Politics

PBS Host Questions Obama‘s ’Genuine Love for Black People’

PBS’s Tavis Smiley isn’t happy with the way in which President Obama has handled his relationship with black journalists — and African Americans in general. On Sunday, Smiley took to his radio show with guest Cornell West to lament an apparently rude speech Obama’s chief of staff Valerie Jarrett delivered to the National Association of Black Journalists Convention last month.

Tavis Smiley Questions Obamas Genuine Love for Black People

PBS's Tavis Smiley (Image Credit: YouTube)

During the speech in question, Jarrett talked about Obama’s “genuine love for black people.” Smiley scoffed at this, considering that the president didn’t attend the journalism conference and sent Jarrett instead (Joe Biden appeared there as well).

“What’s fascinating about that to me, a few things: number one, that I’ve never heard the president say that,” Smiley said. “So, to send a surrogate out to tell people that he really loves you is fascinating for me if the president himself doesn’t tell you that I love you. You know that’s like me sending you to tell my momma that I love her.”

Tavis Smiley Questions Obamas Genuine Love for Black People

Smiley was particularly frustrated that Obama’s apparent love for African Americans was spouted during a time in which “new census numbers show that the wealth inequality gap between white and black folk has doubled during the president’s term in office.“ With ”black wealth“ continuing to ”evaporate,” the radio host wondered just how deep and genuine Obama’s love is.

Here’s more from Smiley’s radio discussion of the speech:

…Some folk in the audience really wanted to hear her [Jarrett] just talk about issues and talk about the campaign and talk about things that really matter. But she got up and just read down this laundry list of accomplishments and there were folk in the audience who like okay, we got it.

But the presentation didn’t work because it was just a resuscitation [sic] of talking points as if she felt she needed to convince this audience with these talking points that he really had done something that she had to convince them and so here comes the phrase of genuine love. It just struck some in the audience I’m told that she was really really you know working hard to try to sell this story to an audience of black journalists? What do you make of that?

West had somewhat of a different take, as he didn’t seem as bothered by the proclamation from the chief of staff. Listen to Smiley talk about Obama’s purported love — or lack thereof — for African Americans, below:

(H/T: Newsbusters)

Comments (114)

1 2 3
  • lfoa
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 9:08am

    Simple….
    Obama takes you (as in the ‘Black’ community) for granted and thus doesn’t need to kowtow.
    With a 90% plus voter rate already in his pocket ~ he’s elsewhere trying to con people out of their money (and votes).

    Report Post »  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 9:15am

      In the city of Atlanta, Ga that percentage has fallen by 20% and………….dropping.

      Hopefully this is true countrywide.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 12:29pm

      Keeping inner city populations exactly stuck where they are is a long term democratic strategy to have a cornerstone foundation of tax revenue recipients who are beholden to the government for a 3rd world living. This is a primary constituency of the “base”. Dr Smiley OUGHT to be asking where the training and incentives for these “high tech” jobs which are supposed to be the economic future of the country. These workers are the workers we are actively importing from India etc. The fact that these folks are mostly black, happens to be an often useful coincidence to further divide. So Barack IS actually happy with the way this works as he receives the vote of about 95% of the black folks who vote. When you look at that statistic you realize that those voters are the real racists in that they voted predominately for Obama based on skin color NOT shared life experience. In fact, they voted in what they believe is their self interest, short term, that keep them stuck right where they are at. That is what Tavis Smiley should REALLY investigate.

      Report Post » dmerwin  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 12:32pm

      Sorry Mr Obama…Since you just labeled me a conservative terroist..I can’t feel the love for white people either…No matter ,its time to go to work,have a wife ,family, mortgage and taxes to pay..i don‘t know how I’ll find the time for any terrorist activity..

      Report Post »  
    • KeystoneState
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 11:11pm

      Sheesh, does this Smiley guy have Daddy issues or what? Hmm, did Bush ever let the White folk know he had genuine love for them? Ugh, sad.

      Report Post » KeystoneState  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on July 6, 2012 at 5:52am

      Sweet Old Barack loves one black man and only one – guess who. If you said Epic Holdup you were wrong. Sweet Old Barack loves Sweet Old Barack and considers all others as inferior.

      OMG Nov 6, 2012

      Report Post »  
    • conraddobler
      Posted on July 17, 2012 at 2:45am

      You are so correct!!! I just shake my head as i watch how this phoney Obama uses Black Americans like clowns- and many black folk still fawn all over him like he is a rock star!!! Having never heard of him before it wasn‘t till I heard some of the Chicago ’old guard’ black establishment raising the alarm warning about him. He chastises Black America but then coddles gays and even worse CRIMINALS who illegally enter this country. Many of these same people wouldn’t lift a finger to assist blacks and actively want to minimize us. And for the life of me I can‘t see how ’many‘ black folk can’t see through all of the smoke and mirrors and ‘shuckin and jivin’ from this fraud. Romney is a horrible candidate but I’d vote for him rather than somebody who is clowning black folk with his BS….

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 9:00am

    Funny, but I have never felt the need for any POTUS to tell me that he loves me. Barry only has room in his hearst for one person anyway…himself.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • love the kids
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:56am

    He doesen’t love you, he has enslaved all of you for political gain and used you as pawns. The sad part is that you don’t even realize it. My kids get upset when I make them do chores and have them complete homework assignments on their own, but when we go to school and see that the other projects were all completed by the kids parents because they want you to think that their kid is so great, we know that now and in the future our children will be the better prepared ones.

    Report Post »  
    • BOUNCESoff
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 10:55am

      And who did Bush enslave??? Your attempt is futile at best.

      Report Post » BOUNCESoff  
  • myway
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:54am

    Have the Black Panthers seen this yet?

    Report Post » myway  
  • dawn03
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:43am

    Obama needs to stop acting like a superstar and be a President that can run the country. I see him use all the excuses he could for why things don’t go right and then take credit for things that goes his way. He is not GOD and he will make mistakes but I need him to be honest, forth coming, stop blaming everyone for his mistakes (just own it and not act so childish about it) and be someone who is strong and we can be proud of. I need a President to make the tough decisions and stop passing the buck to someone else to take care of or sweep it under the carpet. This is not a job for someone that is childish, inexperienced and doesn’t have the Americans in his best interest. This is a job not President Idol contest. Get over yourself and be who the people elected you to be for just a little while anyway till we can replace you with someone with experience in creating jobs. I don’t know if he has noticed but Americans and their dreams are dying and they need jobs.

    Report Post »  
    • piper60
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:55am

      He hasn’t noticed, and he doesn’t care. Haven’t you figured that out yet? He’s a MARXIST.

      Report Post » piper60  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 9:08am

      “Obama needs to stop acting like a superstar and be a President that can run the country.” He is totally incapable of that. He is a one trick pony (good campaigner) and that is honestly the only thing he knows how to do. He‘s been POTUS for 4 years now and he’s never stopped running for office! He has been campaigning for one thing after another since his college days. When this term is over (and he has lost) he is really going to have a hard time figuring out how to live out the rest of his life without some office to run for.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • RedDirtTexas
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 10:25am

      Hope he’s slinging Big Macs this time next year!

      Report Post » RedDirtTexas  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 11:59am

      Dictators know to cement the image of themselves into the minds of the masses that they must constantly have their faces appear before the people everyday. I have never seen Gods face yet I serve him only. This man is trying to place himself above the people as an Icon to be remembered always….he is influencing an entire generation to be his servants….George Bush does not even fit this image as someone commented that who has he enslaved….idiotic at best.

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
  • Apple Bite
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:38am

    Love?! I don’t want his damn love! Tina Tuner said it best. What’s love got to do with it?!
    If he wants to love something, how about the CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES for starters? And THE BILL OF RIGHTS, with emphasis on RIGHTS. His love won‘t save this country from losing it’s freedom.

    This is a very bad time to have Americans searching for a Real Love like Mary J Blige, Valerie!

    Report Post » Apple Bite  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:37am

    Facts are facts – obama believes that blacks are stupid – he uses them for his own personal and political gain, and so far, the majority of blacks have been more than happy to play along. Elections have consequences.

    If we are to survive as a nation, obama and his cabal must be removed from power.

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
  • bikerdogred1
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:32am

    I love white people,that’s why I am voting for Romney.

    Report Post »  
    • Altair
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 9:46am

      More truth than humor there !

      Report Post »  
    • conraddobler
      Posted on July 17, 2012 at 2:54am

      Nothing wrong with loving your own…with that in mind “you” all should stop whining about Rev Wright….

      Report Post »  
  • eaglesview
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:28am

    Anybody left that hasn’t figured out that the only person our President loves is himself ?.

    Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:20am

    I don’t need a President to love me. What I need, want and demand is a President that loves America.
    Well we don’t have one. All of the blacks who voted for skin color over quality are getting what you paid for but unfortunately we who could see the wolf in black clothing are having to foot the bill.

    Report Post »  
    • BelindaB
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:40am

      Amen !!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • handsmcml
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 9:45am

      The real problem was that McCain was not that much better. We Republicans have a way of putting our worst candidates in the race. We need real conservatives and people who love the Country, Constitution, and Bill of Rights (Restrictions). Our founders wanted a small central government, not one that told us what to do or buy.

      Report Post » handsmcml  
  • Meyvn
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:16am

    Man… Jarret’s hide looks like that of an African elephant.

    Report Post » Meyvn  
  • Meyvn
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:15am

    I question his “genuine love” for anyone.

    Report Post » Meyvn  
    • sy212
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:20am

      Himself?

      Report Post »  
    • BelindaB
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:42am

      totally AGREE, obama is in love with HIMSELF!!!!!!!!!!!! We need a TRUE AMERICAN, to lead America!!! obama cres NOTHING about America, OR her CITIZENS……ONLY HIMSELFD. obama is an ARROGANT LIAR, and we MUST get rid of him in Nov.

      Report Post »  
  • DenisWTexas
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:15am

    I’m just wondering how many decades it will take before black and other “minority” groups will stop drinking the Democrat Kool-Aid. For the better part of the 19th, 20th, and 21st century, Democrats have been keeping them down, using them as tools, and telling them that Democrats are the party that loves them. And they keep buying it, because a welfare check is easier to see than the freedom to make yourself prosperous. (And I am speaking in broad generalities here, not ALL minority voters have fallen for it).

    Truth is, Republicans were the first to put a black man in the nomination bracket for President. Democrats voted AGAINST the Civil Rights bill not once, not twice, but THREE times, and it finally passed by a Republican Congress.

    But if you hand an uninformed crowd a bunch of “Obama Money” they will follow you anywhere. Yeah, he loves them alright. Every time he plays golf, or sells another 100,000 books, or raises 18 million dollars at George Clooney’s mansion, he’s loving the sheep that keep chanting his name.

    How do you make uninformed people wake up when they have a liberal media IV stuck in their arms?

    Report Post »  
  • leftcoastslut
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:11am

    if he fabricates his life in “Dreams From My Father” why would anyone believe anything he says. His whole life is a figment of his imagination. Probably this is residue left over from his “pot-smokin, crack-snorting” days.

    Report Post »  
    • Steelheadisadouche
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:20am

      In the OWS handbook it says to snort coke and smoke crack; cart before the taxpayer and all. Semantics really, you are correct.

      Report Post »  
  • snapperman
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:06am

    Smiley should be questioning not only Obama’s love for black people but that of democrats in general. Democrats have promised much to the black community and delivered little.

    Report Post »  
  • kiwi1
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:05am

    Race Based Love…Now that’s true love.

    Report Post »  
  • Baddoggy
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:03am

    Why should he love one color skin over another unless you are are a racist Smiley…Which you are.

    Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • davida61
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:54pm

      Tavis Smiley is a racist and so is his side kick Cornell West. I believe most black people are narcissistic not just Obama. Smiley wants to hear that he is loved and accepted because he is special. They all do. Blacks are anti-Americans, lovers of self, lovers of money, prideful and arrogant, selfish, takers and never givers, closed-minded, feeble minded, regressive, unmotivated, worldly, addicts, and liars. I don’t ever recall Bush or Clinton saying they loved any particular race of people. It‘s not a president’s job to love you. It’s his job to uphold the Constitution and protect the country. If Mr. Smiley needs love and assurance I suggest he go see his mamma or his preacher.

      Report Post »  
  • paulusmaximus
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:03am

    “Tavis Smiley isn’t happy with the way in which President Obama has handled his relationship with black journalists” This is a blatant example of racism! Why should it be any different for BLACK journalists that any other journalists? The whole White House believes they are superior to all of us. Be Mr. Smiley think now it’s OUR turn really?!

    Report Post » paulusmaximus  
  • wakewiseone
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 7:58am

    during my growing up years, my old man use to continually say that blacks cant handle money. well burrak is a prime example of that.

    only difference between him and his brethren whose $$$$ has evaporated………….burrak has the us treasury’s checking account under his control………..much to the dismay of every hard working US citizen.

    but………..come november that will change. and romney will put this country back on track to regaining the greatness we once enjoyed.

    so who does burrak love??…………..one and only………….his sorry a$$ self.

    Report Post »  
    • dawn03
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:30am

      All Obama has shown us is thinks that if he apologizes to the Arab Countries that they will be our best friends, if he gives citizenship to the Hispanics they will be his friend, if he continues to give out “free” money the poor people will be his friend, if he kisses the a$$ of the rich then they will be his friend, if he pretends that he cares about blacks then they will be his friend, if he pretend to be with Muslim Brotherhood and MAYBE with Isreal then the Extremist the will be his friend but, Arab “Muslim Extremist” wants to kill us, illegal want to take jobs and have our rights, the poor need a helping hand not a life time paycheck, rich people are so out of touch that they should just keep their mouths shut, Isreal is our FRIEND! He has divided us so much that we don’t even know who we are any more and that is really sad because this is not what AMERICA is suppose to be. People come to the US to have what they don’t have and if you have ever experienced a poor country, then you would surely appreciate what we have and be an AMERICAN and come together regardless of your backround and stand to be united and free. We need to get past all that divids us and move to make US a better place and to keep making things better that needs changed but in a positive way and one that unites us as people.

      Report Post »  
    • conraddobler
      Posted on July 17, 2012 at 2:52am

      So maybe we ought to just hand over all of our money to your old man? Well as long as we get to hold on to our kids then that might work Mr Sandusky…

      Report Post »  
  • Want our country back
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 7:58am

    Obama’s love for black people, REALLY. Have any of them noticed that most of his photo-ops are with white folk…, have any of them noticed that he hangs with Hollywood, mostly white.

    All Americans, need to wake up, we are not racist, we love our country, obama loves obama & power and he only loves you when necessary. That’s why we now have the ILLEGAL love, the HISPANIC love, the MUSLIM love ….he is an empty suit and therefore doesn’t have the capacity to love anybody.

    GOP2012 We MUST unite….. I LOVE the American people and this country

    Report Post » Want our country back  
    • right
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:12am

      Maybe in Nov the People will go vote for a change. We need someone that knows how to run a business and turn a profit to get us out the the very deep hole we are in. We can not do that by giving more money to folks that don‘t work and don’t contribute. This nation has gone in the wrong direction for too long. Quit looking for the government to do everything for you, quit looking for the government to take care of all your problems. Grow up,act like adults and take control of your life while you still have the chance. Four more years of obama will cripple all of us.

      Report Post »  
    • BelindaB
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:57am

      As far as obama “leading the mexican people on” …That is EXACTLY what he is doing! He will throw them ALL under the bus, once he gets their vote…..They MUST realize that…obama does NOT care about ANYONE, No Matter WHAT COLOR you Are !!!! obama cares ONLY FOR obama !!! He wants ALL AMERICANS to be his Slave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fool me Once, Shame on you….Fool me TWICE…Shame on ME. obama KNOWS that the migrants from mexico will believe his lies….THEN…After the election…They will be worthless to him, and they will NEVER have US Citizenship!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All his lies to them will be suddenly forgotten….it will be to late then….IF he were to be re-elected. We have ALL watched obama turn his back on America, over and over again…Now the BIGGEST TAX in American History!!!!!!! He MURDERED Brian Terry, he MURDERED HUNDREDS of mexican people, IN THEIR COUNTRY, AND OURS!!!!!! I say to the Mexican people that want to become Americans….WAIT for the AMERICAN, PRESIDENT ROMNEY!!!! NOT THE DIRTY MUSLIM!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • BelindaB
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 9:06am

      Excuse me, but ALL of his Photos are mostly of HIMSELF!!!! Pointing his finger, with his nose in the air…I for one, am totally sick of looking up this asses nostrils…..Wake Up people, this thing called obama has made laws to hide everything about him, he wrote a book of lies about Himself, he PAID the dirty bastard rev. Wright Not to preach until AFTER last election…READ “The Amateur”….it is ALL THERE!!! And, we have ALL SEEN his hatred towards ALL Americans….My fellow citizens, he is a dirty MUSLIM, and there should NEVER be a muslim in America’s Whitehouse….You ALL KNOW he is INTENTIONALLY destroying our AMERICA!!! STAND UP, FIGHT this MAGGOT !!!

      Report Post »  
  • copatriots
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 7:57am

    What a strange day in America when ANY group wants to hear “I love you” from the President of the U.S. Maybe they will finally learn that a narcissist only loves himself and the masses must give him the love and adoration he desperately needs.

    Report Post »  
  • mike_trivisonno
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 7:49am

    Obama is not a black. Obama is not African. Obama is Malaysian and Arab.

    Why would an Arab care about Africans?

    Report Post » mike_trivisonno  
    • Want our country back
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:09am

      We need to VOTE him out in November, not because he‘s black but because he’s RED…. a communist

      Report Post » Want our country back  
    • lfoa
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 9:14am

      Actually, he is the closest thing to an African-American you can get….
      His father was an African Citizen (Kenya) and his mother was an American Citizen.

      (this of course precludes the debate as to his place of birth, Malaysian passport, etc, etc.)

      Report Post »  
    • BOUNCESoff
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 10:57am

      @We want our country back, you can say it is not because he is black until you turn black. Facts speaks volumes.

      Report Post » BOUNCESoff  
  • jackact
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 7:49am

    Why is this even an issue?
    As long as the state run media exists identity politics will be sold to the public.
    Solution: Get rid of the state run media.
    The real news story remains; why do 70% of all Americans distrust Obama?
    Now thats story……for fair and balanced media.

    Report Post »  
  • Jake Wilde
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 7:49am

    Obama isn’t white or black. He is whatever he needs to be at any time to push his agenda. A chameleon if you will……

    Report Post »  
  • Steelheadisadouche
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 7:44am

    Is it african American or black? Get it straight, regroup, cry and whine some more, and then come back with a united black or african American voice. Wonder how much the LGBLT(no mayo) agenda has eaten into their crying and whining for more special treatment. Is Jarrett even black?

    Report Post »  
    • Apple Bite
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:27am

      I say “black” as a designation. Nobody in my family is a damn African….!
      Before any of that however, I AM HUMAN.

      Report Post » Apple Bite  
    • conraddobler
      Posted on July 17, 2012 at 2:59am

      Well to “you” it’s whatever “you” say under your breath and not to a black person directly…kind of like “you” have done pretty much since England unleashed its prisoners and packed them on a one way trip on the Mayflower….

      Report Post »  
1 2 3

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love