Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Time to Get Tough on Obama, Say Some Blacks

Making 'history is not enough,' argue commentators

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 6, 2009 10:11 AM CDT

(Newser) – He made history on January 20—but some black politicos say the honeymoon is over with President Obama, the Washington Post reports. Taking the president to task will ultimately help him lead, says talk show host Tavis Smiley. “History is not enough,” notes black media personality Jeff Johnson. But many in the black community would rather the talking heads go easier on the new president.

“It's not about being a second-guessing cynic,” says the president of the National Urban League. “That's not what brings change.” But others worry about promoting a “double standard,” fearing some groups are letting Obama off the hook. The party’s over, and it’s time to scrutinize, says Johnson. “The person that I believe we voted for doesn't want us to continue to celebrate him.”

President Barack Obama disembarks Air Force One at the Esenboga airport in Ankara, Turkey, yesterday.
President Barack Obama disembarks Air Force One at the Esenboga airport in Ankara, Turkey, yesterday.   (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
Tavis Smiley stands and takes inventory at his State of the Union Tenth Anniversary of Conversations held in Los Angeles on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009.
Tavis Smiley stands and takes inventory at his State of the Union Tenth Anniversary of Conversations held in Los Angeles on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009.   (AP Photo/Earl Gibson III)
US President Barack Obama delivers a speech in Prague, Czech Republic, Sunday, April 5, 2009.
US President Barack Obama delivers a speech in Prague, Czech Republic, Sunday, April 5, 2009.   (AP Photo/Herbert Knosowski)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 13 comments
Rob
Apr 7, 2009 11:12 AM CDT
Ok, Obama is not Bush. But he is not the hardest working president, nor is he the most accomplished president, nor the smartest president to ever come along. His first 100 days are not stellar nor are they abysmal. This problem is that criticizing those that criticize him is simply unfair and is giving Obama a break that other politicians do not get. So really, support or deride, but stop expecting others to think like you because quite frankly there is a lot to wonder about in this guy as much as there is to breathe easier that Bush's term is through. But one thing is certain, there is no connection between them and however bad you think Bush is that doesn't make Obama good.
woodyTX
Apr 7, 2009 5:03 AM CDT
Mr. Smiley is well within his rights to inspect Mr. Obama and his policies closely. This is what separates our democracy from totalitarian regimes and the challenges / discussion only lead to sharper minds and more thoughtful positions on all sides. Mr. Obama has been welcoming this and in fact appears to thrive on it. Mr. Obama should be congratulated for his achievement but should not be treated as God in spite of NNINY's severe case of Messiah envy. Mr. Smiley deserves all the credit in the world for helping raise the bar and I'm sure he will get good credit in the end and plenty of job offers. Hey even Imus got another job. How hard can it be ?
woodyTX
Apr 7, 2009 4:49 AM CDT
Tell me prowlerzee what ARE you looking for in a President ? You attack Mr. Obama for his pronunciation and speech presentation style after 8 years GW Bush ? Are you serious ? You seem pretty careless in selecting your arguments. Tell me what policies Mr. Obama stands for and which he doesn't and why you don't agree. Can you present a cogent, rational fact based argumant ? Obama can take the heat but it should be well thought through heat, not populist tripe and sloganeering. And what do you mean by "another white nigger" in the F-22 / Gates article ? I'm curious on that one.

More Newser Stories

Obama Pushes Sweeping Corporate Tax Reform

Economy Hikes Obama Poll Numbers

Obama: 47 Romney: 42 Roseanne: 6

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Obama Invites Fans to Join 'Truth Team'


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne