I like Tavis Smiley's NPR show. He generally has guests to represent "both sides" of the issue.
On The Tom Joyner Morning Show, he's more himself, which means he's more of a Democrat supporter. As such, he seems to give them a pass. Although sometimes he will make comments that lets the audience know he's not happy.
When Clinton was in office, Tavis was very easy on the administration. When Gore ran for the election, he was harder on Gore. This was especially the case when Gore's "short list" didn't include any Blacks.
His commentary on the matter was biting. During the same race, he did a commentary piece that caused the CBC and the DNC to fear that the Black vote may stay home. At the end of the election cycle, he said that he thought it was time that Blacks access their support of Democrats. But nothing really came out of that commentary.
A few weeks ago, Tavis commented on Blacks supporting Democrats but getting nothing in return. He made it a 2 part commentary. And the end of the first part, I thought he would announce that Blacks should sit this election out, or that Blacks should register as independents or as Republicans, en masse. But it didn't go that way. Instead he said that Blacks should register and vote in this election.
After he came back from vacation, he "came up with an idea" to canvas "Blacks" to see what was of high interest to Blacks. He decided to do this so that a "contract with Black America" could be developed. His aim is to get any politico who wants the Black vote to sign this contract. If they don't sign it, they shouldn't get the support of Blacks.
Fundamentally, I like the idea of not giving your vote to politicians who don't support you or stand for what you believe. So in one respect this is a good thing. But suppose a Democrat signs and a Republican signs. Then what?
And suppose the contract contains things that Republicans say they are against, so the Republican politican doesn't sign it and the Democrat does signs it. But then once in office, nothing happens?
Then what?
Suppose vouchers are one of the things that the contract says politicians should support? Do you think a Democrat will support it?
The ideas of what should be in the contract will come from people who email Tavis and those who take the time to join in on a webchat.
The Black America Web website has details.
Since this is the internet, suppose the email and webchat gets "hi-jacked" by Republicans?
It will be interesting to see what comes out of it. I dont' think much will come out of it.
Posted by at August 26, 2004 04:24 PM | TrackBack