Smiley Quits Radio Show After Obama Remarks

'He can't take the hate,' host says

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 12, 2008 4:05 PM CDT

(Newser) – Tavis Smiley is quitting as political analyst for a national radio show after comments he made about Barack Obama, the Washington Post reports. Smiley says he’s leaving the “Tom Joyner Morning Show” for personal reasons, but Joyner says otherwise. “The real reason is that he can’t take the hate he’s been getting regarding the Barack issue,” Joyner said.

When Obama won the Iowa caucus, Smiley warned listeners not to “fall so madly in love that you surrender your power to hold people accountable. Be ready to look him over.” Smiley has since stepped up his criticisms, despite a backlash from black listeners. “This was the first time he had taken a position that flat-out ticked off his core audience,” said one radio host.

Hillary Rodham Clinton holds hands with Tavis Smiley during his State of the Black Union Town Hall in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Tavis Smiley speaks at his State of the Black Union event in this file photo. (KRT Photos)

Tavis Smiley is host of a program on National Public Radio. (KRT Photos)

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Smiley Quits Radio Show After Obama Remarks

'He can't take the hate,' host says

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Standups, talk-show hosts go where politicians fear to tread

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Smiley Quits Radio Show After Obama Remarks

'He can't take the hate,' host says

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

talk radio • race relations • Obama 2008 • Tavis Smiley • African-American voters

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

The Civil War Ended Last Night; Time for Reconstruction

Already a historic prez, Obama can be great

An Obama Win Would Belong to LBJ

Run is confirmation of slow change since Civil Rights Act

Obama Quietly Moves to Pump Up Black Vote

Dem balances image concerns with efforts to increase turnout

Obama Treads Lightly on Issue of Race

Democrats try to avoid race war with McCain

Obama's Race a Gift . . . for Comedians

Standups, talk-show hosts go where politicians fear to tread

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Newser By Users

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