July 12, 2007
Posted: 12:30 PM ET

Tancredo was the only GOP candidate to attend the NAACP presidential forum Thursday.

DETROIT, Michigan (CNN) – You might forgive Republican presidential candidate Tom Tancredo if you caught him humming an Eric Carmen song Thursday morning.

Tancredo was truly all by himself on stage at the NAACP presidential forum in Detroit. Invitations went out to the entire GOP field, but Tancredo was the only Republican to accept. He walked out, passing empty podiums bearing the names of the other candidates. He peeked around a few of the podiums looking at the names, and playfully lined up behind the wrong one.

“Should we wait a few minutes to see if the other guys show up?” he asked to laughter. “Do they know something I don’t know?”

Addressing the gathering in Cobo Arena, Tancredo said, “The fact is, I know something they don’t know.” He noted that while he and the organization “don’t agree on every issue,” they share “a very common cause.”

The Democratic candidates will appear at the forum later Thursday.

– CNN Political Producer Matt Hoye

Filed under: Tom Tancredo


Hillary   February 6th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

I like it and the background and colors make it easy to read:

Sharon Wells   December 28th, 2007 12:14 am ET

On the Coming Election – by Sharon Wells (great, great, great, great, great grand-daughter of John Jay – First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States of America)
Perhaps at no time in history is it as crucial as it is now that the right individual is chosen for President of the United States. The threat of Terrorism and the growing hatred towards the United States by the Muslim world are issues that increasingly put the safety of the USA at risk. While some of the reasons may seem different, in a real practical sense I believe that Barack Obama
•Because he is a person of color
•Because he is a man (and not a woman) (I am a woman and believe in equality, unfortunately some Muslim regions don't)
•Because he is very diplomatic and has a great deal of charisma and presence
•Because he obviously has a high degree of intelligence (shown by his high standing at Harvard),
•Because he shows great integrity
•Because he has a plan to immediately call a summit with all of the Muslim countries after inauguration to address terrorism,
could better handle this delicate situation and place this country on safer ground than any other candidate. He also has expressed many times in his campaign that the Democrats and Republicans need to work together to handle the grave situations that face this country both domestically and abroad. Truly it is time to be the United States of America and not the Divided States of America.

Ann Hoppes, Apple Valley, California   July 14th, 2007 4:31 pm ET

TOM TANCREDO GETS MY VOTE FOR PRESIDENT!!! HE IS HONORABLE, TRUTHFUL, RESPECTFUL, AND TO STAND ALONE ON A STAGE FACING POSSIBLE HOSTILE QUESTIONS PROVES WHAT HE IS MADE OF…IT TAKES LOTS OF GUTS TO DO THAT. I WOULD HOPE NAACP WOULD RESPECT HIM FOR THAT. AND SEE WHAT A TRUE AMERICAN HE IS AND THAT HE CARES ABOUT AMERICA'S FUTURE AND WE THE PEOPLE AND IT SHOWS HE WILL LISTEN TO WE THE PEOPLE. THE CURRENT PREZ G.W.BUSH DOES NOT!!! WHERE WERE THE OTHER REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES? IF THEY CAN'T STAND THE HEAT IN FRONT OF THE NAACP THEN THEY ARE NOT TOUGH ENOUGH TO BE PRESIDENT!!! TRULY HE IS FOR THE PEOPLE, NO MATTER THEIR RACE OR POLITICAL PERSUASION.

GO TOM TANCREDO!!! HE HAS MY VOTE!!! HE IS THE ONLY CANDIDATE WORTHY OF THE 2008 PRESIDENCY. LOOK HOW HARD HE FOUGHT TO STOP ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND SHUT DOWN OUR BORDERS TO KEEP AMERICA SAFE. GOD BLESS TOM TANCREDO!!!

Mary, Westmont IL   July 13th, 2007 10:54 pm ET

The Republicans did not show up because the vote is in the bag. Anyone heard of Tim Griffin and the "caging" issue. There have to be a multitude of "Tim Griffin, Karl Rove" wannabes working for the RNC. They dont have to worry about the minority vote.

Tom - Dedham, Mass   July 13th, 2007 10:03 am ET

James Golden, you are the man!

Funny, a lot of people are not aware of that because it got scant coverage in the media. The media that FOX dominates by the way.

Let's here our liberal friends excuse that FACT away.

MSNBC, NPR and other outlets are a lot more biased than Fox is, but since they also give a conservative viewpoint they are villified.

Anonymous   July 13th, 2007 7:29 am ET

James Golden Madison Al:

Of course that's what it means. BUT the liberalstend to overlook their slights to others as insignificant

Eric W, New Jersey   July 12th, 2007 9:07 pm ET

This is sickening. Of course politicians want to speak in front of crowds who applaud and agree with their positions, but it is an act of lowly cowardice to shield those positions from criticism. Presidential candidates have an obligation to answer the tough questions and when they refuse to have their views challenged, we all lose. Tancredo isn't one of my favorites, but i respect him more now for sticking his neck out.

Bob Crawfordsville IN   July 12th, 2007 8:41 pm ET

Bravo Congressman, we are Americans regardless of skin color. We are "We the People"…

Jo, Philly   July 12th, 2007 6:37 pm ET

The NAACP are a bunch of racist.

James Golden Madison Al   July 12th, 2007 5:42 pm ET

Wasn't it the leading dem candidates that didn't show up at the Black caucus debates because Fox News was associated? Does that mean that the dems "refuse to acknowledge a segment of the U.S. population?"

Columbia, SC   July 12th, 2007 5:33 pm ET

I am a Democrat-leaning Independant, but I applaude your committment to ALL Americans. You stood up for what you believe, even alone, and faced some serious questions I am sure. At least you have proven that not ALL republicans have their head in the sand. I seriously doubt I will consider voting for a repub this term, but you have my respect Congressman.

James, Charlotte, NC   July 12th, 2007 5:01 pm ET

Aight, Jorge I have to say something. First of all, Republicans and Democrats from 150 years ago and now were the complete opposite. At this time, Republicans were for the North while Democrats for the South for political, social, and religious reasons, which for the most part, have switched. Second there was a third party that was influential at the time: Whigs. I don't see a lot of them anymore. Nothing between then and now is the same. So if you want to say that the NAACP doesn't support Republicans, don't say that Republicans "saved" us and we owe them a favor by supporting them because times are different.

James Atlanta, Georgia   July 12th, 2007 4:48 pm ET

For all those that are bashing the Republican candidates that did not show-up, I ask you, what would be the point? We all know that the NAACP supports the Democratic party. This is in spite that most black Americans' religious and social values are closer to most social concervitives.

Maybe the Republicans believe that it is not right to pander to social groups, which, if you have not noticed, Democrats are all to willing to do. Maybe they didn't show because they believe in individual rights, not group rights that only increase political devisiveness. Lets face facts, even though Bush has had more African Americans in his adminstration that any president in history, AA home ownership is up, AA business is up, AA college enrollment is up, and AA have seen the highest jump in income equality in decades under the Bush adminstration, Democrats can go on stage, bash Bush and the GOP, and get a standing ovation.

If I was a candidate, I would have gone just to speak my peace. But, I can understand why other GOP candidates would have other things more important on their calenders.

Dave, Reading PA   July 12th, 2007 4:43 pm ET

Maybe they didn't show up because the NAACP is a blatantly racist organization.

Should all the candidates of both parties show up at a KKK forum if invited?

Still, kudos to Tancredo for showing up.

Reggie L, Freeport, New York   July 12th, 2007 4:41 pm ET

Jorge makes a good point but Jorge is overlooking a point also. I don't care who host the event, it is the audience that the candidates are trying to reach. The Republicans did all those things that you mentioned, but let's not forget that the Democrats fought to desegregate the south by calling out the National Guard on a couple of occasions (The Kennedy's). I'm not interested in a "few" jobs for minorities on the administration and other high offices in government. I'm interested in the millions of opportunities for minorities ACROSS the country. The Republicans need to attend all events and explain why they want to be President of the United States (nothing in that title says republican or democrat), the President is suppose to represent all Americans and be a representative of democracy for the free world. Forget the NAACP, the Republicans snubbed the audience. The voters that attended, wanted to hear how their lives would be better if they voted Republican this time. "Vote for me and I'll save your jobs and make life better for all Americans", ok good start, tell me how. That is what the Republicans missed and that is why they'll never gain the vote until they understand that. Being the President of the United States means dealing with the good and the bad, people that love you, hate you, despise you, make jokes about you and try to undermine you. A President must deal with all. So far the Republicans want to tip toe and pick their battles, well go ahead. As is the case every election, they missed the point. I don't care who moderates the event, just go, be Presidential, state your plan, deal with the good and the bad and show people that you have what it takes to handle adversity and turn it into advantage. Right now, the Republicans are looking a little weak and cowardly.

Lou, St. Petersburg, FL   July 12th, 2007 4:26 pm ET

Jorge from VA,

Actually, not showing up to the convention does mean you do not respect the organization and the people they represent. Do you actually think candidates only show up to forums hosted by groups that unconditionally support them..NO. The NAACP has supported and worked with republicans many times, and many members of the NAACP are republican. Just because we are all of the same race does not mean we think and vote the same way (just as i dont assume all white people vote and think the same way). This is merely a respect issue and the Republicans (except for Tancredo) have no respect for anyone else and have repeatedly shown their lack of class. I want to see them not show up to all the union conventions because the unions have not supported Bush and his administration since that is your argument, let see what happens then.

Pete, T.S. FL   July 12th, 2007 4:19 pm ET

Jorge,

I am not in agreement of all NAACP matters, nor am I in agreement of all matters of any other single association, union or political party. However I as an American will never ignore the voice or desire of one American or their affiliation. As a Caucasian American male, who served his country on active duty from 1979 until 2005, I hope that my sacrifice and service was for All AMERICANS.

"WE THE PEOPLE"

g.s. charlotte nc   July 12th, 2007 3:52 pm ET

Mr. Tancredo,

APPLAUSE!! APPLAUSE!! To you for attending this event. Your presence was expected. Your staying was strength, courage, and grace. You were raised well.

Jorge, Charlottesville, VA   July 12th, 2007 3:48 pm ET

People are missing the point here. Republicans do not hate/dislike/disocunt Black voters. The candidates not showing up does not show a bias against African Americans. It shows a dislike of the NAACP. There is a big difference.

The NAACP has consistently refuse to help Republicans, even though it was the Republicans who freed the slaves, fought for civil rights legislation in the Sixties, and were responsible for a Black Supreme Court Justice, Secretary of State (2), a Hispanic Attorney General, and the most diverse Cabinet ever.

Yet the NAACP does not support the Republican Party.

A big deal was made awhile back about Bush not speaking at the NAACP's convention. But why? The NAACP does not support President Bush.

Conservatives will continue to reach out the Black voters based on principles and ideas. But a bunch of candidates not showing up to one event sponsored by the NAACP does not mean they've given them up/are bigoted.

Gracias.

Ray, Philadelphia, PA   July 12th, 2007 3:21 pm ET

Well this sure says a lot about Republicans and that "big tent" of theirs, huh?

page richmond,va   July 12th, 2007 3:03 pm ET

why am i not suprised that republican canidates aren't interested in attending a forum presided over by the naacp?

DJ, Los Angeles   July 12th, 2007 2:36 pm ET

Yes I also vote Democrat…but wanted to add my own salute to Mr. Tancredo.

Thanks for showing up and yes we do have common ground.

Peggy, Mississippi   July 12th, 2007 1:46 pm ET

Bravo Congressman Tancredo! BRAVO!!!!

He understands that alot of American-Americans are just as upset as the Conservative Base about immgration.

Pete, T.S. FL   July 12th, 2007 1:23 pm ET

Mr. Tancredo,

Thank you for attending this event. It affirms your commitment to this country. A President of the greatest nation on earth has to be a President of all the people and for all the people.

I salute you,

“WE THE PEOPLE”

Denise Bond   July 12th, 2007 1:17 pm ET

I don't know the circumstances around other candidates not attending but I find it sad that in America an entire party refuses to acknowledge a segment of the U.S. population that help build this country (regardless of the circumstances around the conditions of the building).

A lack of simple respect for fellow Americans shows how out of touch the Republican Party is with the those of us who work for a living, support families, struggle to build futures for our children and hope that they are able to enjoy a bit of what this country offers.

I fear that that lack of common decency and basic respect and a worship of the dollar and power is succeeding in tearing at the very fiber of a country that was once so very great.

God be with us for we know not what we do!

Anonymous   July 12th, 2007 1:17 pm ET

What!? This is ridiculous! I know the Republicans struggle to get black voters but they should at least show up and try to address them.

Maybe it is because they either don't care or they realize they don't really have any real ideas or plans to help them beside the old "trickle down economics."

Yet again poor and middle-class Americans get the shaft no matter what the race is.

Keep on sending our jobs to third world countries and let the illegal aliens take jobs or drive labor costs to rock bottom, no matter what the social impact.

Jon, Sacramento, CA   July 12th, 2007 12:54 pm ET

Kudos to Tancredo for walking into the lion's den! I do not agree with many of the positions and statements that have come from the NAACP Leadership (quite a political operation for a non-profit organization!). However snubbing this organization doesn't move the Republican Party forward. Show up – defend your views, articulate the common ground and attempt to win friends.

I question if you can win the nomination but my respect leve just rose immensely for you Mr Tancredo.

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