Exclusive: Is Barack Obama black enough? Black repubican Armstrong Williams weighs in
Listen: Black Republican Armstrong Williams weighs in an exclusive podcast interview with BlackPressRadio.com
(BlackPressMagazine.com) – Nearly three years ago, before interviewing Black republican Armstrong Williams about the same topic, a posting to a Web blog asked the question if U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) was "black enough," so I decided to weigh in.
In all of my years of covering journalism and politics, never have a seen a politician so focused on the future and in touch with his base.
U.S. Senator Barack Obama is not only the most charismatic politician I've ever met, but also the most diverse.
On April 21, I stood in a local hotel bar talking to two men who many would have labeled as "ignorant rednecks" and listened intently as they described the man they feel will "be the first Black president of the United States."
"He's so charismatic, but hell that's expected for a politician But, what's so different about Obama is that he's got it covered on all ends."
As I shifted my weight from foot to foot in anticipation of a trip to the ladies room, which is where I was headed when they stopped me, I began to understand the thing that most journalists always forget: I'm not just covering the news; I'm living history.
Four separate occasions, I have covered Barack Obama, each time I somehow manage to put something in his hand and this most recent occasion take a photograph with him. That's the point: He's the most accessible Black leader in America. That's not to say that his security isn't tight. Believe me, it is. But, he comes off as the kind of guy who never forgets where he comes from.
During a recent interview with David Mann, the star of Tyler Perry's hit play, "Meet the Browns", I asked Mann if he felt that the play would have to change now that a diverse audience was playing more attention due to the success of Tyler's movie, "Diary of a Mad Black Woman." Mann's answer could be Obama's.
"You kinda have to dance with the person that brought ya," Mann told me in the high-pitched, slow, southern accent that has made him famous. "Black people brought us to this dance, and that's who we're going to keep dancing with. We may switch partners from time to time, but at the end of the dance, we're going home with the people that brought us."
The same is true for Senator Obama.
In the last 6 months, I've covered half a dozen separate Black-oriented events that Obama not only attended but delivered a speech.
As a professionally trained journalist and skeptic, I went looking for signs of a sell out with Obama. I looked for it his CBC reception at Pearl Night club in Washington, DC in September. I tried to find it at the Black Press Week dinner a few months later in March. And I just knew I'd see it at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies' 35th Annual Dinner on April 20.
Unlike what is common with most politicians, Obama never used the same speech. Journalistically, it's almost fun to find something wrong with a public figure, but Obama hasn't made me laugh yet. He's always 'on' but not in the fake, "cameras are rolling" type of way that most would expect. In my presence, Obama hasn't missed a request to sign a program, kiss a baby or even pose for a photograph with a cynic journalist.
So, for anyone who asks if Barack Obama is Black enough I can only say. Give me five...on Barack Obama that is. Obama is the safest bet that Black America has had since Thurgood Marshall was appointed to the Supreme Court.
Exclusive: Black Celebrities confess to BlackPressRadio.com that they are voting for Obama
Rapper Alfamega (Hear the interview at http://www.youtube.com/blackpress
Actor Morgan Freeman (Hear the interview at http://www.blackpressradio.com on December 22, 2007)
To hear other podcasts related to race including Armstrong Williams answer the question, "Is Barack Obama Black Enough?" enter keyword: RACISM, POLITICS or "N" WORD. To listen to podcasts with other shows on VH1 mentioned in this podcast including "Charm School" or "I Love New York," search keyword: VH1 or Charm School."I had no idea that he'd say some of the things he said, but I can certainly see why New York chose Tango instead of Chance or Mr. Boston," said Livers who is managing editor for Black Press Magazine. "He was one of the most challenging, unpredictable people I've interviewed. Most people from these types of shows have short shelf live, but if he keeps it up I wouldn't be surprised if he's hear to stay."
Be the first to know: Stay tuned to Black Press Magazine for updates on Tango's career including the release of his new show and music. Become a member of the Historical Black Press Foundation or subscribe to our blog to be the first to know what's going on in Black media.
Related: Mr Boston: "New York" should have picked me; spin-off show in works
Is New York pregnant?
Man Man comes clean
Mr. Wise talks about Tailor Made and Pretty's sexuality
Fans cry fowl as BET's host Rosci poses for KING magazine
Vivicia Fox, Boris Kodjoe star in new stage play, "Whatever She Wants"
Michael Lewellen: Why I left BET interview and podcast
Thousands of Black Writers involved in copyright class action lawsuit
Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell Victoria Rowell
