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Published: Mar 23, 2006

Are Black Leader’s an Obama-nation?


By Raynard Jackson
Thursday, January 10, 2008

With Barack Obama having just won overwhelmingly in Iowa and being poised to do the same in New Hampshire, how will Black leaders justify endorsing Hillary Clinton?

At last count, the 42 members of the Congressional Black Caucus (including Obama) had split: 15 for Obama, 16 for Clinton, three for Edwards and eight having endorsed no one. Of course it’s understandable that members from New York are endorsing Clinton, but if Obama becomes the nominee, these members are going to have hell to pay.

The public reason for members endorsing Clinton has been it’s not Barak’s time; he is not ready; and America is not ready to vote for a Black man yet. Well, in talking to a few members this weekend, I was able to confirm what I knew all along. The “first Black president,” Bill Clinton had called to twist some arms. Some had already personally committed to Obama and then changed their minds after the phone call. According to one phone call recipient, the conversation went something like this, “This is President Clinton, and remember when I helped you with a situation? Well, now I am calling in my chit.” Deal done!

Should Obama become the nominee, there will be a ground swell of rumblings as to why these members did not endorse Obama. I predict that some of these members will have a primary challenge during their re-election. Not from a fringed candidate, but from a credible, respected person from within the community. Don’t be surprised if one or two members of the Black Caucus actually lose their seat as a direct result of them not endorsing Obama.

Another fascinating observation is that all of the usual “self appointed” Black, radical democrats who are supposed to be so pro-Black, have once again shown their hypocrisy. Some of these characters are: Jesse Jackson, Tom Joyner, Tavis Smiley, George Curry (yeah, I know he is supposed to be a journalist), Steve Harvey, Cornell West, Julian Bond, Kanye West, and Al Sharpton.

I would like for them to explain to the Blacks they claim to speak for why they have not made any contributions to Obama’s campaign. All of these people are wealthy (comfortable at worst). According to the Federal Election Commission’s database, there is no record of them giving money to Obama.

We have all heard these members of the Congressional Black Caucus and these so-called Blacktivists (Blacks who are activists) talk about the importance of supporting our own, especially when it involves historic change.

Obama has won in Iowa (a state that is over 95 percent White), and probably will do so in New Hampshire (over 95 percent White). He has shown that Whites will vote for a Black man. So, will someone please explain to me why these “self appointed,” radical Blacks have not put their money where there mouth is?

Contrast them with Will and Jada Smith. They have both publicly endorsed Obama AND have maxed out financially to his campaign. Their support can not be questioned!

Now, next month Tavis Smiley will have his annual meeting about what White folks are not doing for Blacks, but will he castigate himself and his co-horts about their hypocrisy? I think we all know the answer to that question.

They all had a chance to be part of Obama Nation from the beginning. But, they chose to display their true character—a bunch of charlatans, waiting to see which way the political wind blows. How can they implore other Blacks to support our community, when they don’t practice what they preach?

Obama has shifted the tectonic plates of politics irreversibly. He has done this with the support of Whites, not Blacks. Black leaders should be ashamed and embarrassed for not being part of Obama-nation. Their behavior is nothing short of an abomination

Raynard Jackson is President & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates and a national radio talk show host. He can be reached at: talk@raynardjackson.com.