An impassioned debate ignited Tuesday morning over America’s black agenda, with two of the nation’s most visible black political commentators on opposite sides of the table.

In a commentary on "The Tom Joyner Morning Show," Tavis Smiley, host of "Tavis Smiley" on PBS, announced plans for a discussion in Chicago on March 20 entitled "We Count: The Black Agenda is the American Agenda." As part of his comments, he opined that “a chorus of black leaders have started singing a new song,” saying that the president doesn’t need a black agenda.
“I must have missed that choir rehearsal, because I don’t know the words to this new hymn,” Smiley said. “We have asked some of these lyricists to show up who apparently wrote this new song to explain why they penned these words. It’s time for a choir rehearsal so that we all are singing from the same page.”

The media host listed some of the most noted political and academic leaders as invited guests, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, Harvard law professor Charles Ogletree, author and scholar Michael Eric Dyson, professor Cornel West, California Rep. Barbara Lee and Dorothy Height of the National Council Negro Women.

“Do we think we can give President Obama a pass on black issues and somehow, when he is no longer in office, resurrect the moral authority to hold future presidents accountable to our concerns?” Smiley asked.

Smiley’s concerns were based on comments published recently in national media and a recent meeting between President Barack Obama, Sharpton, NAACP President Ben Jealous and National Urban League President Marc Morial to discuss the jobs bill currently being considered in Congress.

Sharpton later called in to the TJMS and took issue with several of Smiley’s comments, claiming that Smiley had not talked with him about the event. Then in the afternoon, Smiley called in to Sharpton’s radio talk show as he discussed the matter with Ogletree. Their exchange on Sharpton’s show lasted several minutes and was highlighted by abrupt cutoffs and a more intense debate.

According to Sharpton, while he, Morial and Jealous talked with the president earlier this month about getting the jobs bill passed, the focus was on getting aid to the communities with the greatest need, and many of those communities have a majority black population with double-digit unemployment.

“We did not ask for a race bill because we did not think it would pass,” Sharpton said on the TJMS. “We asked for a grace bill, where the jobs would go to where people are impacted.”
 
The veteran activist said that despite Smiley's stance, he would not hold Obama to a standard different from that of other presidents.

“When they were running around buck-dancing for Bill Clinton, they did not ask for a black agenda - I did,” Sharpton said. “And I continue to do that. As far as I know others are doing that.”

Ogletree, a close personal friend of Obama, who taught both the president and his wife, Michelle, at Harvard Law School, also called in the the TJMS and said he often talks to the president about the needs of the black community.

“He has definitely been accountable, and he needs to be accountable,” Ogletree said referring to the president.

“No, I’m not giving the president a pass,” he said. “The reality is that the president has to do certain things, but there are certain things he can’t do. He can’t create a black jobs program, but he can create a program that benefits African-Americans by helping others as well.”

Ogletree said he will be out of the country for the month of March and would be unable to attend .....

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This is the first time in years that I agree with that pimpin charleton Sharpton. Conversely, I've always respected Tavis' even, reasoned tone. I don't know what's goin on but he's out of touch with AA.

by   
Fj1200
March 4, 2010, 1:43 pm
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My question is :What is wrong with Tavis Smiley? He has been acting crazy since Sen. Obama threw his hat in the ring. Evidently he just doesn't realize how bad he looks. Does anyone have an explanation? Is there something I missed?

by   
Lynneplans
March 2, 2010, 3:37 pm
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Here's for a so-called Black agenda: 1) Start with yourself first; 2) If you have a family that needs to get it together, next; 3) Ask yourself what have you done for your "Black" community lately. It's not up to Tavis, Sharpton or the President: it's up to Black people: PERIOD.

by   
Ebnyeyz
February 27, 2010, 3:28 pm
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Calif. job problem R out of hand & needs regulating. When jobs come they need 2 B distributed equally among all nationalities. This idea that 1 race is doing jobs another 1 will not do is a myth 2 long being perpetrated. Resulted in 1 race claiming jobs. Technology has led us down a road of a lack of common sense thinking. I was told on 1 occasion by a person handling my business that computers R talking 2 computers & they don't write anything down. My response was & your printers broke too. They couldn't even send a printout. Much respect Pres. Obama, Sharpton & Smiley

by   
Selfbelief
February 26, 2010, 2:18 pm
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How did all this happen? Tavis is behaving like a spoiled brat who can't have his way. I agree President Obama is accountable to the American people just as other Presidents were but not any more so. As for understanding what's going on in Black America. Has anyone bothered to look at his staff, how about his wife. Do any of us think Mrs. Obama is talking to her husband. She is afterall from the south side of Chicago... We need to give him a chance and Tavis needs to figure out how to help or get out of the way. If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem...

by   
MERTISD
February 26, 2010, 11:39 am
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Tavis is all talk and no action. Rev. Al Sharpton is the total package that Tavis could never be.
CW, Broadview, IL

by   
Nivlac1949
February 26, 2010, 4:11 am
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Hey Tavis,
It looks like you had the Christopher Columbus moment not President Obama!
I expected neg reactions from the Repubs, the Tea Partyt, Rush and Fox. Your behavior now and during the campaign, I would have never expected it from you. I kept giving you the benefit of he doubt and continued to defend you, but your ENVY became so crystal clear as well as your allegiance to the Clintons. Disappointing!!
Obama's been in office a little over a year. Everyone and every group wants something from him. Give the man a chance. Enjoy your little _itch session I wont be supporting it!

by   
LBF
February 26, 2010, 12:58 am
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Black Folk don't watch PBS in large numbers and we certainly don't listen to Tavis radio show. Tavis is auditioning for one of the cable show on the backs of black folk. Tavis, CNN don't need you they have their quota with Roland. MSNBC aren't looking for anyone of your complexion. So now you're left with Fox News. Now there's a real opportunity for you because they are always looking for a black face expounding bafoonery for the advancement of there own self interest. Tom THIS ISN'T FUNNY, it's very low that either of you are using this for self promotion.

by   
Handsom35
February 26, 2010, 12:53 am
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Hey Tom,
I know Tavis is your boy. You've tried very hard to defend him. I know it seems like black America have turned on him, but Tavis is singing the wrong tune. The majority of comments on this blog confirms that. We can't all be wrong. I too sang in Tavis's chorus at one time but some how he got off on the wrong note. Hopefully Tom you will contnue to play the right music. And Tom please don't ever replace Jeff Johnson with Tavis even if it's only for one day!

by   
LBF
February 26, 2010, 12:23 am
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Give the man the respect he deserves instead of trying to hem him up in a corner. Asking him to drop everything he’s doing to attend to your symposiums or to discuss this so called “The Black Agenda is the American agenda” or anything like that would be committing political suicide. If you ask me…maybe you should adjust the title a bit to “The American agenda is the Black agenda” and he might think about attending.

by   
Lwword
February 25, 2010, 8:03 pm
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Here is my advice, Mr. Tavis…instead of trying to hold symposiums to discuss problems we already are aware of from the last “5” symposiums and posturing yourself behind the mike like some African American potentate to sell books, learn how to humble yourself, let the air out of your ego, and just go away. Stop bringing attention to yourself by igniting fires with Rev. Al Sharpton. Put on your slippery earls and march with the Rev. instead of chap-sticking your lips to speak.

Sincerely,
98.99% of African Americans

by   
Lwword
February 25, 2010, 8:03 pm
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Ok Tavis,Enough is Enough!Barack Obama is the president of the “United States Of America” not just “Black America”. We all hold “PRESIDENT” Obama accountable with the expectation that he will work diligently for all people,not just for us.If you haven’t notice there’s a lot going on in our country.Issues left over from an incompetent administration has put this country in disarray.This, along with a barrage of attacks from right-wing talk show host and ultra conservative republicans has put a strain on the pockets of who do you think? Yes, everybody!

by   
Lwword
February 25, 2010, 8:02 pm
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I TOTALLY agree ttoo many of these self styled leaders are only interested in their own self interests. Before the election Tavis Smiley took offense that Sen. Obama didn't show up to kiss his ring. He is still holding a grudge and uses every opportunity to bash him. I want this administration to succeed not only because he is African American but because as a citizen of this country I want to succeed.

by   
Uforje
February 25, 2010, 4:58 pm
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Tom the president needs you now more than ever…please, I beg you help him…..you know what to do. You can start with pulling US( black folks …off him) the ones that will listen!!!

by   
Saa123
February 25, 2010, 4:06 pm
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The president needs our support! He is constantly being beat down by the Tea Party, Steele, Keys and Fox News. Believe you me he wouldn’t go to sleep tonight if unemployment fell to 7 % and when it does we should see a great impact on the black community because we lost the most jobs.

by   
Saa123
February 25, 2010, 4:00 pm
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Travis haven’t to this day shown one once of respect for our president. He doomed the guy before he won the election. Whatever he does it will forever be too hot, too cold, too little or too much!

by   
Saa123
February 25, 2010, 3:40 pm
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Any respect I had left for Tavis Smiley is now gone. We elected President Obama to serve all people not just Black people. He's trying to create jobs for everyone. This is what is wrong with the Black community. Instead of Tavis trying to tear our president down, he should be trying to help. I think Tavis is still mad because the president did not attend his previous forum and is doing this out of spite. What are these forums doing any way? It is time we as Black people started trying to help ourselves instead of waiting for a handout. Tavis needs to get over himself.

by   
Jecoge
February 25, 2010, 3:38 pm
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After all these years we still don’t have a lot of legitimate media outlets that we can be heard on ….Tavis is on PBS..PBS we don’t have much dealings with PBS, but we do with our syndicated radio stations. I am beyond upset that he did this in front of us. The people who elected their first black president, I am still not sure he voted for Obama, it would surprise me if he didn’t vote out of spike.

by   
Saa123
February 25, 2010, 3:26 pm
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Tavis action and the damage it would create was well planned and thought out.....it was not an off the top of your head ordeal.

by   
Saa123
February 25, 2010, 3:17 pm
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Following up on my tough love comment…..Tavis used your plane(radio platform) full of fuel ( negative comment s) and flew it right into a the heart of some of our most respected Black Leaders right in front of your eyes for all the Bill O’ Reilly and Glen Beck type to see! Don’t let him get away with it. Don’t let him do it again.

by   
Saa123
February 25, 2010, 3:09 pm
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Tavis Smiley has a big mouth what has he done
to help the black cause writing books are
nice but at the end of the day we need a voice
Rev Al Sharpton so far has been getting
the job done. The jobs bill will help some of
us but we need industry in this country manufacturing
better parents. I wish Rev Al all my support
but Travis let the grown folks handle this

by   
Als4173
February 25, 2010, 2:34 pm
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Thanks, for rising above this issue Tom.... you have proven very high character in allowing Travis air time again on your program, but as much as I know that you hate to stand Tavis down.... at some point it's going to have to happen because he seems like the kid on the playground that want stop slapping your head until you make him. Tough Love works!

by   
Saa123
February 25, 2010, 2:32 pm
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In my opinion in some sense Tavis is right. I mean I'm only 40 so I have only been cognizant of 6 Pres's. and it seems that our so Called Black Leaders always approach the sitting president with our "Blck Agenda" issues. Are we****uming that because Pres. Obama is blck he will automatically come to the table with ideas to in regards to our issues? You know as well as I do we are in a I got mine you had better get yours world and Just because the president is Blck does not mean that he will cater to our needs, whether it public/ private.

by   
Acks
February 25, 2010, 2:00 pm
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Ya know, as an unmarried black woman, who isn't looking for her "O", it saddens me to see our black men in such a turmoil. And the fact that this was aired, and I'm sure on Utube. It also disgust me that people want to blame our President for our economic disaster, but remember...HE HAS ADVISORS, as does every President, so like Rolland Martin stated...black folks need to start doing for themselves and stop depending on others. Stop talking and start moving, take action and stop waiting on what President Obama is doing for us. Let's show him, we can do things ourselves!!!

by   
Khmboo
February 25, 2010, 12:43 pm
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Tavis has lost all credibility with me. First the anti-Obama remarks when President Obama was running, 2: leaving the TJMS in a hissy fit to do other things like 3, bailing out of the State of Black Union symposium, and now the outright lie re: inviting Rev Al to yet another symposium. Roland is right. We need action not rhetoric. Rev Al has and continues to act.

by   
FiftyCyn
February 25, 2010, 12:17 pm
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My people, mypeople, chill, there is room at the table for all of our diverse interest! One writer cited Tavis' ability to wordsmith Dr. King's vision,but what about Malcolm's vision, what about Du Bois' and Garvey's? We need to come to a consenus about what is best for the majority of us and yes, while Tavis comes across as self -serving, use his forrum's to get something constructive done.

by   
Casterpollux
February 25, 2010, 12:13 pm
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What Tavis did was completely out of line. He has much to say but what does he accomplish? He attempts to gain exposure by generating media attention that divides us and gives "others" something to talk about. Since he doesn't have access to the President, instead of drumming up "diva like drama" write a letter to the President like most American's. Instead of pissing off those who have access to the President, relay his concerns to them in a civil manner to get his message across. Tavis has further cut his ties with "Black America" by his actions. There's always ONE.

by   
Msljl65
February 25, 2010, 12:12 pm
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It's sad when one (tavis) can be so educated and lack basic common sense. Some things should not be discussed publicly,(Black agendas). Rev Sharpton and Obama would look and sound stupid discussing agendas concerning less than a third of the population, thats not to say their not concern but knw that there's a way to get things done without blatantly saying it. I believe tavis has his own agenda that has little to do with blacks. " Its better to say nothing and be thought a fool than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt".

by   
Cnady 21
February 25, 2010, 12:06 pm
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What is wrong with Tavis. He sounds like such an angry man. How can you call Al Sharpton out like that and not even get in touch with him about what you want to do. Suppose he has something to do on 20th. What is he suppose to do rearrange everything for Tavis.

by   
Walkerdol
February 25, 2010, 11:33 am
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Why do we always have to have a Black Agenda? What about an agenda that will address the needs of people period. There used to be a time when we had to educated our government on the needs of African Americans in this country. Now the needs are for all people. We're all suffering because of the past administration governing with NO ACCOUNTABILITY. Where was the Black Agenda then. Did anyone question why a Black person continues even in 2010 to clean up behind the white man's mess. Get real and for once lets focus on our needs and not people's ego because some have access and others don't.

by   
Kmil248823
February 25, 2010, 10:13 am
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