I was pleasantly surprised to see that Tavis kept his “product” consistent. Compared to C-SPAN, CNN, et. al., last night’s forum seemed like it occurred in an alternate Black (albeit “mainstream”) universe.
The questioners showed why journalism experience still matters. I learned a lot about the condition of Black and Brown people in America from those questions. And I loved Cornel West’s quip about the journos in today’s “Journal-isms.” 
The format left a lot to be desired, but it worked for those who knew how to make it work.
I get annoyed with Tavis sometimes, but not today. Lead on, homie, and let’s see what happens at Morgan this fall.
JULY 1 UPDATE: Tavis did well on “Meet The Press” today. Being invited to be on that political roundtable is proof that the nation’s elite has now officially recognized you.
JULY 5 UPDATE: This criticism of the event is well-thought out and needs to be read and debated. It echoes many of my own problems with Tavis’ events. I think the difference is I’ve accepted what Tavis’ self-defined role as an agent of “Black hegemony.” Until Black leaders decide to put some real money behind the creation of a Black mass media structure, there we are, then. The folks I saw in the Howard crowd—a large number of them nationally known African-American notables, leaders, etc.—were happy with Tavis’ show. And I have learned the hard way not to be angrier than my people, particularly my “leaders.”
Hey T,
I was mildly pleased and impressed with what went down. I thought Barack was trying to play too much for the home team. But hey.
marcus
June 29th, 2007
Hey!
“Midly pleased and impressed” sounds like a good description to me.
And as bland as Obama can be, he NEEDED to play for the home team! LOL!
Todd Steven Burroughs
June 29th, 2007