I don't exactly understand why some people are surprised that many prominent African Americans are not supporting Barack Obama. African Americans are (like all human beings) individuals and make up their mind for themselves. I know there's this popular narrative that African Americans are "sheep" for Barack Obama due to his race. That's just a little bit ridiculous and a little bit condescending. In fact, one wonders why there isn't an outrage over such comments as there was when Obama talked about people "clinging" to guns and religion.

Tavis Smiley's opposition to Obama is what makes the Democratic process great. It's what makes individual humanity great. Now what this ONE African American man has to say about ALL African American people...I'm not so sure.

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Yesterday, John McCain actually said that if he’s president he’ll take on, and I quote, 'the old boys’ network in Washington.' I’m not making this up. This is somebody been in Congress for 26 years, who put seven of the most powerful Washington lobbyists in charge of his campaign. And now he tells us that he’s the one who’s gonna take on the old boys' network,” he said. “In the McCain campaign that’s called a staff meeting!- Obama, 9/17/2008