Thanksgiving Reminds Us to Be Humble and Grateful

CLEVELAND - Thanksgiving arrives today for billions of folks all over the world today, in the midst of poverty, war and a myriad of other tumultuous circumstances. Us Americans in particular are suffering greatly as well.

But I am eminently thankful.

I am never one to gripe or complain about my circumstances, no matter how trying or frustrating they may seem at any given moment. I know I am extremely lucky to be who I am and to have the people in my life that I do. My daughters, my lady, my mother and my true buddies. In fact, I am lucky to have everyone that crosses my path in my life.

Seriously.

God thank you for the election of Barack Obama. A truly historical moment. I thank God for bringing Mr. Shavar Ross into my life this year. He has always been an incredibly inspiring force to me and I hope he and his family continues to be blessed. I also want to wish Mr. O.J. Simpson a happy thanksgiving. He didn't deserve his fate.

I want to express my gratitude to all of my fans across the globe. Thanks to everyone for making the irreverent series, a Date with Deante the brilliant controversy that it was and will continue to be. I am grateful for my own evolution as a person and a creative genius. I only hope to continue in the positive direction that I have been thus far.

I encourage everyone else to appreciate whatever it is they have in their lives as well. God is great.

Ludacris New LP Resembles Hollywood Blockbuster Film

CLEVELAND - Theater of the Mind pretends to be just another braggadocios album in the pantheon of hip hop artistry.

But it's actually a Hollywood blockbuster.

That's right. Actor Chris Bridges stars in a new flick, the aforementioned Theater of the Mind, but here's the twist: Bridges portrays his alter-ego, rap artist Ludacris and the so-called "flick" is actually his seventh studio album.

Clever and smart-alecky wordplay and a deft use of metaphors have long been Ludacris' trademarks. Since 2000, the "Mouth of the South" has compiled a truckload of radio-friendly hits as well as raunchier fare better suited for older listeners. But since the rapper dabbled in acting (his critically acclaimed turn in 2003's 2 Fast 2 Furious being his first major film role), his focus has been divided between an increasingly stunning career as an unlikely Hollywood go-to man and his still prodigious talents on the mic.

His new album is highly impressive and features numerous Hollywood folks as "co-stars."Its intended "cinematic themes" serve to augment an already stellar production. Between the fast paced tracks and smooth cuts, the album is a highly versatile effort with nothing seeming forced. "What them Girls Like," the catchy radio tune with Chris Brown and Sean Garrett predictably stands out, as well as the outstanding "I Do it For Hip-Hop" with Nas and Jay-Z.

Ludacris, a much more mature and focused man these days really impressed me with such a strong effort. Though clearly one of the best in the game, I am amazed that he has kept his sharpness and hunger for so long and in spite of the vast endeavors which occupy much of his time.

Check out Theater of the Mind. It may be more expensive than a movie ticket, but it's still cheaper than a DVD and far more entertaining than most of what's coming out these days in film and music.

Michael Jackson: The Master of the Escape

CLEVELAND - Legendary entertainer Michael Jackson never ceases to amaze me. He has faced trouble off and on with the law for the past 15 years but time and time again, he slithers out of it like a pro.

Call him The Master of the Escape.

Jackson, 50 just found his way out of his most recent jam. A Bahraini sheik was set to sue the reclusive singer for $7 million, money he is supposedly owed by Jackson.  Lo and behold, Jackson and the sheik reached a settlement yesterday which rendered Jackson's scheduled court appearance today pointless.

According to the sheik, Jackson reneged on a few promises he made, most notably recording new music in exchange for the sheik's financial help. Jackson had fallen on hard times from a cash flow standpoint and the sheik was there to essentially "save the day."

Following Jackson's surprising acquittal of child molestation charges on June 13, 2005, the former megastar had relocated to Bahrain in an attempt to lay low from the media spotlight. The '05 trial was the culmination of a near catastrophic situation he had gotten himself involved in. A 13-year old boy accused Jackson of molesting him while he roomed at Jackson's amusement park styled home, The Neverland Ranch. 

Jackson was arrested in November 2003 and his ranch was raided. It took a year and a half for the case to go to trial, in which he, as previously mentioned was acquitted.

In 2002, Jackson was taken to task for dangling his baby over a hotel balcony to rabid fans below. This took place in Britain while filming a documentary with journalist Martin Bashir, which is what led to the '03 allegations.

Prior to 1993, Jackson had been known only as a musical genius, albeit bizarre and "weird" by most people. Beginning in late '93, reports surfaced of potential child molestation, i.e. Jackson having young boys over to his estate, plying them with alcohol and molesting them. That first public allegation changed the consensus opinion of the man and caused him to categorically deny all charges on national television in December 1993 after law enforcement made him submit to a full body search.

Jackson settled out of court early in 1994 but never recovered his image prior to the accusations. He has also been named in numerous lawsuits by an endless variety of people from former employees to banks to former business partners.

He just continues to escape.

I personally love Michael Jackson. He will always be a brilliant, innovative genius in my mind and his indelible achievements will take center stage in my memories of him. Always.

I just hope he stays away from trouble before his luck runs out.

James is Incredible...and Incredibly Flawed

CLEVELAND - LeBron James just might be the most amazing basketball player in the world. He's built like a power forward, brute and strong like a center and agile and quick like a guard.

He's also the most perplexing megastar in the game.

James, who turns just 24 years old next month is already in his 6th NBA season. He has been a man-child with otherworldly abilities ever since his days in high school. With his multi-faceted game, he is the de facto best player in the league but doesn't seem to fully understand that.

While Kobe Bryant is the game's resident assassin, capable of laying a smooth 50 or 60 points on anyone at anytime, James is more disciplined as a playmaker slash let-the-offense-come-to-me-type performer. He's currently averaging a sick 29 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists for the surprising 10-3 Cleveland Cavs.

But why does he take so many dumb shots?

That's right, for all of his prodigious talents, James far too often shoots  three-pointers and off-balance long two's. While it is true that he can make those shots with great regularity when he's in a "zone," he has proven to be totally unstoppable off the dribble and attacking the basket. At 6'9 and 270, he is a little more daunting to stop than a runaway freight train.

But he falls in love with the long ball.

I always tell people that the worst thing to happen to LeBron when he's playing ball is for him to make a long jumper, especially his first one or two. Then, he believes he's a modern day Mark Price which is a fantasy.

This season, James is taking nearly four three pointers a game and shooting a horrific 22% from that distance. His overall FG% is a very good 48% which proves that his other variety of shots are the ones he needs to be taking. With him shooting those long shots so often, he bails out the other team because they know he can't be stopped when he drives to the hoop. If he's not going to utilize that great advantage of his more often, then it's almost as if he doesn't have that advantage at all.

But we know he does 'cause we see it.

Last season, he took an unforgivable five threes a game only to make 31.5% of them. I know he's a monster in the league and one of the most stunning in history, but his shot selection is abominable. He has posted up on the low block more often this season, and every time he does, he abuses his defender or defenders. With his dexterity and boatload of moves, plus his scintillating passing ability, he should be on that low box continuously, not sparingly like he has been thus far.

I admire LeBron for his great talent and incredible drive, but as a friendly suggestion...I say to him just one thing.

Take that damn ball to the hole!

JFK Assassination May Have Opened the Door for Black Success

CLEVELAND - President John F. Kennedy was murdered in Dallas, Texas 45 years ago today, an iconic moment in U.S. history that may have laid the groundwork for Barack Obama.

Seriously.

Kennedy was riding in a motorcade with Texas governor John Connally as well as First Lady Jacqueline and Connally's wife Nellie when the infamous "three shots" rang out.

The JFK assassination has been a tremendously popular topic for decades as numerous people have suspected that a conspiracy may have taken place that day. I'm not going to delve into that conversation right now.

Kennedy introduced a bill in June 1963 which asked for legislation that would "give all Americans the right to be served in facilities which are open to the public," but was gunned down before he could see it through. He had been seen as somewhat of an advocate for Blacks, who were still treated as second-class citizens during the early 1960's.

Upon his death, Lyndon B. Johnson took office and passed the Civil Rights Act in the summer of 1964. Johnson had far more leverage and experience in legislative politics as well as a better rapport with Congress than JFK which expedited the process.

With these newfound "rules for equality" for Blacks, other doors began to open. By the end of the '60's, interracial marriage was legalized. White supremacy, most notably the KKK became less of a threat and lynchings became less and less commonplace.

During the 1970's, Blacks were becoming more accepted and the word "colored" was used less and less in reference to them. Entertainers like Bill Cosby and Diahann Carroll became big stars as well as comic actors Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx. Though some still portrayed buffoonish characters (such as Jimmie Walker's J.J. Evans on Good Times), Blacks were generally more empowered than say, a Sidney Poitier had been in the '50's and '60's in his film roles.

Disco, a popular form of Black music became all the rage later in the decade and singer Michael Jackson dominated the music industry during the 1980's while Cosby headlined television during the same time. Eddie Murphy, a raunchy and uproariously hilarious comic-actor at the time was possibly the biggest movie star of the decade. Talk show host Oprah Winfrey became a mainstay in homes all over America, something of a phenomenon that has only grown in the quarter century since.  

Spike Lee, also black, became a seminal figure in filmmaking in the decade which undoubtedly paved the way for another cutting edge filmmaker: John Singleton. In pro sports, Magic Johnson was an enormous star in the '80's, but Michael Jordan took that to another level and became something of a deity and a global icon.

Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Don Cheadle, Forest Whitaker and Wesley Snipes have all been huge and mega-popular Hollywood actors for the past 15 years plus. Hip-Hop music has become a global juggernaut beginning humbly in the late '70's as something of a fad. By the mid-1990's, 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. had become, arguably the biggest names in popular music.

The past decade has seen the ascension of the hip-hop mogul. From Russell Simmons to Sean Combs to Damon Dash to Jay-Z, rap artists are not merely just artists.

They're executives.

Writer-Director Tyler Perry is arguably, the latest, most successful Black person to achieve incredible fame, popularity and wealth. Crossing racial boundaries, he's a genius amongst his peers. 

And then there's Obama.

The biggest, by far example of how far Blacks have come is the recent election of Barack Obama. He will be our 44th president, the first ever black man to hold the nation's highest office. Is it fitting that this remarkably intelligent man was born in 1961, the same year Kennedy took office?

Ah, the symbolism.

I will always believe that America is still a very racist country. I won't be blinded and swept up in the Obama glow...where folks believe that his victory represents a changed America. Sure, the U.S. has made strides, but let us not forget -- the White man is still in charge. He allows us to sit at the table now, but we better mind our manners.

And remember that we're still in HIS house.

Fierce and Unstoppable, Victor Newman is Back!

CLEVELAND - Ever since I was four years old, I have been an unwavering fan of the CBS soap, The Young and the Restless.

Victor Newman has been a huge reason for that.

The legendary character, portrayed by the great Eric Braeden since 1980 has been a stunning example of just how far power, money and a relentless will can take a person. As a child in school during the '80's and most of the '90's, I used to skip school often just to watch the daily installments of this classic serial.

I'm still just as committed to it.

In the current days of Y&R, the ruthless Victor Newman has returned to his accustomed heights. Thrown into a tailspin this past summer when his new and pregnant wife was killed, he became a fragile and sharply bitter man and banished everyone from his life. As a recluse in another country, a few of his many rivals in his hometown of Genoa City (where the show is set) assembled an elaborate scheme to frame the tycoon for murder.

He returned to town in the past few days with a renewed focus and his trademark fiery calm to face the trumped up charges and exact revenge on those who set him up, including his smug youngest son.

"I'm going to crush you like a cockroach," said Victor to his son with an eerie whisper.

Knowing Newman as I have for nearly 30 years, he will do more than crush him. I know that there's gonna be smoke in the city!

Sheeesh!

The Prejudice of Sexuality

CLEVELAND - Thomas Beatie is two different things all at one time, and I am not talking about gender.

He's both hero and freak show.

Beatie, the Oregon man who made international headlines this year when he disclosed his "male pregnancy" to the planet, is an enigma. Since becoming a partially transgendered individual, there have been numerous headlines both blasting him and celebrating his unique situation.

I am conflicted as to how I feel.

No one is a more staunch supporter of individuality and the being-who-you-want-to-be theory than I am, but this story is a bit challenging. The guy always longed to be a guy, when he was a she but once "he" began taking male hormones, he decided to keep his female parts in hopes of one day birthing a child.

That hope became a reality last Spring. Another child is on the way.

Beatie is married to a woman and they appear incredibly happy. I think that this fact is truly all that matters. Society typically frowns on any male not being a "male" but are far more willing to accept a woman "dyking out." This situation is technically about two women being together and one of them "dressing and behaving" like a man. It's also so hard to judge and criticize because there are so many baffling elements involved.

I have no problem with gays or lesbians. I do, however shudder at the thought of a guy doing things with another guy...especially when the guy is someone I looked to as a "symbol of maleness" in his sexual choices. Beatie isn't a guy I admire, but then again he is...basically because of his commitment to being who he is and not allowing the public's snide remarks intimidate him or make him change.

His company is called, "Define Normal."

With the issue of Prop 8 still looming large in the public's mind, this seems like a national commentary on our double standards. America seems to be saying, "Heterosexuals are okay and even desirable, whereas someone who is gay or transgendered is a piece of crap."

That's awful.

Kudos to Beatie and his wife Nancy for living life on their terms but I just wish guys would stay guys and girls would stay girls. At least i admit that it's wrong to have such prejudice.

In many ways, it's just as bad as racism.

Barack and Michelle: Our Beautiful First Couple

CLEVELAND - President-elect Barack Obama and his wife, future First Lady Michelle appeared on CBS' 60 Minutes last night in an interview taped on Friday.

They were absolutely gorgeous.

Obama, the first African-American elected president in U.S. history was asked numerous questions by interviewer Steve Kroft  about pertinent issues, most notably the floundering economic crisis that continues to plague the nation. He mentioned that he'll do "whatever it takes" to get it moving again.

I believe him.

The wide-ranging interview covered other topics such as Osama bin Laden, the Obama's choice for a dog, Michelle's mother and F.D.R.

They even discussed college football.

Key topics aside, I was so struck with Obama's great chemistry and charm with his wife. Together, they come off as the perfect love story -- something of a modern day Cliff and Clair Huxtable.

How adorable!

Add their great rapport with one another to the two beautiful girls they have and you get the makings of a classic American fairy tale. Along with Obama's competence and drive, these are just a couple more things that America is lucky to have: a couple that is young, beautiful and genuinely in love. Politics and celebrity doesn't have to shatter a marriage.

They are living proof.

Obama Evokes Memories of FDR and JFK

CLEVELAND - President-elect Barack Obama has not only made history by becoming the first Black president of the U.S., he is, in a sense repeating history.

Think FDR and JFK.

Our 32nd president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt took office in 1933 amid a war and a horrifying economic crisis. Those will be the major problems facing Obama when he takes office in 2009.

Our 35th president, John Fitzgerald Kennedy took office in 1961 and brought his young, beautiful and vibrant family with him. Kennedy was just 46 and had two very young children. Obama is 47 with two very young children.

It gets deeper.

FDR served as president for a dozen years (back when that was possible) and has always been cited as one of the greatest Commander-in-Chief's in our history. Kennedy's election was met with a lot of criticism due to the fact that he was Roman-Catholic. Obama's race has been a huge issue as well.

All three men are Democrats.

The cover photo of next week's Time magazine depicts Obama dressed as FDR riding in the back of a 1930's convertible (in a fedora). The pose as well as the composition of the shot is a mimicry of one of FDR's famous photos.

The Obama White House will resemble the Kennedy's in a huge way. There is already parallels to "The Camelot Years" of 1961-63. Of course, JFK's tenure was cut short in Dallas in '63 when he was assassinated and there have been several death threats against the African-American Obama. Let's hope that part of the comparisons doesn't repeat itself.

All in all, Obama faces an enormous uphill battle with the mess he will inherit from the Bush administration. I can only hope that he governs as well as FDR and finishes off his term (or terms) better than JFK.

God be with him.

Let Bygones Be Bygones

CLEVELAND - In a symbolic meeting of present and future, President Bush and wife Laura welcomed President-elect Barack Obama and his wife to the White House yesterday.

It was Obama's first ever visit there.

While touring the grounds, both men posed for photographers and almost seemed to be the best of buddies. This was clearly for show as Obama repeatedly made clear his feelings about the lame-duck president during his just completed campaign. He continually linked Bush to his rival, Sen. John McCain, repeatedly blaming the nation's economic meltdown on "the failed policies of George W. Bush."

Fascinating.

The men reportedly discussed serious issues while in the Oval Office, yet held no interviews. First lady in-waiting Michelle Obama was taken on a tour of the grounds by current First Lady Laura Bush.

Mrs. Obama also checked out a couple Washington D.C.-area schools for their two young daughters in preparation of their future move. After that, Obama had a couple private meetings before he and his wife flew back to Chicago.

They'll be back though.

McCain and Palin Were Their Own Worst Enemies

CLEVELAND - The utter embarrassment that was the Republican campaign for president has been over for nearly a week with no sign of John McCain.

Too bad we've been inundated with Sarah Palin.

After McCain's emphatic defeat at the hands of President-elect Barack Obama, the elderly senator has been something of a recluse. Palin however, has given several interviews in the six days since her party got throttled at the voting booth.

Just go away, will ya?

The fallout from the GOP loss has been pronounced. Palin has essentially become the scapegoat for all that went wrong as numerous McCain aides have privately criticized her readiness as well as her temperament.

She's even been labeled a "diva."

What I find so fascinating about all this "misfortune" is this: McCain built his campaign on low blows and cheap shots and now he has to accept, along with Palin the dirty truth about their shattering defeat.

They were their own worst enemies.

McCain's strongest attributes were two-fold. He had a huge advantage over Obama on national security and overall experience. He had enacted legislation for decades and been a very persuasive bi-partisan member of the senate. Palin had been a masterful reformer and had a persuasive reputation as a mayor and governor in her own right. She also appealed to small town America as well as McCain appealed to folks that place high significance on "service."

But they largely ignored their strengths.

Instead of staying on message and using their great advantages to steer their run, the McCain-Palin ticket played the attack game. They spent an enormous amount of time trying to discredit Senator Obama which he noted often in the closing days of his campaign.

"John McCain has been spending all of his time talking about me," said Obama in those final days. "He's called me every name in the book but a child of God." So while McCain and Palin played the part of jealous ex-lovers, Obama was as smooth as a summer day is long. He kept his focus and picked his spots to respond to such childish rantings of the Republicans.

All involved got what they deserved.

As we stand now, McCain faces an uncertain future and Palin is getting ridiculed by folks who were "in her corner" just a week ago. She may be relegated to a television career, though. Between McCain, Palin and the annoying "Joe the Plumber," they all seem like comical caricatures of themselves. Not to be taken seriously.

Meanwhile, President-elect Obama, the "man you shouldn't trust" is gearing up for his history-making presidency. He's sharp, highly prepared and extremely intelligent. And he's eager to keep learning.

He's the man for us.

Obama Documentary Being Planned By Young

CLEVELAND - The colossal ramifications of Barack Obama's electoral victory just keep pouring in.

On Tuesday, the Illinois senator became the first African-American elected to the U.S. presidency.

Filmmaker and entertainer Deante Young was just one of millions touched by the historical event. "There won't be a seismic shift in people's racial beliefs," said the controversial star. "but his undeniable appeal and legacy should and will be the strength of his convictions. Those are the things that enabled him to overcome the myriad of obstacles to achieve this remarkable feat."

Young was busy working on several projects, but took time out to address the victory. "Without question, it was a singular moment in history shared by us all. That is just one of the reasons that I am planning a documentary on the man."

Young wouldn't say exactly what his angle will be in the upcoming film, but did offer one tidbit. "Don't expect any documentary that I do about anything or anyone to be anything like anyone else's."

Talk about confusing. 

You Never Forget Your First

CLEVELAND - President-elect Barack Obama's first ever press conference since he won the election went off without a hitch.

Well, almost.

Flanked by his V.P. Joe Biden and an impressive collection of men and women well-versed in economic issues (his advisory board), the young Illinois senator moved straight to the point of the gathering: the economy.

Obama outlined his plans to lift the nation out of the spiraling depths of the financial industry and made it clear that the economy is priority number one. He once again mentioned the possibility of another stimulus package but carefully noted that "I'm not the president yet."

The current president, lame-duck George Bush and first lady Laura will meet with Obama and his family on Monday for a tour of the sprawling White House. They also will discuss many key issues as is customary during the transitional period from one administration to the next.

Obama will take the oath of office on January 20, 2009.

Though very sharp and succinct in his remarks about the main issues, Obama had a couple questionable moments as well. When a reporter asked if he'd spoken to any former presidents for advice, he mentioned that he had spoken to every living president and wasn't going to have a Nancy Reagan moment and conduct a seance.

He later called the former first lady and apologized for the off-handed remark.

The other moment came about when asked about the type of dog his young daughter would receive once they take up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Obama, who is the product of a White mother and Black father mentioned that they may end up with a "shelter dog" and they tend to be "mutts just like me."

A mixture of laughter and surprise filled the room.

I was impressed with Obama's quick move to address the economy as President-elect. He didn't seem the least bit nervous or intimidated by the enormous tasks he faces, which is a very good trait to have in his position. As far as the "controversial" comments, I felt that they may have been a bit ill-advised, though nothing Earth shattering. Still, this guy will always be under a microscope.

The good thing is, the comments didn't cost him any votes. Too late.

Magic's Johnson Became Infected 17 Years Ago Today

CLEVELAND - The greatest point guard in basketball history was shut down on this date, 17 years ago.

Earvin Johnson, known forever as simply "Magic," held a shocking and emotional news conference in Los Angeles announcing that he was retiring from the pros "because of this HIV virus that [he] attained."

Needless to say, it took the sports and entertainment world by storm.

Johnson, just 32 years of age at the time had tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS after a routine physical to start the 1991-92 NBA season, which would have been his 13th as a pro. This stunning development convinced him to retire and devote his life to AIDS prevention and awareness.

The multi-talented point guard had built a legendary career on the hardwood. Five NBA championships and 3 MVP awards highlighted his accomplishments as well as a much publicized rivalry with fellow star Larry Bird.

Johnson ended the previous season just five months prior to this announcement, losing to the great Michael Jordan and his Chicago Bulls in the 1991 NBA Finals. Magic was still placed on the All-Star ballot for the '92 game (in spite of being retired) and managed to deliver a virtuoso performance which earned him game MVP honors. A brief comeback materialized in January 1996, but Johnson wasn't even close to the same player he'd been in his glory days and he retired for the final time after the Lakers' playoff run ended.

When Johnson made that horrific announcement all those years ago, nearly everyone felt that his HIV-positive status was essentially a death sentence. Most folks didn't live very long after contracting the disease, but because Magic is still alive nearly two decades after the fact, many have accused him of never actually having the disease.

Understandable.

In any event, I am happy that Mr. Johnson has become a successful entrepreneur and continued to live well and and stay healthy. In just nine months, he'll be 50.

Now that's real magic.

The Drive Of Barack Obama

CLEVELAND - Senator Barack Obama's historic election night victory has been highly touted as a landmark event in American History and a pivotal touchstone in the centuries old battle for racial equality.

I believe his win meant far more than that.

While I am acutely aware of the racial implications of Obama becoming the nation's first ever African-American president, I believe it to be more important to take notice of what got him here.

It is absolutely stunning that Obama, as recently as early 2007 (when he announced his candidacy) was largely a public unknown. Sure, many in the political field knew him, but America-at-large had little knowledge of him.

Still very new as a senator from Illinois, Obama struggled to gain public acceptance and credibility for what he was trying to accomplish. Indeed, many African-Americans supported N.Y. senator Hillary Clinton, who had been first lady from 1993 to 2001 and then a popular and respected political figure since leaving the White House.

Obama had no such resume and was often reviled for his lack of experience and short career in politics. In several debates during the Democratic primary, his opponents tried to marginalize him as a candidate, particularly Sen. Clinton. He was seen as a great orator with a naive concept of what he could accomplish as a president.

But he held strong.

In January 2008, Obama finally began to break through after winning the Iowa caucus. Prior to that, he was a long-shot choice for the Democratic nomination with very little funding. When media mogul Oprah Winfrey threw her support behind him, things got miraculously better. Former President Bill Clinton called Obama's campaign "the biggest fairytale [he'd] ever seen."

With so much doubt about Obama, the early months of 2008 saw many in the media try to discredit everything about him. He always spoke so well and convincingly that I believe that most people were simply jealous of such a wondrous idealist. I'm not stupid though. I know that many people were simply expressing legitimate fears about this Johnny-Come-Lately that might someday steer the country.

But I digress.

The infamous Jeremiah Wright-fiasco surfaced on March 13 and threatened to undermine all of the positive will that Obama had built up. The now 67-year old pastor's incendiary and polarizing sermons were seen as totally un-American. With him being Obama's pastor and mentor for more than 20 years, his beliefs and "hate mongering" were seen as an indictment on Obama's judgement and he was summarily taken to task for his association with the man.

A seminal and critically acclaimed speech on U.S. race relations was delivered by Obama in Philadelphia just five days later. But as much as it was hailed, Obama was criticized for not denouncing Wright in stirring fashion. When he finally did, it was seen as too little, too late.

But Obama kept pressing on.

When he stunningly defeated Clinton in early June and became the Democratic nominee, it was seen as an enormous upset. Even still, this is the time when many began to take him seriously.

The general election proved to be an even bigger challenge. Going head-to-head with Republican nominee John McCain, Obama was hit with everything. His affiliation with former 1960's radical and unrepentant terrorist William Ayers was headline news for weeks courtesy of the McCain camp, most notably by V.P. nominee Sarah Palin.

Obama was branded everything from a terrorist and elitist to a socialist and extreme leftist. He was even called a Muslim and Arab. Talk Show hosts such as Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and radio's Rush Limbaugh repeatedly raked the 47-year old senator over the coals and showed him no mercy. Obama had been dismissed as a "media darling" and his every move was torn apart by many, especially The View co-host Elizabeth Hasselbeck.

But he brushed it all off and kept moving.

As McCain's prospects for winning the presidency dwindled, his classless tactics expanded. The GOP launched a series of national "Robo-calls" that randomly called many residents' phones across America with disparaging remarks about Barack Obama. All over the country were bitter Whites that labeled him a "nigger" and even Blacks who labeled him an Uncle Tom.

But he just kept moving forward.

Folks ridiculed his economic policies, especially after the sideshow circus that became Joe the Plumber. When Obama's running mate Joe Biden predicted that "the world will test the mettle of this guy" within six months of his taking office, McCain's people were all over it and turned the comments into an eerie commercial designed to scare Americans from voting or trusting Obama.

But that didn't stop him.

At McCain and Palin rallies, many of their supporters shouted racial epithets and even made violent threats at Obama. On at least four different occasions, the Secret Service and FBI investigated death threats against Obama.

He never flinched.

On election day, a GOP-sponsored group ran national television ads that showed clips of Pastor Wright's most divisive and venomous sermons and juxtaposed his image with Obama's. Just another last-ditch effort to make up for their lack of ingenuity, integrity and creativity.

Ha!

So, it gives me great pleasure to call that young senator "President-elect Obama." Forget race and everything that racism has meant all these years. I wish to hail our next president as being a man of strong character, relentless drive and salute his iconic faith that seems to say, "in spite of anything anyone says or does against you, if you want something bad enough, NOTHING will stop you from getting it."

Just look at his proof.

Black To The Future

CLEVELAND - Barack Obama carved out an enormous section for himself in the annals of American history last night.

He is the 44th president of the United States.

Obama's historic defeat of Republican John McCain earned him the distinction of becoming the nation's first black Commander-in-Chief. In a grueling, sometimes acrimonious campaign that stretched over twenty-one months, Obama consistently defied the odds and broke through in stirring and miraculous fashion.

Not to mention the fact that he ran a campaign for the ages.

In the face of racial division, attacks on his associations and beliefs, acquaintances and experience, Obama always exuded a backbone of steel and a nonpareil resolve that few people anywhere could ever replicate.

In the hotly contested campaign with McCain, the young Illinois senator breezed through the all-important battleground states to curtail any shot of a Republican victory. When all was made official at 11PM EST, supporters from all over the world cheered wildly. Many wept.

President-elect Obama took the stage at a huge celebration in Chicago's Grant Park an hour later and gave a remarkable acceptance speech, noting that "the road ahead will be long, and the climb will be steep" but reassured the hundreds of thousands in attendance and millions watching all over the world that "we will get there as a people."

Amazing.

Speaking with a deft confidence and a commanding tone, Obama spoke to people of every class, gender, creed and party. He recounted a moving story about a 106-year old Atlanta woman that voted for him after a century of living in a country that seemed unlikely to ever elect an African-American to its highest office. "She was born just a generation past slavery...when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin."

He continuously ended his stanzas with, "Yes we can" to enormous cheering. As moving as his speech was, I was just as impressed with McCain's concession speech in Phoenix. McCain noted the incredible significance of Obama's victory and was extremely gracious in offering his support to his former rival during his upcoming presidency. As his supporters booed, McCain took full responsibility for the failure of his own campaign and expressed no regrets at the experience he just had.

That was the classy McCain.

Overcome with emotion, many moments during this grand evening brought me to tears. Obama is truly a man that should inspire all people to dare to dream. If people get over their political beliefs as well as racial, they would see the country for what it is: a land of unlimited opportunity.

Yes we can.

A Fight To The End

CLEVELAND - And so it comes down to this. After nearly two years and countless rallies, Senators Barack Obama and John McCain reach the goal line.

Election Day.

The most popular and widely discussed election in history culminates today when the nation finally elects the next U.S. president. Both men involved are employing last ditch efforts to drum up support for their respective campaigns. McCain travelled more than 3,000 miles over seven stops across the country yesterday while Obama held steady with visiting several states of his own.

Wow.

Currently, Obama looks like a near shoe-in to win this election and become the first ever African-American president. It would take a miracle for McCain to catch up to his rival, but it is anything but impossible.

I'm reserving my analysis until after it is all said and done. 

Young Meets With Obama During Cleveland Visit

CLEVELAND - Entertainer Deante Young met with Democratic nominee Barack Obama during the senator's afternoon visit to Cleveland yesterday.

Obama, 47 is battling Republican nominee John McCain for the right to become the next U.S. president.

Taking a break from filming his next project, Young attended Obama's rally in downtown Cleveland which featured music legend Bruce Springsteen as well as Michelle Obama and their children.

Young recently announced his endorsement of the frontrunning candidate.

Obama electrified the raucous crowd of more than 80,000 supporters with his often scintillating speech and inspiring rhetoric, even ignoring a light rain and brief microphone difficulty to deliver his message of hope. The visit to Northeast Ohio was the second of three Ohio stops for the Illinois senator. Earlier, he spoke in the state's capital city of Columbus and after leaving Cleveland, finished up in Cincinnati.

Young, the host of the Internet series, a Date with Deante visited with Obama in a small conference room for about 15 minutes. "Senator Obama and Mr. Young shared a few laughs and talked sports, mostly Cavs," said Young's publicist. "They exchanged autographs and Mr. Young wished the senator good luck in the upcoming election."

Afterward, Obama left town to finish off the final two days of campaigning. Election Day is tomorrow.

McCain Adds To Laughingstock Reputation

CLEVELAND - I must admit, Sen. John McCain has a great sense of humor when he wants to show it. As abrasive and combative as his presidential campaign has been, it's nice to see him display his self-deprecating side.

Too bad he's running for president.

McCain, 72 took a small detour off the campaign trail to Manhattan and appeared in two skits last night of the long-running sketch comedy Saturday Night Live. Leading off the show with the brilliant Tina Fey (yet again as Governor Sarah Palin), McCain poked fun at himself in a skit built around the home shopping channel QVC. McCain's wife Cindy had a cameo in this scene.

Later, during the "Weekend Update" segment of the show, the Republican nominee traded lines with cast member Seth Myers and outlined his desperate "strategies" for getting folks to vote for him, which he soon admitted probably wouldn't work anyway.

This is the second time in three weeks that the Republican ticket has been "in on the joke" on SNL. McCain's running mate Palin appeared in the Oct. 18th episode along with her doppelganger Fey.

Personally, I enjoyed McCain's lighter side. However, I can't help but to make note of the fact that SNL is obviously making a mockery of the McCain-Palin ticket. Ratings for the show this season have been through the roof as the show's focus has largely been on the soon-to-be-over election campaign. With Fey doing a pitch perfect impersonation of the often comically clueless Palin, the show has clearly established their pro-Democrat stance in a less than subtle way.

The best part is that McCain and Palin actually contribute to the joke that their campaign has become.

Deante Young Becomes Latest Celebrity To Endorse Obama

CLEVELAND - Entertainer Deante Young has announced his support of Sen. Barack Obama in the upcoming Presidential election.

The 2008 U.S. campaign concludes in just three days.

Young, 31 revealed his endorsement of the Illinois senator on the season finale of his Internet series, a Date with Deante.

Obama, 47 is vying to become the nation's first ever African-American president. His rival, Sen. John McCain would be the oldest ever elected to a first term. Young is only the most recent celebrity big name to support Obama. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced his endorsement in recent weeks.

Young plans to throw an election night party in his hometown before travelling to Chicago to meet with Obama.