Niggerati Rapateur Tavis Smiley Leaving Joyner Show over Obama Hate

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports today (B; Pg. 16) that Tavis Smiley is leaving Tom Joyner's popular morning radio show after 12 years, and Joyner told listeners Friday that he thought the political commentator's criticism of presidential hopeful Barack Obama might be to blame. Smiley, who had been on the syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Showsince 1996, purportedly told Joyner he's quitting because he has too many other projects. But Joyner said he thinks Smiley is tired of getting flak for criticizing Obama. "We're so emotional about this Barack Obama candidacy," Joyner said on his Dallas-based show. "If you don't say anything for Barack Obama, you're considered to be a hater." Smiley criticized Obama for not attending the annual "State of the Black Union" symposium that Smiley hosted in February. Sen. Hillary Clinton was the only presidential candidate who accepted Smiley's invitation. It is not clear when Smiley's resignation is effective.

According to the Washington Post, Roland Martin, a CNN political contributor who hosts a talk-radio show aimed at African Americans in Chicago, said that he was "very surprised" by Smiley's resignation. "You have to expect to get heat the moment you decide to offer critical comments about politics or social issues," Martin said. "You have to be tough enough to take it."

Added Martin: "For a long time, Tavis was used to people applauding him for taking tough stances. . . . This was the first time he had taken a position that flat-out ticked off his core audience. But [criticism] comes with the territory."