Edd’s MANtra: Shine on your own time
Congratulations go out to President-elect Barack Obama. No matter whom you cast your vote for Tuesday, you have to respect the success of his campaign and the barriers that have been broken down.
And speaking of respect, there is a contingent out there that thinks our new leader has disrespected his greatest supporters.
According to a report by Bill Zwecker, a columnist at the Chicago Sun-Times, your favorite stars were told to sit out Obama’s acceptance speech:
I’ve learned from a key Obama insider that a number of big-time boosters have been told politely — but very firmly — to stay away tonight.
Reportedly, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Sean ”Diddy” Combs, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins and Ben Affleck are among those advised to skip the Chicago festivities and focus on attending the expected Obama inauguration in January.
”There really only needs to be one star in Grant Park, and that’s Barack,” said the source, a high-profile elected official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, since he’s not authorized to speak for the campaign on this issue.
But I say Puffy n’ dem can go sit down.
(And yes, I know Obama’s BFF Oprah was in attendance – there was no way she was staying home. She’s like the woman who yells “SANG, Bay-bay, SANG” during her child’s church choir solo. No one’s brave enough to tell her to stop.)
Oh, I don’t discount the work celebrities have put into the campaign. For example, their efforts pushed young voters to the poll in record numbers – why do you think lines were so long Tuesday?
Despite that, did the famous folks really need to be present Tuesday night? Because if they were in attendance, you KNOW the media would have been focused on them more than the man of the hour. Would you want to put up with constant close-ups of Diddy’s greasy Proactiv-drenched face or hear the talking heads on the news stations talking about how much Mary J.’s outfit costs?
No, Tuesday night was about the people. The celebrities can watch at home with the millions of other Americans who volunteered their time to write a new chapter in history.
Do you think Obama’s pals should have been there for his big night?
First off I can’t believe you put MLK and Keith Sweat in the same sentence LOL.
But you are right Mary J and them didn’t need to be there. and Oprah doesn’t count cause she is Oprah. She even bought a white prop up on during the speech.
Did you know that Keith Sweat has a holiday album? Do you own it?
Yeah I found this kinda laughable. He hasn’t even been inaugurated yet! You will get your chance children! Have you read the XXL blog where Ron Mexico felt the need to hop on the bandwagon and say Barack is ungrateful to hip-hop? Seriously, folks can’t wait to start coonin’.
Ms. Southern – You know I’ve had that album for awhile now. Bring some Keith home for Christmas!
Ms. Jungle – I don’t know why people expect Obama to start poppin’ and lockin’ to prove that he’s true to hip hop. Just let the man do his job.
My only question is: Was Stedman there or did he have to watch it on TV at home while jammin’ on Acai berry smoothies? You know that’s why a star like Oprah was allowed and not Puffy-like celebs- she can roll solo. She ain’t got to show up with her homies, her trophy date or her white poodle. You invite Jay-Z, then you gotta invite B, then she has to invite Kelly and Michelle and then you already have too many Michelle’s there! You invite Oprah and she might think about getting Stedman there… it’ll take her about 3 seconds to think about it… nope!
“You invite Jay-Z, then you gotta invite B, then she has to invite Kelly and Michelle and then you already have too many Michelle’s there!”
Tremendousness.