I agree with you, Roland. Obama passed up a golden opportunity to shine on this important day. Obama has the gift of making great oratory speeches and he could have stolen the headlines from the other two candidates, but more importantly, he could have taken this opportunity to further his message of unity and peace.

Roland,

The podium that Senator Obama spoke from in Indiana was the very same that RFK did when he spoke that evening of MLK's assassination. I wonder if perhaps he attempted to avoid the media 'circus' the morbid wagon jumping that accompanied this event?

He is always with white people until he is elected!!!!!
Oprah said so!!!!!!

True, it would be an impacting image to see Obama in the MLK balcony on such a significant time and day in history. But I can also see the criticism that would have been drawn if this had actually taken place. Many people believe Obama is composed of merely persuasive words and cannot even begin to compare to MLK. Obama's presence at the MLK memorial would say that he is "trying to hard" or is continuing to make this campaign about ethnicity. On top of this, his presence there might even possibly inspire racist people in our world today to maybe even recreate the MLK event that took place in 1968. Maybe Obama was advised to stay away as a security measure.

MLK would have mixed feelings as how far we have come on the issue of race and equality. Yes, some movement has been made but not enough for society to see a person for who they really are.
A Human Being needing the same respect as all others, no matter what race or faith!
MLK words of truth stand, as if he said them today!

Roland,
I think Obama missed a great opportunity also to let people see that he too has a dream that he shares with King to change this nation for the better for all of us. It would have been a sight to have him up on that balcony like you said giving one of his "Kingesque" speeches that he loves to give. Kind of nostalgic for some I would think! But he chose not to be there so it is his loss! If he looses Indiana then it will have all been in vain!

Cynthia, Covington, Ga.

Thank God Obama did not go the Memphis on Friday. He made a very wise decision. It would have been self-serving if he did. The reasons being;
1. He has a large following and people would have come just to see and hear him rather than honor MLK.
2. The fact that John McCain spoke there and was booed for having voted against and an MLK National Holiday, could have created a story that blacks cheered for Obama and booed for McCain.

His absence also showed up the motives of Clinton and McCain’s use of the Holiday to get the black vote. Most elected officials do not go to Memphis on April 4 unless they’re in a campaign. Most of them honor MLK in January. George Bush was not there, Condi was not there. Obama is a man who is true to America and true to himself.

I personally was relieved that he did not go because when I watched the documentary “Black in America” and heard that the assassinator of Martin Luther King could still be at large, I prayed that Obama would not go.

Maybe that is the point.
Maybe he wants to be his own man. The fact that he and Hillary are the last ones standing should already show how Dr. King's Vision has come into fruition. Barack Obama is his own man, his vision may be similar to Dr. Kings, but he has his own vision, and his own plan. Let that stand on his own. That is like michael jordan's son always having to prove himself because of who his father is. He does not have to keep telling every body that they have similar ideas, or that he is Black, everyone already knows this. I personally don't care if he was there or not. I like the fact that just because people expect you to do everything everybody else does he does what he feels is rigtht. Isn't that how we got in this place in the first place everybody following every body else and no one thinking for themselves. all i can say is grow up. If you don't know what he stands for by now, if you don't know where is heart is by now, if you don't know his issues by now. then yo unever will, and then it will never matter where gives any speech. and actually Obama was dammed if he did and dammed if he didn't because some one would of made the case that "Oh of course he would be there he's Black" So spare me a little.

Obama should have been there. It is a bad judgement on the part of Obama. Whether he played race politics or not, clearly it has a negetive effect. May be he is smarter than we are.

Roland,

I was surprised at Obama's absence too but heard him say when questioned by a reporter that he had been down for Dr. King's birthday. I didn't think much else about it but you do have an interesting point. I wonder if Obama didn't go and stand on that balcony because it might shift the focus from Dr. King to himself – he attracts what has been called rock star crowds – and that in that atmosphere the shift in attention from Dr. King to Obama might have seemed inappropriate to Obama. Just a thought.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

McCain it makes sense to be out there to correct his histoical record. Clinton she has to be out there to show that she do represents everyone and mkae sure that she can cover up the lost ground after SC primary to Afro-american voters.

Obama presence would have represented more his orientation toward Afro-American interests which is not the reason he is running the for President.. I think it was wise for him to stay away rather than make crowd.

How about he visit the place as a President. I am sure it would be much more powerful gesture to all continuing of that dream

Just the thought of Obama standing on the balcony where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot, is a scary picture. I'm so glad that Obama uses his good sense and doesn't take every stupid PR advise that people give him. He'll be a great President.

Obama'08

and not the first time obama hasn't shown up for an African American event only to be shown up by Hillary (see new orleans a while back)

Roland:

I am kind of in a bad mood today so I'll give you a post. (Honestly, I doubt the web mod will post it but here it goes!)

Maybe....just maybe...really Roland you or I are not in Obama's head now are we? Just maybe Obama doesn't need to push a "black agenda" like you do? Really, just because your black or brown or a woman or a lesbian or gay man do you have to push that specific agenda? Does it really matter that he is black? Who cares?

Maybe Obama doesn't want to be the black guy running for President.
Maybe Obama just wants to be a man running for President without a black agenda. Yes, it was the 40th Anniversary for Dr. King. I embrace it and acknowledge when I visit Memphis this summer I may go and visit the museum.

Okay, say you weren't watching CNN or network news would the average American really care about this issue? Sorry to say not really and Obama may have recognized that fact. There are tons of other issues in America besides Dr. King. Hey, I just read a book about him and guess what? Dr. King had numerous affairs and lovers too! Seems like he too is another Bill Clinton or Elliott Spitzer. Another man looking to have his cake and his family too!

I'd like to address this comment to Roland S. Martin:

Why does it often seem to be that it's the Black commentators who want to point out the negative stories about Obama? Doesn't he have enough problems? Yes, it's true that perhaps it would have looked better if Obama had been in Memphis. But you too missed an opportunity. An opportinity to take the high road and not comment on every single thing you see. Can't you ever sit still sometimes?

I am personally happy that he stayed away, for the same reason that he does not wear a flag pin on his lapel nor, presumably, have a "Support Our Troops" magnet on his vehicle. Photo ops and talk are cheap, and Obama gets more mileage in my book from walking the walk. I have no doubt that he embodies the dreams of Dr. King, and had it been Obama alone on that balcony, speaking to the nation, the meaning would have been more evident. The other candidates were there, at least in part, because to have missed it would have hurt them politically. Between Hillary's emotional recall of the events of the day (hopefully not "misremembered") and McCain's mea culpa, I think Obama made the right choice.

will somebody please tell me how obama gets to be a BLACK MAN
and Clinton gets to be A WOMAN?? if Sen.Obama is a black man why isn't she a white woman??. why is it so important that SEN.Obama has to continue to prove that he is a black man and be surrounded by black clinton supporters. Roland s.martin shame on you. I would like an answer please.

Though I respect your opinion and I certainly have the utmost respect for Dr. King.
But, me personally I was not upset in the least bit that Barack was not in Memphis. The very images that you speak of visioning him on that balcony, is the very image that some african americans just dont want to be reminded of. AAs already have the fear that if elected, Barack would be assasinated, and we know exactly who was killed on that balcony and some of us would rather not have to picture Barack that way. I am a 37 yr old dark skinned american

But don't you think if he had gone and stood on that balcony he would have been derided by people suggesting he was thinking a little too much of himself? And for people already concerned about his safety, maybe the image would have been a bit spooky? It's probably no accident that of all the upcoming primary states he spoke in Indiana, which also played a role that day. I do think he still did a good job honoring Dr. King even though he wasn't in Memphis, but I understand how it might've made a more powerful statement had he been there.

He paid his respects a few days before. Can't people just let it be?! good grief

I disagree that he should have used the opportunity to project himself in the image of King. His presence might have distracted from the true purpose of the day. Obama is a continual reminder of the fruits of Dr. Kings sacrifices and doesn't need to remind us further by being in Memphis. It is important that he remember the day and remind others that may not have as much ceremony.

To me it's a slap in the face to the King family and the memory of Dr. King that Obama didn't think enough of this anniversary to be there. I guess campaigning in Indiana mattered more than honoring in person a big part of why America was able to overcome its racial stupidity of the past. I'm a white woman from the South born the day after Dr. King was murdered, and I get the significance of being in Memphis 40 years later. It says volumes that Obama apparently doesn't.

Roland,
I disagree that this was a missed opportunity for Obama. Are we so busy mourning Dr. King's death, that we forget to celebrate and incorporate Dr. King's work for equality in our daily lives? April 4th is one of the saddest days in history, but the big picture here is that in November, positive history can be made by electing our first black (and strongly qualified) president.

he thinks he is winning and doesn't have to. he already has the black vote no matter what he does.

I agree with most of the other comments....Barack Obama is Dr. King...this a different ERA...and he comes a different cloth...he's not black
and his people have never slaves...or anything that that suggests...you people at CNN...or should I call the BAO in the tradition of the KKK...let him do the campaign the way that it will benefit all of America...Blackl form that era are so selfish...they want all the attention that they can get..
we are all one people American people....I speak as a French/NativeAmerican/African-American......Dr. King would said in his own unselfish.....go forward young go forward

One of King's children did not attend the ceremony. (Dexter) So, by saying that Obama should have been there. What words should be said to the son.

Roland, initially I was surprised that Obama did not show up. But, when I thought about it I realized he probably hoped everyone would understand that this day was about Martin Luther King, and not about Barack Obama or to be used by the media as an opportunity to contrast Wright vs King which would have tainted the memory. If you notice, there are very very few positive articles about Obama....I scan the computer looking for them, and if anyone have anything to say it's usually negative. I hope you don't become one of those types too who feels that he is an easy target because he is the underdog in this race......and he is, because if things were reversed.......the delagates would have made their move, and Hillary would have been decided as the Nominee by now......he still have to watch his step, hold his mouth right, and hope that no one else say anything that he will be held accountable. You are an intelligent man and I love to hear your opinions....but, I'm also very very disappointed at all of the "Brother's" who for some reason.....can find so much fault with Obama....while giving the other candidates the benefit of the doubt.

I have a question for you............if McCain was so apologetic for his vote against the MLK holiday why did he wait for that particular moment to apologize, and Clinton, I suspect her statement is about as factual as Bosnia or the hospital story.....they used an important day for political ambition, and Obama should be commended for continuing to campaign, as King would have wanted. Obama did take the time out to recognize and acknowledge MLK's great contribution to our society and race.

Roland,

I disagree that Obama should have been there or that it was a missed opportunity. As others have posted, I believe his presence there would have been (deliberately?) misinterpreted by some as being self-serving or opportunistic. Obama has patterned his campaign about PEOPLE taking back their own government, not black people or white people or yellow people or red people, but just PEOPLE, American Citizens!

Why would it be necessary for Obama to attend, but not just as necessary for Clinton and McCain to attend? YOU are the one that, by stating this as a missed opportunity, that continues pulling the "race card" in a campaign that has never been about that and should never be about that.

It is sad, but there are still a lot of people in this country that behave in a racist way, and Obama's presence would have more likely fueled that hatred and behavior and caused more negative press which might even be strong enough to divert him from gaining the nomination. His grass roots campaign and focus on the FUTURE of this country would have been hampered across a much broader range of the electorate than some that might feel he would be symbolic to be in Dr. King's shoes.

By his nomination and election, THAT is how he can be true to Dr. King's vision, and I support him in that 100%.

I was amazed that he missed the opportunity, but he is very arrogant and frankly this played to that. I have never felt Obama is genuine. He has done little for the black community, certainly not as much as Hillary Clinton. I also felt there was very little attention paid to Hillary's speech – which was very moving. She was the only one of all the candidates that actually cared enough about Dr. King to stand in line to see him when he was alive and carry the dream forward. The media seems to totally over look that. Read her bio. Vote for her. Obama has not worked hard enough yet.

Hi Roland,

As usual, I share your sentiment. However, for some reason, I am glad Barack Obama was a no-show. It has been reported that Obama has received death threats before and probably still. How do we know that his no appearing in Memphis hasn't anything to do with that? Perhaps some loony out there is just waiting on such an opportunity to say to blacks... or to remind us to stay in our place, so to speak. I know it's crazy, but those of us in the know, know that they still do exist. It's just a thought.

tammy if he had shown up in memphis non-obama supporters would have said that he is a racist and he supports whatever the blacks do, especially if he had a prior speaking engagement. the race for the demo-party rep didnt start the day after april the 4th but last year which meant that a schedule must be followed. it wasnt a slap in the face, how dare you to think that. if rev mlk where alive he would understand and say well done my brother you touched the hearts of whites that would have never heard the speech on cnn much less attend the ceremony. in case you did not notice most of the people that attended where black and we know what he did for us but alot whites do not. it wasnt a missed opportunity he has an agenda and it had to be kept in order to fullfil dr mlk's dream for all of us, black, white, brown and yellow to come together in unity for the sake of our future. i am a black woman born in the south and my county (christian) is no where near christ like, as matter of fact we are under investigation for racism in our community and i get the significance but are you living it? apparently not because you are putting down the next man and that speaks volumes of you.

I don't think his presence was at all needed. As much as we'd all like to live each moment of life and place them in vacuums, this is not the case. He has a campaign to run and the dream of Dr. King to uphold. Being there would have created all sorts of new problems for him. Him speaking after the other presidential candidates would have been incredibly presumptuous of him. He did the right thing by staying away. We all know he's black. We know he's living proof that Dr. King's dream lives on. Why shove that image in the face of America again and again? With all of the claims that he brings race in to the election process whenever he can, this would have done nothing positive for his ability to fully realize that portion of the King dream, to have a black man stand tall and be accepted and elected by all of America. You're wrong on this one. It's what you wanted to see and what his critics were ready to jump on.

Obma – The Teflor Candidate indeed – his pasture says damn america and Hoffa the labor guy wants to still support him and wants to make trouble over Hillary's Penn advisor who was trying to make a living while working for her. I wonder if Hoffa is matcho, sexist and biased. So much for Obama backers?

This is alot about nothing...............the last thing I needed to see was Obama shot while standing where MLK jr. stood. Hillary's speech was dull and McCain's was written by someone else and his delivery was terrible. Obama needed to stand alone in Indiana. April 4th was about MLK jr. not Obama.

You probably wont post this...but here goes....

I am so glad Obama stayed away from Memphis. He was where he was suppose to be. The other candidates saw it as the media op it was and that is why they showed up...NOT for the love of black people, but for their vote. Obama can only make change if he wins the presidency... and that means change for all americans. i am disappointed in you Roland! Just because he is black doesn't mean he has to be there. We can worship from whereever we are. It's what in our hearts that count–not the judgment of other who knows not what is in our heart. You all cant see the forest for the trees!

Furthermore, this is the first time I have ever seen them make a such big deal of MLK's death anniversary. Did he not have an anniversary last year? Why now?
Could it be that Obama erupted the Consciousness of the country?
Could it be that Obama himself had lead us here... to highlight, like no other year before, the birth and death with this opportunity of his legacy?

Don't judge the man, try to understand him!

Debating YOUNG vs OLD. Obama is young. Hillary and McCain remember that era of the country's history. They are OLD. Obama did not experience the ignorance of the Civil Rights period. In this generation it is hard to believe that there separate bathrooms and eating establishments Thoughts of superiority. WE do not want to go backwards, WE want to move forward with inovation and new ideas/. Because he wasn't there MLK was still smling down. To me it represents inspiration. We need the respect of the global economy . They are young and more inovative and they are listening. Hillary and McCain will n0t bring any new IDEAS.

Roland,

I understand what you are saying but I think people would have saw it as being self-serving. Remember, Hillary and John McCain were there.

Roland,

Normally I agree with your statements and your ability to see past the everyday trival comments of this campaign and what it has become. On this I do disagree...perhaps I'm mistaken but I believe that Sen. Obama lives his life and has based his race for presidency on MLK 's dream for equality. In my opinion, this does not change if he was physicially present, present through his speach in Indiana or by his actions each and everyday. Ironically, I think he would have been critized for taking the spotlight off of MLK and placing it on himself. Did he miss an opportunity...perhaps...but I commend him for his decision to be in Indiana and extend Dr. King's memory there...the bottom line is if he does not win in Indiana and upcoming Primaries...the dream that Dr. King preached all those years again will once again not materialize.

It was a good thing that Obama didn't go to memphis. This is a smart, well caculated, and thoughtful man. He wouldn't dare insult the King's.

Going to memphis would have taken the shine off of King. No doubt. All the people who would have showed up to see, touch, Obama. He also took King's message to a place where King couldn't go towards the end of his life. Rember he was unpopular at that time for speakng out against the Vietnam war and America. He took that message to the political arena infront of a largely white audience. He is fulfilling Kings dream day by day.

A large part of this society just doesn't get King's dream and some of those people were in Indiana. The people who get it were in Memphis. Let us take time to look at the bigger different picture.

Let us bot look back and stay stuck in the horrific past of King's death, but take King's dream forward to new generations. Roland I wish you saw the bigger picture. I am glad Obama didn't use that day KINGS DAY as PR to further his political career. That would have been a bad bad move.

We all don't go to Israel to remember the death of Christ (though not a good comparison to MLK but I don't have another one).
MLK represents equality, peace and love for all races. What touched me with Obama's speech was when he repeated RFK's statement that reminded folks in Indianapolis that MLK preached love and compassion, and as such Indianapolis was quiet when other cities erupted.

I am surprised Roland that you would minimize the impact of King's legacy and Obama's acknowledgement to location. It is very obvious why Clinton and Mccain were there - to try to appease blacks by showing how much they grieved too at the loss of King so that they can gain ground in the black community. Why would Obama have to subject himself to a "Sambo-like" presentation on the balcony? He has no problem identifying with all persons and this was his opportunity to show that King transcended race, gender, socio-economic status, etc. He allowed people to see first-hand the results of a King era in a city other than where King was brutally murdered. Why minimize King to one city? The King family wasn't making speeches in Memphis. They were at the graves of their parents honoring them there. Does this new great orator always have to portray himself as King reencarnated? Or perhaps is it possible, he is the Dream somehow coming forth into some kind of reality?

GO HILLARY !!!
Gee – A negative story about obama – how can that be????
Obama should of gone to MLK – Stop making excuses for him.
Maybe the media should look a little deeper into obama – his background seems very questionable to me!

I think is was wise for Obama to stay in Indiana. Hillary and McCain rushed there to get media coverage. Obama put the focus on Dr. King and did not choose to put the spotlight on himself. Standing on that balcony might have suggested to voters that he has the gifts and commitment that Dr. King had but would have been less than a gracious way to mark his death. Advancing your political career whatever the event is better left to Hillary.

For Obama, it does not matter!

Majority of blacks will support him anyway.

Hillary had to be there, if not, they will call her a racist.

Good for you Hillary. You are trying hard to make people happy.

Hillary 08!!

Mr. Obama has his reason for not being there.

I believe Dr.King was looking down and saying America is finally getting it. : o )

HRC did not have to go Memphis. I wouldn't call HRC racist for not being in a certain location. She could have been in NC and still acknowledged Kings assassination in a memorable way.

The person who had the biggest impact on me that day was McCain. I couldn't believe how bold he was to go to Memphis and talk about voting against MLK Day. That is bold. And I respect that man so much after hearing him talk about his mistake and seeing the error in his ways. He is apart of that generation that comes from the Jim Crow error and to see him, even if for political reasons, speak about his bad past was great.

McCain and I disagree on almost everything. He so does not have my vote. But, his credibility and honesty is refreshing. I can't say that about HRC. I don't trust her to put US first. But w/ pressure she probably will follow through w/ her plans. I like her plans before McCains, but I like McCains integrity and person better than HRC.

Why was Hillary there? For months she has been hounded about the release of her previous years income tax records and she waits until the 40th anniversary of one of the greatest men our world has know and uses his story to outshine her story. Shame on you Hillary!!! How long had you planned to release your returns on a day when you knew there would be news more worthy of coverage than you and your tax returns. Shame on you Hillary for even showing up and disgracing the man who made the world a better place for so many. You are laughable and you do not disremember or misspeak, you lie, like a rug.!!!!!!!! Obama all the way!!!!!!!!!

I'm glad Obama wasn't there. Obama, if he wins the nomination, will not represent just black America he will represent all of America! If Obama would have been at the ceremony no doubt he would have been labeled the "Black People's President" I only think Clinton and McCain were there simply because Obama wasn't and had Obama been there I don't think Clinton or McCain would have been there. Strategic? Maybe. Clinton (Bill) nor McCain even voted for the King holiday! So either way this is one of those situations where Obama was going to be criticized either way.

Roland, I have to agree with the majority...Senator Obama didn't miss an opportunity. We should have been sick and tired of hearing about the Rev. Wright situation and I think had he gone; it would have started back up all over again. Obama doesn't need that now, especially with him slowly but surely catching up with Clinton in Pennslyvania.

You and everyone else know why Clinton and McCain were there. Did it take McCain running for the President to finally say he was sorry? C'mon now...let's get real!

Normally, I would agree; not this time.

Hi Roland-

First, I must say that you have great insight and you always share a wealth of knowledge. I truly have learned a lot from listening to you speak. In regards to Barack not being in Memphis, I don't see a problem with him not going. I think that Obama is looking at the big picture and the only way he can bring change is if he becomes president. He has to focus. The vision is bigger than Barack..I believe that Dr. King would want us to pull together for the movement.

This is my first time on this site and I am just wondering. Why does barack Obama have a "Category" link but Hillary Clinton does not? Is this another site that reports as if this a one-person race for the presidency?
Highly disappointing to see this objective journalism at work!

Anastacia,

We have links to Hillary Clinton, John McCain and Barack Obama.

Barack Obama missed the opportunity to attend the State of the Black Union, which many Black Americans gave him a free pass for, but I did not. Now he did it again, with choosing not to go to Tenn. to honor Dr. King. I get it Barack Obama does not want to be marginalized as the Black candidate, he aspires to transcend race, I can respect that but all politics aside, at the end of the day he is a Black man, or atleast he refers to himself as that and as a Black man he owes it to Dr.King to have been there.The large success of the Obama campaign relies largely on the support of Black people and everytime the Black community reaches out to him, he keeps us at a distance.Black people need to open their eyes, if you think Obama is going to look out for Black people if he is President then you are all dead wrong.