Black Leadership and the 2002 Midterm Elections
Two Shows Focus on Black Democrats, Republicans

 Listen to Friday's show.

Former President Bill Clinton and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) Photo: Rep. Maxine Waters' House Web site

Former Labor Secretary Alexis Herman Photo: U.S. Department of Labor

Nov. 1-4, 2002 -- As the 2002 midterm elections approach, The Tavis Smiley Show takes a closer look at African-American candidates, leaders and voters. Some political analysts worry that voting problems in the 2000 presidential election -- which left minority voters in Florida and other states feeling angry and disenfranchised -- will discourage African-American voters from heading to the polls this year. As part of a two-day special on the elections, Smiley talks to leading Democrats and Republicans about that concern, as well as about the key races and issues facing African Americans.

Democrats

On Nov. 1, host Tavis Smiley talks to a number of leading Democrats about election-year issues of concern to African Americans.

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) and Rep. Harold Ford Jr. (D-TN) are the sons of two of America's most prominent and outspoken black politicians. Still in their thirties, they are part of a new generation of black leaders who are beginning to reshape politics and government. Jackson began his political career in 1995 when he was elected to succeed Rep. Mel Reynolds; Ford captured the national spotlight when he delivered the keynote address at the 2000 National Democratic Convention. On the Nov. 1 show, the two talk about their careers and campaigns, as well as what they are doing to make young people excited about the electoral process.

One of the most powerful women in Congress, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) is the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Waters, who represents a large part of South Central Los Angeles, is an outspoken advocate for women, children, minorities and the poor. Waters joins the show to discuss why -- unlike many other issues -- there was a divide in the caucus over response to the Bush administration's plans for a possible war with Iraq.

The Rev. Al Sharpton's fiery speech has often led him to the epicenter of America's debates on race. On the Nov. 1 program, Sharpton explains to Smiley what is at stake for African Americans on Nov. 5, as well as what he is doing to help motivate people to vote. He also discusses his possible bid for the White House.

During the Clinton administration, Alexis Herman made history as the first African American to head the Department of Labor. And when Vice President Al Gore ran for president, Herman helped him build bridges with African Americans from Congress to corner stores. Today, Herman sits on several corporate on non-profit boards, in addition to leading her own lobbying firm, New Ventures. Herman joins the show to talk about party strategies for the upcoming election.

These days, former President Bill Clinton goes to work in Harlem instead of at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Recently inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame as an honorary member, Clinton joins the show with a commentary on the importance of the black vote.

As the former host of Politically Incorrect, comedian Bill Maher brought together some of the most interesting politicians, entertainers and journalists to challenge one another on the controversial and comical issues of the day. In a special political edition of Friday Funnies, Maher gives his views on America, Iraq and the upcoming elections.

Ward Connerly Photo: University of California Berkeley

J.C. Watts Photo: NPR file photo

Republicans

On Nov. 4, The Tavis Smiley Show broadcasts live from New York City's Apollo Theater in a simulcast with ABC Radio's The Tom Joyner Show. Leading Republicans discuss the next day's election on the show, which will also include a commentary by President George W. Bush.

J.C. Watts has the distinction of being the only black Republican member of Congress. He may rob them of that particular diversity when he leaves Congress in January to pursue myriad other interests.

Ward Connerly is a regent of the University of California, a leading advocate against affirmative action programs, and a regular commentator on The Tavis Smiley Show.

Shannon Reeves is secretary of the California Republican Party and president of the Oakland chapter of the NAACP.

Rod Paige is U.S. Secretary of Education, the first African American to hold that position and the leading proponent of the Bush administration's "No Child Left Behind" effort.


Other Resources

• According to the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, there were 1,469 black elected officials in the United States 32 years ago. By 2000, there was a six-fold increase, to 9,040. View a statistical summary.

• View a PDF of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies' 2002 National Opinion Poll. (Viewing this document requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).

• Learn about early African-American politicians.

• Read profiles of the members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

• Yvonne Bynoe of the Urban Think Tank has written about the new generation of black politicians.

• BlackElectorate.com.

• BlackPolitics.com.

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