by Mark Silva
The GOP is making hay of the fact that Michael Steele, chairman of the Republican National Committee, will attend the 10th annual "State of the Black Union'' forum staged by commentator Tavis Smiley of radio and TV on Saturday in Los Angeles - and that he is the first RNC chairman to do so.
Considering that Steele is the first African-American chairman of the RNC, and considering the fact that he attended last year's forum as a panelist, this shouldn't be very surprising.
Then again, even Barack Obama, then seeking to become the first African-American nominee for president of any major political party, skipped last year's State of the Black Union forum in New Orleans - Obama, now the first African-American president, was busy campaigning in his party's primaries, and not particularly interested in portraying himself as the black candidate.
So it's possible that Steele may draw some comparisons between his presence this year and Obama's absence last year. The chairman will hold a press conference before the forum at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Saturday morning - a sure sign that he has something to say.
Obama wasn't the only candidate to skip last year's forum - then Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York was the only major candidate to attend.
"How many of our parents and our grandparents, and how many of us ever thought we would see the day when a woman or an African-American would be the Democratic nominee for president of the United States," Clinton said at the time. "The high stakes and historic nature of Sen. Obama's candidacy and mine have invested this campaign with an intensity and an excitement seldom seen in the political arena.''
"In the final stretch,'' Obama explained of his absence, "I will be on the campaign trail every day in states like Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin talking directly with voters about the causes that are at the heart of my campaign and the State of the Black Union forum. That is why, with regret, I am not able to attend the forum."
And, of course, Obama won his party's nomination, and Clinton didn't. So perhaps Steele will take that question up at his press conference, too.
Comments
This is hilarious, the GOPer's have ONE black guy elected to national office (and party insiders elected him), and now they think that makes them look inclusive?!?!
Micheal Steel's days are already numbered, there's an indictment with his name on it that's just waiting to happen anytime within the next few months.
Posted by: Hulk Smash! | February 27, 2009 2:48 PM
So...last year Obama decided it was more important to actually win the nomination than talk about winning the nomination. Makes sense to me. Or as we used to say - what a concept!
Posted by: Tom J | February 27, 2009 7:23 PM
Having Michael Steele at the SOTBU is a farce. Although I'm sure that Tavis is more than happy to know that Steele will be there, they both can spend time bashing Obama.
Posted by: mypov | February 27, 2009 7:44 PM
I actually feel regret that Steele seems to be burning out so fast. From what I had read about him led me to think that he was a serious man who could lead the RNC in this phase of re-alignment: Although he seemed to be firm in his conservatism (and therefore one with whom I would disagree on most issues), he seemed open to tolerate moderate voices in his own party and willing to engage the Democrats sincerely. But now he makes himself look ridiculous with his forced "hip-ness", and with his statements which drive moderates away and alienates them and many independents, just as I feared would happen with any of the other RNC chair candidates.
Posted by: Candia | February 27, 2009 8:21 PM
In recent years there have been many African Americans speaking out in behalf of themselves and the Republican Party. These people appear to be quite intelligent. In my opinion they seriously lack common sense, looking at history. They will learn but will not care. How sad. But this is really America.
Posted by: gman60 | February 28, 2009 7:57 PM
It is really sad that we can't forgive and forget when people have a life outside of their nomination to an office. We should forgive when people can't make certain forums because they are busy.
Posted by: Lonnie Leonard | February 28, 2009 10:59 PM
Sadly the black/white line of stupidity still harnesses Americas ability to move forward as one Nation. We all have a voice to be heard. Unfortunately President Obama has shown a partisan posture that lacks experience and "Change"! The greatest mistake of his presidency will be his followers were too concerned about making history and unconcerned about making sense.
Posted by: Pete Frederick | March 3, 2009 9:21 AM
Those uninform drones read before you comment the truth is that at the time candidate Obama called Tavis and explained the situation he also told him that his wife Michelle Obama could attend the State of Union in New Orleans in place of Can. Obama and Mr. Smiley declined. Always trying to divide and conquer.
Posted by: Careful | March 4, 2009 9:05 AM