He Closed The Deal!

Last night Sen. Barack Obama became President Elect Barack Obama at around 11 p.m. Eastern Time. The title change made him the first African American President of the United States and set off a worldwide celebration of historic proportions. The significance of Obama's accomplishment cannot really be explained in words, except to say that through all of the struggles of our ancestors, through the Civil Rights movement, the pain, humiliation and death that black people endured in the name of equality, the moment was euphoric.

When you consider that just 4 years ago Barack Obama was a Senator from Illinois, and in a very short period of time captivated a country and world, it has to show black people that anything is indeed possible. I often write, and look for stories that impact the urban areas of our major cities. I hope that black people who are living in poverty, struggling to make ends meet, and just raise children to be productive citizens will wake up today with a little bit more hope that "change" is indeed possible. Obama won this election because he had the requisite skills, and composure to "close the deal". He ran the best campaign in history, and overcame what appeared to be insurmountable odds to make history.

Hopefully, this generation of young people will understand the significance of this event, and look beyond trying to become the next Jay-Z, or Kobe Bryant, and not necessarily aspire to be Barack Obama, but productive individuals who are respectful of their ancestor's struggles and strive to be the best that they can be in our world of opportunity.

Can Obama Rout McCain?

Conventional wisdom says that Barack Obama will be elected the next President of the United States sometime this evening. David Gergen writes on CNN.com that a rout by Obama will give him the leverage that he needs to govern from a position of strength. Gergen states that there are 3 key things to watch as things unfold:

1. Percentage of the national vote. Right now, there is a solid prospect that Obama can rack up 51 percent or more of the total vote. If so, he would be the first Democrat since Jimmy Carter to win a majority of the national vote (Carter had 50.1 percent) and only the second Democrat since Franklin Roosevelt to claim a majority (Lyndon Johnson was the other). That historic standing would give Obama a fresh boost as the president-elect and would mean that he could run ahead of Members of Congress in their own states. In Washington, that gives a president extra power.

2. Number of red states won. In recent campaigns, Democratic presidential contenders have won mostly on the east and west coasts and the upper midwest. John Kerry only won 19 states plus the District of Columbia, and one could get on a plane at Dulles and fly to Los Angeles without flying over a state that the Democrats won.
Obama has had a vision since his convention speech in 2004 of Democrats becoming a national party, getting beyond the traditional red/blue divides. And he now has a good chance of doing it. If he can win a couple of southern states, plus two or three states from the Rocky Mountains, not to mention more Midwestern areas, he can claim a true national victory — and he would have the makings of a new, majority coalition for the Democrats, something they have lacked for decades.

3. The size of Democratic wins in the Senate and House. The Democrats were heading toward significant pick-ups with or without a presidential win, but if Obama racks up a convincing victory and is accompanied by nine or more new Democratic Senators and a couple of dozen new House members, that will give him muscle on Capitol Hill that few Presidents have enjoyed. I was working for Ronald Reagan in 1980 when he trounced Jimmy Carter and Republicans swept to 12 pick-ups in the Senate and 33 in the House. Reagan was much more respected — and effective — in working with Congress because of that thumping victory.

Obama's so close to a victory, he might as well go for the jugular and close the deal with a resounding thump.

Oprah Working Behind The Scenes For Obama

Talk Show Queen, Oprah Winfrey, has made a point not to have any of the presidential candidates on her show during the campaign season, but Rush & Molloy of the New York Daily News report that Winfrey has been working behind the scenes to assist Sen. Barack Obama, and even participated in a conference call yesterday with other prominent African Americans including, Sean Combs, Donna Brazile, Jim Clyburn and Rev. Joseph Lowery.

Winfrey will also devote he entire show on Wednesday to the election.

If The Dream Is Fullfilled What's Next

Barack Obama is poised to be the first African American President of the United States if the national polling is indeed correct. So what will happen tomorrow if this is indeed the case.

Will poverty all of a sudden cease to exist? Will our inner city schools suddenly be safe and secure for our children. Will drugs cease to exist in our neighborhoods? Will most black fathers begin to take responsibility for their children?

Well we know that the answer to the above questions is no, but perhaps if Obama is elected, although he will be the President of all the people, he will take a hard look at the issues that specifically plague the black community at at least show an interest in really making "change" as he has so eloquently professed. Only time will tell.

Barack Sheds A Tear For Grandmom

Sen. Barack Obama's grandmother, Madelyn Payne Dunham, died yesterday in Hawaii, she was 86 years old. Obama made the following statement last night while campaigning in Charlotte, N.C.:

“She’s gone home.” “And she died peacefully in her sleep with my sister at her side. And so there is great joy as well as tears. I’m not going to talk about it too long because it is hard for me to talk about.”

Obama's grandmother of course died one day before her grandson is poised to make history as the first African American President. Obama is clearly on a mission, and is grieving in his own way as millions of Americans pray for him and his family.

Is The Bradley Effect History?

With one day to go before the presidential election is decided, the New York Daily News reports on the potential impact of the Bradley Effect, hearkening back to 1982 when former Los Angeles Mayor, Tom Bradley, an African American lost to his white counterpart George Deukmejian in the California governor's race after leading narrowly in the polls.

Barack Obama's average polling margin is about 7 points right now. Even if we assume a 3-4 point swing for people who change their mind, Obama should have enough of a cushion to close the deal. Most Sunday pundits are predicting an Obama runaway with him securing upwards of 350 electoral votes. 270 electoral votes will be just fine for me.

Patty's 411 Report

The week, Patty writes about the Jennifer Hudson tragedy, actor Terrence Howard being sued, and singer El DeBarge being back in jail again for a parole violation amongst other tidbits in the entertainment industry.

Philly Mayhem Continues

The Philadelphia Daily News reports on the mayhem that plagued the city over a weekend in which 4 people were killed, 3 people hurt and 3 others were robbed. I guess the euphoria of the Phillies winning the championship couldn't dampen the reality of living in the City of Brotherly Love.

A Glimmer of Hope For McCain

I'm only posting this because it was the top story in the New York Post this morning. It's interesting that when I viewed the article this morning it reporting a Zogby poll showing Sen. John McCain with a slight lead over Sen. Barack Obama in national polling. This information is contrary to any polling data available, and the article has since removed the Zogby information. Interesting!

Def Jam Executive VP Dead At 34

Shakir Stewart, Executive V.P. of Def Jam Recordings, was found dead in his Marietta, GA home yesterday according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Shakir, who was 34, died of a self inflicted gunshot wound.

Stewart, who had succeeded Jay-Z as Executive V.P. at Def Jam, had A&R'd some of label's biggest artists, including Young Jeezy.

King Siblings Still At Odds

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports on the continued rift between the 3 remaining children of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. The 3 siblings were in a Fulton County, GA courthouse yesterday, as a Superior Court Judge ruled that Bernice King had to release the personal papers of her mother to brother Dexter King. If the papers aren't released in accordance with the judge's order, it's possible that Bernice King and brother Martin Luther King III could face sanctions, which could include jail time.

Martin and Bernice had been on a series of radio shows prior to their appearance in court, including the Rev. Al Sharpton radio show. It appears that this drama will be played out in the public eye, which is unfortunate for the legacies of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Thanks to Bossip.com for the photo.

Gun Being Tested In Hudson Slayings

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Chicago police are testing a SIG-Sauer P220 pistol in hopes that it's the murder weapon in the slayings of Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and nephew.

A private service for the family members will be held on Monday, and the family has announced the establishment of a fund to honor of their family members. The Hudson-King Foundation for Families of Slain Victims will provide basic needs such as food and shelter as well as grief counseling for victims of crime, according to the actress' publicist. Donations can be made tothe Hudson-King Foundation at Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, 237 W. 35th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10001. Donations should be sent to the attention of William L. Abrams.

Continued prayers go out to the Hudson Family.

Obama Already Assembling Cabinet

According to the New York Daily News, Sen. Barack Obama is already assembling his White House Cabinet, and the first positions to be filled will be Treasury Secretary and Chief of Staff.

With every poll imaginable predicting an Obama win in 4 days, it doesn't appear that he's being too presumptive.

Report: Isiah Had Stopped Breathing

The New York Post reports that according to officers at the scene, Isiah Thomas had stopped breathing when officers arrived at his home in reaction to a 911 call that someone had overdosed on sleeping pills last week. Thomas still has not spoken publicly about the incident, but has insisted that his daughter was in distress at the time.

Barack's Closing Argument

Sen. Barack Obama aired a 30 minute infomercial last night that was essentially his closing argument in support of "change" in our country. With a humility, and calm that has sustained him for the last 20 months of campaigning, Obama made a very substantial case for why he should be the next president of the United States. The ad focused on working and retired families who are faced with the daunting task of simply surviving in an economic system that has chinks in it's armor.

The ad closed with Obama speaking to a crowd of supporters in Florida, and probably had Sen. John McCain thinking that this man is probably the most skilled politician that we've seen since Bill Clinton, and probably unbeatable with 5 days left before the official counting of the votes.

Phinallie!!!!!!!!!

Despite the crime that riddles the city on a regular basis, and a public school system that has students and teachers fearing for their safety, the City of Philadelphia finally has another major sports championship to celebrate.

The Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series last night beating the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. True to the city's reputation there were reports of looting and cars being overturned during the most raucous moments of the celebration according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Marion Jones To Appear On Oprah Today

Former track superstar Marion Jones will be appearing on the Oprah Winfrey show today to give her first interview since being released from prison on September 5th.

Thanks to the Charlotte Observer for the article, and Harpo Productions for the photo.

Kwame Now In Jail

Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was formally sentenced and carried off to jail yesterday for 4 months. The Detroit Free Press reports that Kilpatrick was his usual "arrogant" self as described by Judge David Groner, and describes his behavior below:

"Kilpatrick spent much of his three hours in court frowning, shaking his head, smirking, laughing and goofing around, at one point, even needling Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy and her assistants."

It appears, that Kwame Kilpatrick still hasn't learned anything from the text messaging scandal. He'll have 4 months in jail to reflect on his actions, and perhaps upon his release he'll feel some contrition.

Will's Nice Gesture

Will Smith, who is a native of Philadelphia, has agreed to donate $62,000 to a fund set up for the family of Police Officer Isabel Nazario, who was killed last month when a teenager rammed a stolen SUV into the patrol car in which she was riding. Smith grew up with Sgt. Mike Young, who worked with Nazzario, and also used to tour with Smith and his rap producing partner DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Thanks to the Philadelphia Daily News for the heartwarming story.

Brawl In Philly High School Ends With 10 Arrested

The Philadelphia Daily News reports that 10 students were arrested, and charged with disorderly conduct at University City High School in West Philadelphia yesterday morning. These types of events go largely unreported on a national scale, but it's clearly affecting the student's ability to learn in the urban areas of our cities. If education is one of the top issues for black students, crime in the schools also has to be at the top of the list.

7 Days To Go

We're now only 7 days away from the presidential election and Sen. Barack Obama continues to deflect all of the criticism, and even assassination plots that are being lobbed his way.

Obama is now being described as a "Redistributionist" by the GOP, and their using a 2001 interview that he gave to a Chicago radio station as proof according to the Boston Globe. Also, federal agents broke up a Neo-Nazi skinhead plot to kill black high school students, and then assassinate Obama according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Barack Obama's mission to enact change upon our country is almost upon us. We all need to do our part to help him cross the finish line.

HIV in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the "City of Brotherly Love" has an HIV infection rate that's 50 percent higher than New York City, and 5 times higher than the national average. It's estimated that 16,000 Philly residents presently live with HIV or AIDS, and that 1,400 new people who are infected, are added each year.

A good 3 page read on what the public health community is trying to do to get people tested, and it's attempts to educate our people on a virus and disease that's ravaging our community.

Hudson Family Tragedy Continues

Jennifer Hudson had to identify the body of a third murdered family member over a 3 day period as she along with other family members identified the body of her nephew Julian King who was found slumped over in an SUV on the West Side of Chicago yesterday.

Hudson's brother in law, William Balfour, remains a person of interest in the murder of Hudson's mother, brother and nephew, but he has not been charged in the slayings. The Chicago Tribune reports what Balfour's motives may have been if he is indeed charged with these senseless killings. He's presently in custody for violating conditions of his parole, but he's not cooperating with police regarding the murders.

Prayers continue to go out to the Hudson family.

Jennifer's Tragedy

Singer/Actress Jennifer Hudson suffered the worst tragedy imaginable when it was discovered on Friday that her mother Darnell Donerson, and brother, Jason Hudson, were both murdered by multiple gunshot wounds in Hudson's hometown of Chicago. Hudson's nephew, Julian King, who is 7 years-old, and the son of her sister Julia is now the subject of a national search.

I can't imagine the pain that the Hudson family is going through during this tragedy. Prayers go out to the family, and hopefully young Julian will be found safe. The family has offered $100,000 for his safe return according to the Chicago Sun-Times, and issued the following statement:

"Jennifer Hudson and her family are offering a reward of $100,000 for the safe return of her nephew Julian King, who has been missing since Friday, Oct. 24,'' the publicist said in a statement. "We ask that all inquiries be directed to the Chicago Police Department, Area 1 Detective Division at 312-747-8380. Jennifer and her family appreciate the enormous amount of love, support and prayers they have received while she and her family try to cope with this tragedy and continue the search for Julian."

Say It Ain't So Zeke!!

It's being reported that Hall of Famer, and former NBA basketball player Isiah Thomas was rushed to the hospital Saturday morning after allegedly overdosing on 10 Lunesta pills. Thomas has issued repeated denials, stating that his daughter Lauren, who reportedly suffers from hypoglycemia wasn't feeling well.

Isiah Thomas it appears may be having a difficult time dealing with life out of the spotlight. Whether he was rushed to the hospital or not really is a "private family matter", but the fact that Thomas has spent nearly all of his life in the public spotlight makes this a national story. Those familiar with Isiah Thomas' story know that he rose from the poverty of Chicago to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The last few years for Thomas, who's still only 47 years-old, have been marred by professional missteps. Thomas was given the "keys to the kingdom" as president of the NBA New York Knicks, and simply botched the job, turning the Knicks into the laughingstock of the league with bad player personnel moves. He then was the target of a sexual harassment lawsuit by Anucha Browne Sanders, that cost the team almost $12 million. Brown Sanders tells the New York Post that Thomas had it coming to him. The New York Post also reports that Thomas' recent professional failures have taken a toll on his psyche.

Isiah Thomas is still owed $18 million from the New York Knicks from a previous contract, hopefully he will be able to accept to fact that his days of adulation are a distant memory, and begin the second act of his life with a purpose that he displayed when he was leading the Detroit Pistons to 2 NBA Championships.