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Aug 28, 2008 7:36 pm US/Central
Obama Has High-Profile Supporters In North Texas
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Dallas radio host Tom Joyner spends his mornings on K-Soul 94.5 radio. His Monday through Friday show is syndicated in a 115 cities across America.
Joyner likes to joke on his show, but one thing he's serious about is his support of Senator Barack Obama.
"I get real emotional about the possibilities of an African American becoming the first black president of the United States," said Joyner, who is often referred to as 'the hardest working man in radio'.
Joyner and his wife, famous aerobics instructor/fitness guru Donna Richardson, gave $4600 to Obama's campaign. That's the maximum a couple can donate during primary season. Unlike other popular disc jockeys, Joyner says he doesn't have a problem using his powerful microphone to push his political values.
Joyner is one of several high-profile African Americans throwing their weight behind Obama. Former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith and Dallas Mavericks president, Terdema Ussery are also on that list. Both have donated the maximum amount of money allowed.
Political analyst John Weekley says, "I would be very surprised if a number of African Americans did not line up behind Senator Obama. This is history making."
When it comes to the 'who's who' of local donors for Obama and Senator John McCain, it splits along racial lines. What may be surprising is that Obama is getting help from the big oil companies.
"To date, Senator Obama has received more money from oil companies that Senator McCain," Weekley explained. "I think that's going to right itself."
Perhaps the oil companies are hedging their bets in the event of an Obama victory.
Senator Obama is also doing well with support from the health-care industry and trial lawyers.
But it's locals like Tom Joyner and his millions of listeners that may push Obama over the edge. If not, it could be a tough pill to swallow for one outspoken DJ. "It's going to be hard to get off the floor if that happens," Joyner admitted.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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