GOP Candidates Snub Only Televised Debate Aimed at Minorities

I was sad to hear that once again the Republican party is showing its disdain for people of color. The latest event? The upcoming Presidential debate hosted by talk show host Tavis Smiley.

By way of this prolific African-American personality, PBS is continuing its dedication to people of color and their issues. As a result, Tavis Smiley (and staff), did coordinate the All-American Presidential Forums on PBS. This event was the first of it's kind allowing a panel comprising of journalists of color to ask candidates key questions on domestic issues like immigration, education, voting, etc. The first one was already held in June with the Democratic Presidential hopefuls.

All of the Democratic Presidential candidates showed up and discussed the issues. As a result, it allowed everyone to at least hear their ideas on the domestic topics plaguing Americans of all races. It also gave people of color voice - something that has prevented many from taking the act of voting seriously. Now, it's the Republican's turn. Their debate is set up for September 27 at 9:00 pm ET on PBS. But guess what? They are already bowing out.

Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, John McCain and Mitt Romney are declining to come to the debate. Their refusal to show is a slap in the face to all people of color. It feels as if they are telling the world that "these people don't count. We don't care about their vote." However, the show will still go on.

Although upset, Tavis Smiley vows to continue on with the debate. He refuses to cancel because Republican candidates are backing out. He recently told radio host Tom Joyner that he'd show up anyway even if it's just to look at a podium. He won't let the idiotic behavior of the Republican Presidential hopefuls cause him to cancel this forum. It will be interesting to see who else pulls out.