Founder's Forum at Black Men In America.com

When Will Hillary Bow Out?

Notice I didn't say quit. Showing no signs of surrender, Hillary Clinton says she will remain in the presidential race "until there's a nominee." Hillary Clinton is a fighter. However, she and her campaign have to face the reality that it is time to implement their exit strategy and work to unify the Democratic Party.

It is time for the Clinton campaign to stop moving the goal post when it comes to deciding victory. For example, the Clinton campaign continues to bring up the votes associated with the Michigan and Florida primaries. That's just silly. Obama's name wasn't even on the ballot. The Democratic National Committee made it very clear what the rules were regarding those primaries.

Clearly, Sen. Clinton can stay in the race for as long as she wants, but for the good of the party I say it is time to bow out. I'm using a rather simple formula that I call "The 3 M's" to come to this conclusion.

Math

Money

Momentum

Do the math. Obama has more votes, has won more primaries and has more money. As of today Sen. Clinton has loaned her campaign $11.4 million dollars ($6.4 million last month). The Clinton campaign acknowledged that Sen. Clinton may lend the campaign more money. According to the latest campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission, Obama began the month of April with $42 million in the bank for the primaries to Clinton's $9.3 million.

The Clinton campaign bus is leaking oil and dropping bolts. The Obama campaign has consistently raised more money than the Clinton campaign and after last night's primaries in North Carolina and Indiana; the total delegate count is as follows:

Obama - 1844

Clinton - 1695.5

Once again, do the math. It is highly unlikely that Sen. Hillary Clinton can win. Obama has picked up 100 superdelegates since Super Tuesday and Clinton has picked up fewer than 15. The last two months Sen. Clinton has proven to be a tough campaigner. She's used the "kitchen sink" strategy and taken advantage of everything that has come her way (Rev. Wright). However, it appears that this strategy was implemented too late in the game for her opponent.

Sen. Barack Obama has run an extraordinary campaign. Six months ago, I don't think any of the political strategists and experts would have predicted Barack Obama as the front runner. It's only a matter of time before folks start jumping off of the Clinton bandwagon.

As for momentum, Hillary Clinton has none. Barack Obama has string of decisive primary victories over Clinton and the Obama campaign has more momentum. The next few weeks should be devoted to providing Sen. Clinton with a "soft landing." Sen. Clinton is still a key player in this race, even in defeat. She must be afforded a way to exit gracefully with her dignity intact. Obama and the Democratic Party will need Hillary Clinton's supporters to win the White House.

What do you think?

Gary Johnson is the Founder & Publisher of Black Men In America.com a popular online magazine on the Internet and the Black Men In America.com Blog. Gary is also the author of the new book "25 Things That Really Matter In Life."

The Fallout of the Obama/Wright Controversy Is Nothing New

For the record, I did not want to write this column. I am sick of the mainstream media deciding that Rev. Wright is going to be the dominant political story for weeks and weeks on end. I felt this column may contribute to that, however, after some deliberation I decided to put my views out in the blogosphere to add some perspective as to why this situation with Rev. Wright and Barack Obama continues to dominate the headlines and serve as a wedge between black folks, Hillary supporters, Obama supporters, pastors and their church hierarchy.

Are you ready? What I’m about to say is not sour grapes or whining. It is what I believe to be THE fundamental truth if you are a black man living in America. Barack Obama is a charter member of the “Double Standard Club.” According to the current by-laws, if you are an active member of the “Double Standard Club” you will be held accountable for every other black person’s views and behaviors. That means that Barack Obama, by society’s view must answer questions and explain Rev. Wright to the rest of the general public.

Some white political figures are held accountable and others are not. It seems that those who are held accountable for the controversial opinions and behaviors of their pastors or colleagues are not held accountable to the same degree as their black counterparts. For example, MSNBC's "The Verdict with Dan Abrhams," CNN's "AC 360" featuring Anderson Cooper and FOX's "Hannity's America" starring Sean Hannity have all devoted special programming to the Obama-Wright Controversy. Hillary Clinton was grilled over Geraldine Ferraro's remarks; however, I don't recall network specials on their relationship weeks after the incident. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, I am saying it usually doesn't happen the way it is happening to Barack Obama.

It ain’t fair, but until the current system is changed, that’s the way it is.

Many in the mainstream media have made it their business to make sure that Rev. Wright and his antics cause “Jerry Springer” like debates on buses, in barber shops, beauty salons, classrooms and in the church among pastors and church members.

If you don’t like what’s going on the next question is: "What can you do?" The first thing you need to do is to make a commitment. If Barack Obama is your guy you stick with him. You can’t quit, you can’t lose focus, and you just have to suck it up, be strategic and work smarter.

All is not lost. Obama can still win the democratic nomination. Yes, there is some truth to some of what Rev. Wright said, particularly when it comes to his social commentaries. In some ways, I think Rev. Wright is a brilliant guy who is “caught up” and determined to get his 15-minutes of fame. Further, I believe that people who don’t want Barack Obama to win the democratic nomination and the presidency have deliberately taken some of Rev. Wright’s words and positions out of context to slow or derail Obama’s momentum in the campaign.

Folks, this is “big boy” politics. Barack Obama has to find the right balance to play with the big boys and girls, gain white support and stay above the political fray. Whether you agree with him or not, Rev. Wright has made it clear that he is going to make himself a part of this campaign. Depending upon what “street corner” you’re standing on, the issue with Rev. Wright is a combination of a race issue, a generational issue and of course a political issue.

Some have argued that Obama started this mess when he “dissed” Rev. Wright by not inviting him to be present publicly when he kicked off his presidential campaign and when Obama publicly told the nation that Rev. Wright held a distorted view of the nation. Obama further referred to his spiritual mentor as "divisive." Did Obama break some type of unwritten code? You be the judge. I say, “No.”

Barack Obama is a savvy politician running for president of the United States. I’m not saying that he will do and say anything to get elected; I’m simply reminding you that he is a politician who made a politically expedient decision put some distance between himself and Rev. Wright. That’s what smart politicians do. Is that throwing Rev. Wright under the bus? Again, you be the judge.

Obama better be prepared to be grilled on the issue of his judgment. The Wright controversy puts the spotlight on a man Obama has known for two decades. A man who introduced him to Christianity, married him and baptized his daughters. It's not that he didn't know about Rev. Wright's views; it’s how he chose to manage the situation over the years that people are evaluating.

In closing, if Obama is your guy I suggest that you forget about Rev. Wright. Take him off of your radar screen. Take a deep breath and regroup.

Don’t get mad, get strategic!

Like Him or Not, Rev. Wright Is Here To Stay

April 28, 2008

Rev. Jeremiah Wright has decided to speak for himself and in effect defend himself. People will debate whether Rev. Wright's "coming out" is helpful or hurtful to presidential candidate Barack Obama, however, I don't think Rev. Wright cares.

It is clear to me that the Rev. has decided to define himself and defend what he believes is his good name. I can't say that I blame him. Who wouldn't want to defend their hard earned name and reputation?

While speaking today at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, the Rev. was asked about his patriotism. Wright replied as follows: "I served six years in the military. How many years did Cheney serve?"

Rev. Wright has made it clear during his string of recent public appearances that he is a pastor and not a politician. He reminded the audience that Sen. Barack Obama is a politician and that he and Obama will do what they have to do in their perspective roles. This is a very important point of distinction and clarification. The role of a pastor and politician are different and Rev. Wright seems to be clear about his role.

"I'm not here for political reasons," Wright said to a packed house last night of about 10,000 people at a NAACP gathering in Detroit. "I'm not a politician," he told the crowd. He went on to say, "I'm not here for political reasons." "I am not running for the Oval Office. I've been running for Jesus a long, long time, and I'm not tired yet."

Perhaps the lines have become blurred for others. Wright seems to be clear, confident and at peace with his role as a pastor.

What Rev. Wright is doing is allowing the world to see him as he "really" is. Rev. Wright is not the character and YouTube phenomenon that he has been portrayed over the past several weeks. This is a very smart and worldly black leader. Wright also told the audience at the NAACP dinner that despite what his critics say, he is descriptive, not divisive, when he speaks about racial injustices.

In the view of Rev. Wright he is speaking out because of the media attacks on the black church. He stated his belief that the media attacks are about him.

Many in the mainstream media as well as Hillary Clinton and others will continue to link Rev. Wright to Barack Obama in the most negative ways. If I'm a strategist in the Obama camp, I probably would not be happy right now. Why? Watch the media coverage of Rev. Wright over the next several weeks. Rather than focus on the positive truths in his message, many in the media will actively look for negatives or attempt to twist his words to make him a negative force and deflect from the good that he's done.

Commentators will focus on his body language, his gestures and his "attitude" instead of what he's actually saying. That's called distortion. The office phone lines here at Black Men In America are blowing up with calls from black folks who are mad at Rev. Wright for coming out now. One caller said, "Wright is giving Hillary and the Republicans more ammunition to deflect from the issues." Whether you like him or not, Rev. Wright is here to stay.

Susan Rice, a spokesperson for the Obama campaign commented on MSNBC this morning after Rev. Wright's speech at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. She described Rev. Wright as a "sideshow." She went on to say the Rev. Wright was more concerned about redeeming his legacy. I see this as a problem. Outside forces both black and white will be calling for Obama to distance himself further from Rev. Wright and essentially pit these two black men against each other. The Clinton campaign will be in full attack mode about Obama's judgment. This is politics folks. Obama campaigned that he has better judgment than his opponents.

Barack Obama said that he believes that Rev. Wright is a legitimate political issue. That's the equivalent of a "green light" for Senators Clinton, McCain and others to deflect from other legitimate issues that should be discussed in this campaign.

What do you think?

You can watch Rev. Wright's speech at the NAACP and his interview with Bill Moyer in our video sections on this blog.

Gary Johnson is the Founder & Publisher of Black Men In America.com a popular online magazine on the Internet and the Black Men In America.com Blog.

Former Congressman J.C. Watts Behind BLACK TELEVISION NEWS CHANNEL (BTNC)

Commentary by Gary A. Johnson

Last week it was announced that a black news network was coming our way next year. Black Television News Channel (BTNC), the nation's only African-American news network, scheduled to launch in 2009. The firm also announced a multi-year carriage agreement with Comcast, the country's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services. Comcast is also a major partner with TV One. Under the agreement, BTNC expects that it will be added to Comcast systems in Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Baltimore.

In terms of media, our needs are great. The black community desperately needs a serious news channel. Lord knows we don't need another sitcom. Last week's debut sitcom starring William Jonathan Drayton, Jr., was a disaster. I'm sorry. Forgive me, you probably know Mr. Drayton by his stage name Flav Flavor.

Flav stars in a MyNetworkTV sitcom, "Under One Roof" also starring Kelly Perine. This show is an embarrassing stereotypical show that marginalizes us before the world. I got sidetracked, let me get back on point. Where was I? Black Television News Channel.

BTNC is the endeavor of J.C. Watts, Jr., former U.S. congressman from Oklahoma and celebrated athlete, and broadcast and cable news veterans. "Our unique and vast content partnerships with African American newsmakers will provide our viewers LIVE access to the stories and people in whom our viewers have a special interest," said Watts. "With this agreement, Comcast continues to demonstrate its commitment to working with independent programmers with diverse points of view."

So far, Watts and the folks from BTNC are saying all the right things. There is certainly room for another perspective of news and views that impact our community. Both BET and TV One rely on short snippets of news usually through other wire and media sources. This "news" if that's what you want to call it, is often important, it lacks analysis and "linkages" to those things that matter to us.

Now some of my colleagues have opined that they are worried that J.C. Watts will become another Bob Johnson (whatever that means). Actually, I know exactly what that means. I don't think Watts will allow his politics to get in the way of making a buck.

Be prepared to hear from some naysayers who will be threatened by this announcement. I can hear them now. "Why do they need a black news channel?" The obvious answer is that the mainstream media gives us little black interest news. Some naysayers may also cry: "We don't have a White Television News Channel." Yes you do! There are several white television news channels. Let’s see you have CNN, MSNBC, FOX, ABC, CBS and NBC.

BTNC will be a 24/7 cable news network that will provide a new voice that represents blacks in mainstream media. BTNC's programming aims to shed light on the unique social, economic, and political challenges facing urban communities. This will help bloggers by providing news of interests to our readers and insights and analysis from a black perspective. BTNC can't get here fast enough for me. I'm ready.

So hurry up BTNC, the clock is running.

Yeah boooooyyyy!

We really do have to do better. We can and we will.

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LeBron James Mag Cover Sparks Debate About The Image of The Black Male

When I saw LeBron James and supermodel Gisele Bundchen on the cover of Vogue magazine, I was uncomfortable with the visual. Perhaps I’m too sensitive. It is true that I’ve been accused of seeing almost everything through a “racial prism.” I don’t disagree with that.

When I saw the cover, I asked, “Why is LeBron being portrayed in what appears to be an over animated pose, especially compared to the pose being struck by Gisele? Why couldn’t he be dressed nicely?” After all, LeBron is the first black man to grace the cover of the magazine. I also wondered what the cover was suppose to convey.

The list of black men who have made poor decisions with regard to their image is long. This list of black men who have repeatedly made poor decisions with regard to their image may be longer. Cuba Gooding, Jr., is the first name that comes to my mind. When you look at his entire body of work (feature films, TV and commercials) this guy appears to have selected more "bufoon-like" roles than any other black male actor in recent years. He actually won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Rod Tidwell, the "jackass" wide receiver in the movie "Jerry Maguire" who clowns and yells, "Show me the money!" Are you kidding me? One could argue that winning an Oscar for that role set black men back two decades. Have you seen Cuba Gooding, Jr., in the Haines underwear commercials with Michael Jordan? Could he be portrayed any dumber? (He sniffs a pair of underwear, annouces to a crowd that he's wearing Jordan's underwear and hugs Jordan tightly as he gets turned on by the feel of the soft cotton). Give me a break!

Why do some black men continue to take these stereotypical roles that portray black men as "less than?" I don't want to hear anything about money. I know money is a part of it, but money is not everything. Perhaps some of these brothers don't know any better. They do not understand how important it is to have positive images of black men in the mass media.

ESPN.com columnist Jemele Hill has a unique view of this situation. Read a little bit of what she had to say:

“LeBron making the cover is a good thing. But the pose, not so much. LeBron’s image clearly means a lot to him, maybe even as much as pursuing a championship. And that’s why I can’t understand why he would allow Vogue to feature him with supermodel Gisele Bundchen in such a distasteful manner.”

LeBron James has a perspective. ”I was just having fun with it, I was just showing a little emotion,” James said Saturday, according to Ohio’s Beacon Journal. “We had a few looks and that was the best one we had. Everything my name is on is going to be criticized, in a good way or a bad way. Who cares, honestly, at the end of the day.” ”I am happy with it, absolutely,” James said.

Hill’s column rightly points out other notable black athletes being presented in photos as angry, overly aggressive, overly sexual, or just plain emasculated. She cites the 2002 Sports Illustrated cover that featured Charles Barkley chained like a slave. Ricky Williams wearing a wedding dress on an ESPN The Magazine cover in 1999. And while it didn’t appear in a magazine, the Terrell Owens-Nicolette Sheridan intimate-encounter tease for ‘Monday Night Football’ gave viewers a sexualized image of a black man.”

Helena Andrews has written a thought-provoking piece on this topic for The Root.com. In her column Ms. Andrews opines, “I’m trying to brush off the fact that the first black man ever pictured on the magazine’s cover is not gracing it, he’s debased by it. They’re trying to dismiss the recent calls of racial insensitivity as hypersensitivity. And we’re trying to explain why seeing a big black man baring his teeth whilst an alabaster damsel drapes his side still hurts us in 2008.”

Click here to read Ms. Andrews article at The Root.com.

Click here to read Jemele’s column and tell us what you think.

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What Tavis Needs To Do To Put This Controversy Behind Him

By Gary A. Johnson, Black Men In America.com (Blog)

Note to Tavis: I can't recall an issue where the overwhelming majority of folks have taken the same side. That side happens to be against you.

I know this is a shocker to you, because by your own admission you've never been on the receiving end of this much negative feedback. Ouch!

I think Dr. Boyce Watkins summed it up in his video, particularly when he talks about the "economic trail" associated with you and your "sponsors." (Click here to watch Dr. Watkins discuss this issue.)

Tavis, you preach accountability. How about stepping up and demonstrating some accountability on this issue? Calling out Barack Obama and then rejecting his wife to speak at the State of the Black Union (SOBU) symposium was not a good move because most people believe that if Bill Clinton had asked you to attend the (SOBU) on behalf of Hillary, you would have welcomed him with open arms. Whether or not that's true, is irrelevant at this stage. The firestorm surrounding you suggests that the majority of people are not with you on this issue. To be fair, you did state that you wanted "candidates only" at the SOBU and to date you've been consistent.

Tavis, this controversy is not likely to go away until you take some decisive action. Be consistent and step up to the plate and "say" something substantive regarding this matter. No more press releases from The Smiley Group, Inc., offices brother. Forget the print interviews (at least for now). You need to use that same "bully pulpit" that you use every Tuesday and Thursday on the Tom Joyner Morning Show and direct it toward yourself. Talk directly to the people about this issue. Folks want to "hear" from YOU! If you want to stick to your story, that's your prerogative. If you want to reflect and publicly "check yourself" that's strictly your decision. A move along those lines would go a long way to putting this matter behind you. That's my take.

G. J.

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The Founder’s Forum - Tavis Smiley and Barack Obama

Talk show host Tavis Smiley has denied that he has any tension with presidential candidate Barack Obama for declining Smiley’s invitation to speak at the 2008 State of the Black Union symposium. This has been a much discussed topic on the Internet and blogs for the past few days. Earlier this week on the syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, Smiley said it would be a “missed opportunity” for Obama or any candidate to skip the forum. During his commentary Tavis further explained that an offer from Michelle Obama to attend the Feb. 23 event on her husband’s behalf was refused. He noted that the invitations were for the candidates and not their spouses. That’s cool. I have no problem with that. Click here to listen to Michelle Obama on the “Michael Baisden Radio Show” as she explains why Barack Obama decided to decline the invitation to appear at the Black State of the Union symposium.

In a statement released on February 14th, Smiley reportedly said he enjoyed a collegial relationship with Obama for many years. Senator Hillary Clinton has agreed to speak at symposium. Smiley did say Senator John McCain and Govenor Mike Huckabee have not made a decision about whether they will attend.Here’s my take on this. Tavis deserves much credit for his personal accomplishments and for much of his work in the black community. Like many of his kind, it appears that Tavis has been caught up in some of his own hype. There’s a long line of dynamic and influential folks who worked hard to develop themselves and overstepped their bounds along the path to success.

Given what’s at stake and his position in this presidential race, there is no need for Barack Obama to rearrange his schedule to accommodate Tavis and the State of the Black Union symposium. One can argue that Barack has nothing to gain hanging out with Tavis and Company. Tavis makes a big deal about Hillary Clinton accepting his invitation. Big deal, her ass NEEDS to be there. She’s lost 8 straight primaries to Obama. She’s finding that the “old black magic” that the Clinton’s once held with Black America is not what it was. You can thank guys like BET Founder Bob Johnson for that. (Yeah, he really delivered the black vote). Remember his speech where he planted the seed that Obama may have done more than just use drugs in his youth? I would love to ask Hillary: “How has having Bob Johnson stump for you worked out?” Hillary talks about her great judgment. She obviously approved having Johnson onboard. Is that exercising good judgment? By the way, Bill’s been kind of quiet the past few weeks. Hmmm.

Tavis Smiley is a “big boy.” He’s proven that he can run with the “big dogs” and play on the varsity team. This incident about Barack appears to have exposed Tavis in a way that caught him by surprise. My pulse check of the people indicates that Tavis misjudged his “juice” or power to influence. The people are not with him on this issue. Tavis Smiley’s image appears to be taking a negative hit and unraveling. Many bloggers and callers into radio talk shows have described Tavis as being small, petty, egotistical and all about himself. Imagine that?

The bottom-line as I see it is this: Barack Obama is running for president of the United States. He does not have to prove himself or debate with Tavis & Company. This is a high-stakes poker game and Barack Obama has decided to gamble and not play that “State of the Black Union” hand. It’s just that simple. In my humble opinion, Tavis should have accepted Barack’s decision and moved on. One of the last things that Tavis said during his February 14th radio commentary on the Tom Joyner Morning Show was that he was not going to address the issue any further after his commentary that morning. We’ll see how long that lasts given all the attention that his remarks have generated. If Tavis says he’s not going to talk about the issue then I won’t either.

Moving on. (For the record, the Smiley camp issued a statement the next day in an attempt to clarify Tavis’ position). Click here to read that press release.

Barack Obama has defied almost all odds. He’s making history. Further, Barack Obama continues to raise money at a mind-boggling rate without political action committee donations. To date, he’s taken the Clinton campaign’s best shot. They’ve used their operatives (Bob Johnson, Bill Clinton and others) to try and distract Obama, slow his momentum and get him “off point.” This is a compelling election. I’m watching the dynamics within the black community, particularly the black folks who endorsed Hillary Clinton when she looked unbeatable.

Three months ago all of the major polls showed Hillary Clinton holding a majority of the black vote against Barack Obama. Here are some notable black folks who are on record supporting Hillary Clinton: Maya Angelou, Magic Johnson, Bob Johnson and 50 Cent. How long will these folks stay on that bandwagon? Who will have the courage to switch?

Rep. David Scott of Georgia, said he would not go against the will of voters in his district, who overwhelmingly supported Obama last week. Rep. John Lewis, an elder statesman from the civil rights era and one of Hillary Clinton’s most prominent black supporters, reportedly said on February 14th that he planned to cast his vote as a super delegate for Sen. Barack Obama in hopes of preventing a fight at the Democratic convention. This is a long race and it is far from being over. However, Barack Obama has traction and momentum and that means something.

Let me put myself out there. I am firmly on the Barack Obama bandwagon. Three months ago I was skeptical and undecided. I was weighing the “experience” argument that was floating around about him. I used to work inside the business side of the White House also known as the West Wing. I worked there for just under 4 years. I’ve seen how things run on a day-to-day basis. I’ve worked with and observed presidential “handlers.”

Believe me when I tell you, Barack Obama is ready to be president of the United States. I base this on carefully reviewing presidents over the past 25 years. (I really didn’t have to go back that far. I could have simply compared him to our current president. That comparison is a slam dunk for Obama). Barack Obama is not the perfect presidential candidate—no one is. Barack has a vision and the uncanny gift of being able to connect with all kinds of people and he’s getting better at communicating every day.

There is something special about Barack Obama. He is the right guy at the right time for this country. He’s done a solid job of running his campaign and surrounding himself with the right people which speaks well of his judgment. He’ll do the same thing as president. While I’m on a roll let me give props to his wife Michelle Obama. Is this a sharp down-to-earth sister or what? Whew! This woman can represent.

Let me wrap this thing up. The Clinton’s have been exposed. They are desperate. Yes, I said “they.” Hillary and Bill have been behaving as if they have a sense of entitlement to the presidency for 2008.

The Hillary Clinton campaign bus is dropping bolts and leaking oil on the way to the finish line. She has a new campaign manager (a black female), a new deputy campaign manager and she’s had to use $5 million dollars of her own money to donate to her campaign. These are not good signs. However, the Clintons are professional campaigners. They don’t like to lose and will do ANYTHING not to lose this race. Do not be surprised about anything that happens in this race from this point on.

If Hillary Clinton loses the next two or three primaries, staying on the Clinton bandwagon is tantamount to re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. We know how that story ended.

Click here to read Barack Obama's letter to Tavis Smiley regarding this issue.

Click here to listen to Tavis’ 14 February commentary.

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