Cleaver will be on MTP Sunday
FEB 27 – CLEAVER on MEET THE PRESS. CBC Chair Emanuel Cleaver will be on Meet the Press with David Gregory this Sunday for the second time in two months. Chair Cleaver has been critical of the budget cuts voted for by the House GOP in the continuing resolution to keep the government running as well as many budget cuts proposed by President Obama in his budget.
Cleaver was invited and attended the star studded Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House event last night in the East Room of the White House. Other CBC members present were Reps. John Conyers and Bobby Rush. Will the soulful sounds of Motown music at the White House make Cleaver more mellow towards budget cuts to Pell Grants and Community Block Grants in President Obama’s budget? Doubtful, but let’s look on Sunday and listen carefully. This interview is further evidence of an improved and much heightened media presence since Rep. Cleaver took over as Chair. The effects of the Congressman’s direct speaking style combined with a new savvy staff featuring Communications Director Stephanie Young and Executive Director and General Counsel Angela Rye is obvious. Cleaver has already completed more national TV and radio appearances than the last three CBC Chairs combined in less than 60 days. More importantly than quantity, the interviews bring focus onto the Caucus’ view on policy. The fact the CBC Chair is present in the conversation on national television brings many of the CBC’s issues into larger view on the national stage.
Being a part of the DC Sunday Show Parlor game is not the same thing as being relevant. I understand that Rev. Cleaver’s ability to get himself booked on MTP is noteworthy, but in the current environment of GOP Control, it is of limited value. During the next two years, whatever his priorities are, they will diverge significantly from those of the Administration. But more to the point, the CBC doesn’t speak with one voice about anything. I wish that weren’t true but it is what it is.
Funny, that of all the things I write on, THIS — the topic of the CBC Chair on a Sunday talk show — is what brought you out. Are you kidding me? Surely two million people incarcerated, cuts to heating aid to the poor and cuts to the WIC program is far more important right? Those things effect the lives of real people. But if this is the weighty topic you want to discuss…
Limited value? So let me get this right: For years when black members were ignored that was the better position? But it occurs to me there is a certain strain of twitter/internet/blogger user out there that is NEVER happy no matter what happens. Never has the “block” feature on twitter been so worthy. Straight complaining all day. No ideas, no solutions, no suggestions… nothing. Well you tell me: What and where are your skeptical views getting you? lauren
I guess I struck a nerve. First, let me say that nothing I’ve ever written, said or done is to be interpreted as an attack on you. You have a wonderful site here and I respect what you’re doing, sister. Swear to Gawd. There is definitely value in the perspective that you bring to the table. I am just of the opposite opinion that rolling saliva around in one’s mouth on a Sunday Talk show has much value when you’re in the minority. The Sunday Talk shows are forums for establishment perspectives, Lauren. Why else do you think corporate whore’s like Harold Ford Jr are always regular guests? They provide a damn color contrast and spout the same corporate B.S. Surely you are hip to the game, sister.
Rev. Cleaver, a respectable Negro, is gon’ bring up subjects that the corporate media don’t wish to discuss or endorse. Rev’s good people and that’s what good people do. However, my view is that the time for this was during the previous two years when the caucus had considerable juice. We are being governed by the usual suspects that have
always governed us. The difference this go-round is that the front man, gawd bless him, is black. While it may feel like a sea change, it really isn’t considering the collection of corporate suits you’ve been good enough to document that he’s gathered around him.
A better use of time would be for Congressman Cleaver to utilize the progressive media and blogs and let’s not forget black radio, tv, and blogs to frame his message and push his agenda.
Again, I apologize if I offended you in any way. That was not my intention.