I think that’s the entire point of inviting him and other politicians to the SOBU. ‘Appeal’ is too strong of a word, however. ‘Engage’ is more fitting.

Obama most likely purposely avoided the SOBU and considering how well he is doing with the general population it was a good desicion.

I disagree, however, that Smiley put Obama ‘on blast’. He’s not portraying himself or the SOBU as gatekeepers (which, BTW, it’s a little late for considering the Senator’s got as close to a complete lock on Black voters as one could wish for). But I believe that every candidate should engage their would-be constituents whenever possible. And the SOBU, while not a formal organization, does get the attention of a lot of Af-Ams, if for no other reason that a sizeable cross-section of well-known Blacks from many walks of life participate in the forums. Yes… it’s a media event, but its symbolism should not be discounted. Those voices in the background that have taken Smiley’s points re: Obama, et al., as evidence of a ‘Black-on-Black sabotage’ are exaggerating the case for their own self-interests.

Love your site anyway keep up the good work!

Tavis is not the one moving the goalposts here. The folks who used his forum as the litmus test are the ones guilty of the double standard.

I even ended this post by acknowledging that it is Tavis that has been consistant through this whole thing. The only ones who have changed the rules for this so-called Black litmus test are those that backed him when he was calling out the GOP. Now that he is calling out Obama, he is now seen as a ‘crab in the barrel’.

**UPDATE

Martin said the following in his commentary:”Obama must look forward, not in the past. The Louisiana primary, which he won handily, was on Saturday. Why go back to Louisiana for an event on Feb. 23? That is not to dismiss the needs of people along the Gulf Coast. But the only way he can truly help them is if he wins the nomination and the White House.”

Where was this line of logic when Bush and other members of the GOP did not show up for the State of the Black Union? All of a sudden, the bigger picture has become getting a Black person in the White house and not putting him through the phony litmus test–and here Martin is admitting it was phony in the first place. Remember when word got out that the GOP turned down Tavis’ invitation after Katrina. Folks worked it like nobody’s business by suggesting that the GOP was too afraid to face a bunch of angry Black folks? Arguing as he (Martin) and others would if this was a well-liked Republican candidate: ‘Obama McCain will be spending some major time in Texas for their primary. Louisiana is the next state over. You telling me that he can’t take some time to talk to Black America (Ed, come on man–you KNOW this line would easily been used if this was McCain we were talking about here).

I don’t think I can make it any plainer.

The weekend is almost there folks. Just hang in there.

He put Obama on blast. How is that moving the goal posts?