BET News sits down with 2008 US Presidential hopefuls for a Series of Specials entitled ‘WHAT’S IN IT FOR US?’
NEW YORK – As part of BET Networks’ 2008 national election coverage, BET News sits down with the 2008 presidential hopefuls for a series of compelling interviews titled “WHAT’S IN IT FOR US?”
For the premiere special, BET speaks with the man on a mission to become the first Black man in the White House, Senator Barack Obama, in the half-hour special WHAT’S IN IT FOR US? BARACK OBAMA AND THE BLACK VOTE, premiering Tuesday, January 8 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
The second special WHAT’S IN IT FOR US? HILLARY CLINTON AND THE BLACK VOTE will air on Tuesday, January 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
In the premiere special, BET News correspondent Jeff Johnson sits with Senator Obama in a revealing interview that provides a rare glimpse into the Illinois Senator’s life, his family and his political aspirations as he embarks on an impressive quest to change the complexion of politics forever.
Through this enlightening BET News special, viewers will hear Senator Obama’s thoughts on topics ranging from the U.S. education system, the criminal justice system and immigration. It also explores what being “Black enough” really means, the African American electorate and even the Senator’s personal thoughts on hip hop and what is playing on his iPod.
In the second special, Johnson sits down with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, the woman who once stood before America in the East Wing and is
now looking to lead America in the West Wing and become the first female Commander-in-Chief.
Viewers will get a glimpse into Senator Clinton’s
thoughts on her rivals, her passions, and what sets her apart.
Also, Senator Clinton’s campaign ace has been husband Bill Clinton, and his presidency endeared them both to African Americans. Will her husband’s influence and connection with the Black community be enough to earn her the Black vote and give her a win?
From the Specials
When asked about the questions if he is “Black enough,” Obama said, “As we’ve progressed over time, and people become more familiar with my track record, then they feel like this is the guy I’m going to vote for not because he’s Black, but because he’s got a track record and is working on
racial profiling, and giving health care to kids, and dealing with wrongful convictions … The other thing I’ve got to always say when people say, ‘Are you Black enough?’ is, ‘Well, compared to whom?'”
Obama also expressed his taste in hip hop, both old school and new, as well as the challenges the genre faces. “The thing about hip hop today is
it’s smart, it’s insightful, and the way that they can communicate a complex message in a very short space is remarkable … I understand people
want to be rooted in the community, they want to be down, but what I always say is that hip hop is not just a mirror of what is. It should also be a
reflection of what can be.”
