Obama or his campaign directly interfered with this man's employment. I had heard that supporters took offense at some of his comments, but this news of Barack Obama's undue influence is outragous. Where did you find that information?

[RavensChick]

4. Oh.my.goodness.

That is a real, real shame. I've been listening to TJMS since the very beginning and for Tavis to leave like this is an unfortunate testament that this election has done to many people in all professions and all walks of life.

I'm sure Tavis has a full plate but at the same time, the very idea that he's leaving because he's one of very few African Americans criticizing Obama is crazy! There are just as many blacks saying that Obama is hurting the party as Hillary is. The only difference is, Hillary doesn't know what the hell she's saying half the time, and it's created a serious division in our party!

We must remember that as Democrats, we MUST come together and save all the bickering for the real battle--THE GENERAL ELECTION!!!! Come on, Dems! Let's get it together 'cause I sure as hell don't want to see McCain on 1/20/09 taking the oath of office!!!! Heaven help us if that happens!