Popular author and media personality Tavis Smiley said he will resign in June as a twice-weekly commentator on the syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show after more than 11 years with the program. He cited fatigue and a busy schedule to Joyner on Thursday night, but Joyner indicated otherwise on his program and in his blog Friday, writing: “The real reason is that he can’t take the hate he’s been getting regarding the Barack issue — hate from the black people that he loves so much.”
Smiley has taken on Obama in a series of commentaries that began as the Democrat from Illinois emerged as the party’s front-runner for the presidential nomination in early January. Days after Obama’s win in the Iowa caucus, Smiley warned on Joyner’s show: “Don’t fall so madly in love [with Obama] that you surrender your power to hold people accountable. . . . I’m not saying overlook Senator Obama, but you now better be ready to look him over.”
That commentary brought a hail of critical phone calls and e-mails down on Smiley, who replied two days later on the Joyner show that he stood by his criticism. “It’s all about accountability,” he said at the time.
Since then, amid mounting counter-criticism, Smiley has stepped up his critiques, contending that Obama wasn’t sufficiently attentive to issues involving African Americans.
Smiley is the author of the best-selling “Covenant With Black America” and hosts self-named interview shows on PBS and Public Radio International. He formerly hosted a show on Black Entertainment Television in Washington.
Late Friday afternoon, Smiley said in a statement that he would stay with Joyner until the end of June, adding: “Contrary to what has been suggested, I have decided to clear some things off my plate so that I can devote my time and attention to some exciting and empowering projects.” He did not mention Obama.
Information from the Washington Post contributed to this report.