August 2008   
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1

Olympic gold medalist and six-time world boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya talks about his new memoir, American Son: My Story, and explains how growing up in East L.A. made him into the man he is today.

2
34

Political journalist John Harwood examines the potential "Bradley Effect" on Sen. Obama's run for the White House. Benjamin Bratt, star of A&E's new series The Cleaner, talks about diversity in Hollywood and how it has impacted his acting.

5

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter comments on the upcoming Democratic National Convention and describes how Sen. Obama can best run against Sen. McCain in the coming months. Historian Thurston Clarke, author of The Last Campaign, describes pivotal moments in Robert F. Kennedy's political career.

6

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ron Suskind speculates on what Congress ought to do about the claims in his new book, The Way of the World. Legendary rock/blues singer Joe Cocker shares how Ray Charles inspired his career.

7

The New Yorker's Jane Mayer offers her impression of the detention center in Guantanamo Bay, as reported in her new book, The Dark Side. Actress Judy Reyes explains the plot of her new Lifetime project, Little Girl Lost: The Delimar Vera Story.

8

Alden McDonald, president-CEO of New Orleans' Liberty Bank & Trust, discusses the efforts to renovate hurricane-damaged property. Emmy-nominated actor Jon Hamm describes his role on AMC's Mad Men and how the show enhances the network's brand.

9
1011

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, discusses sexism in Congress, explains why American society is indebted to Sen. Hillary Clinton and comments on whether the U.S. is ready for an African American president. She also talks about her book, Know Your Power.

12

Tavis revisits his conversations with music legend Isaac Hayes and comedian-actor Bernie Mac.

13

Pulitzer Prize-winner and Rome 1960 author David Maraniss says "the old days" weren't that good for African American and women athletes and describes what the 2008 Olympics might mean for China. Actor-comedian George Lopez talks about the towering inspiration of Richard Pryor.

14

Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette, Chief Deputy Whip, discusses her book, Sex, Science, and Stem Cells, the right wing and the Christian Coalition. Hip-hop star Nas explains his run-ins with Fox News and how he handled it on his "Untitled" CD.

15

Author Gustav Niebuhr, author of Beyond Tolerance, explains why the idea of tolerance is not enough when it comes to religion in American society. Producer Laura Ziskin discusses her experience as a breast cancer survivor and why she's hopeful that cancer can become a manageable disease.

16
1718

Chris Cillizza, author of the "The Fix" political blog, weighs in on potential VP picks and how the White House race might shape up after the upcoming party conventions. Grammy-winning violin virtuoso Joshua Bell says he draws inspiration from golf great Tiger Woods.

19

Olympic gold medalist and Team Darfur co-founder Joey Cheek describes the role of the U.S. in the Darfur genocide. Actor Chazz Palminteri explains how he came to write A Bronx Tale and why he turned down multimillion-dollar offers for the rights to the play when he was flat broke.

20

In his first interview since returning from the former Soviet Republic of Georgia, former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Richard Holbrooke describes what he saw and discusses the politics of the situation. Rapper-actor LL Cool J describes how his business and acting ventures have compromised his music.

21

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter comments on the upcoming Democratic National Convention and describes how Sen. Obama can best run against Sen. McCain in the coming months. Motivational speaker Iyanla Vanzant explains why she reprised her first published work, Tapping the Power Within, some 20 years later.

22

Words That Work author Frank Luntz explains why Sen. Obama has been losing ground in the polls to Sen. McCain. Actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar discusses how he became a child star and why he chose to continue acting as an adult.

23
2425

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano explains why she supported Sen. Obama early in the primary season and shares her thoughts on Sen. Biden as the VP candidate. Journalist Cynthia Tucker assesses Michelle Obama's speech, and New Orleans-based singer and Katrina survivor Margie Perez explains how she ended up giving a primetime speech at the convention.

26

In Denver, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland reacts to Sen. Clinton's speech. New York Rep. Charles Rangel addresses disaffected Clinton supporters who say they will vote for McCain. Florida Rep. Deborah Wasserman Schultz addresses Sen. Obama's challenge in Florida and with the Jewish community, and The New York Times' Jodi Kantor expresses curiosity about President Clinton's upcoming speech.

27

From the Democratic National Convention, Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh discusses Sen. Clinton's role in bringing the party together and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine assesses Sen. Obama's chances of winning his state. David Gilbert-Pederson tells how, at age 17, he came to be the youngest convention delegate.

28

On the last night of the Democratic National Convention, Dr. Cornel West, professor of religion at Princeton, and Bennett College president Dr. Julianne Malveaux analyze Sen. Obama's Democratic Party nomination acceptance speech. And, on this 45th anniversary of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech, Georgia Rep. John Lewis reflects on the March on Washington. Tavis also talks with Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu.

29

Tavis wraps his coverage of the Democratic National Convention with National Urban League president Marc Morial, Princeton professor Dr. Cornel West and The New York Times Magazine's Matt Bai in a discussion of whether Sen. Obama's nomination marks the end of Black politics.

30
311

Louisiana Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu discusses how the state will deal with Hurricane Gustav, psychologically, just three years after Katrina. And, on the first night of the Republican National Convention, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich explains why Gov. Palin is a great choice for VP.

2

In continuing RNC coverage, David Frum, former speechwriter for the Bush White House, explains what Palin and McCain need to do in their speeches to win the crowd this week. Carly Fiorina, senior advisor to Sen. McCain, explains what the GOP plans to do to attract more people of color.

3

From the Twin Cities, former Massachusetts governor Jane Swift reacts to Gov. Palin's convention speech. Former White House hopeful Texas Rep. Ron Paul explains how he differs from Sen. McCain, and former New Jersey governor Christine Todd Whitman addresses the value of Gov. Palin's executive experience.

4

On the last night of the RNC, former GOP presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee explains why, a week ago, he wasn't that optimistic about his party's convention and Florida Sen. Mel Martinez discusses the GOP's track record on immigration issues. Also, former Senate Majority Leader Dr. Bill Frist talks about the biggest health challenge in Africa.

5

In his RNC wrap-up, Tavis discusses the role of gender in this presidential campaign with The New York Times' Elisabeth Bumiller, Time magazine's Jay Carney and NPR's Michel Martin. One question raised: Who has the more difficult task in the upcoming VP debate—Palin or Biden?

Shows August 2008

Looking for a past show? You'll find Tavis' previous guests and special features below, with links to transcripts and complete audio versions of each program.

Looking for other months or guests? Use the index of Past Shows to search for shows by month or guest name.


image from Friday, August 1

Friday, August 1

Olympic gold medalist and six-time world boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya talks about his new memoir, American Son: My Story, and explains how growing up in East L.A. made him into the man he is today.


image from Monday, August 4

Monday, August 4

Political journalist John Harwood examines the potential "Bradley Effect" on Sen. Obama's run for the White House. Benjamin Bratt, star of A&E's new series The Cleaner, talks about diversity in Hollywood and how it has impacted his acting.


image from Tuesday, August 5

Tuesday, August 5

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter comments on the upcoming Democratic National Convention and describes how Sen. Obama can best run against Sen. McCain in the coming months. Historian Thurston Clarke, author of The Last Campaign, describes pivotal moments in Robert F. Kennedy's political career.


image from Wednesday, August 6

Wednesday, August 6

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ron Suskind speculates on what Congress ought to do about the claims in his new book, The Way of the World. Legendary rock/blues singer Joe Cocker shares how Ray Charles inspired his career.


image from Thursday, August 7

Thursday, August 7

The New Yorker's Jane Mayer offers her impression of the detention center in Guantanamo Bay, as reported in her new book, The Dark Side. Actress Judy Reyes explains the plot of her new Lifetime project, Little Girl Lost: The Delimar Vera Story.


image from Friday, August 8

Friday, August 8

Alden McDonald, president-CEO of New Orleans' Liberty Bank & Trust, discusses the efforts to renovate hurricane-damaged property. Emmy-nominated actor Jon Hamm describes his role on AMC's Mad Men and how the show enhances the network's brand.


image from Monday, August 11

Monday, August 11

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, discusses sexism in Congress, explains why American society is indebted to Sen. Hillary Clinton and comments on whether the U.S. is ready for an African American president. She also talks about her book, Know Your Power.


image from Tuesday, August 12

Tuesday, August 12

Tavis revisits his conversations with music legend Isaac Hayes and comedian-actor Bernie Mac.


image from Wednesday, August 13

Wednesday, August 13

Pulitzer Prize-winner and Rome 1960 author David Maraniss says "the old days" weren't that good for African American and women athletes and describes what the 2008 Olympics might mean for China. Actor-comedian George Lopez talks about the towering inspiration of Richard Pryor.


image from Thursday, August 14

Thursday, August 14

Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette, Chief Deputy Whip, discusses her book, Sex, Science, and Stem Cells, the right wing and the Christian Coalition. Hip-hop star Nas explains his run-ins with Fox News and how he handled it on his "Untitled" CD.


image from Friday, August 15

Friday, August 15

Author Gustav Niebuhr, author of Beyond Tolerance, explains why the idea of tolerance is not enough when it comes to religion in American society. Producer Laura Ziskin discusses her experience as a breast cancer survivor and why she's hopeful that cancer can become a manageable disease.


image from Monday, August 18

Monday, August 18

Chris Cillizza, author of the "The Fix" political blog, weighs in on potential VP picks and how the White House race might shape up after the upcoming party conventions. Grammy-winning violin virtuoso Joshua Bell says he draws inspiration from golf great Tiger Woods.


image from Tuesday, August 19

Tuesday, August 19

Olympic gold medalist and Team Darfur co-founder Joey Cheek describes the role of the U.S. in the Darfur genocide. Actor Chazz Palminteri explains how he came to write A Bronx Tale and why he turned down multimillion-dollar offers for the rights to the play when he was flat broke.


image from Wednesday, August 20

Wednesday, August 20

In his first interview since returning from the former Soviet Republic of Georgia, former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Richard Holbrooke describes what he saw and discusses the politics of the situation. Rapper-actor LL Cool J describes how his business and acting ventures have compromised his music.


image from Thursday, August 21

Thursday, August 21

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter comments on the upcoming Democratic National Convention and describes how Sen. Obama can best run against Sen. McCain in the coming months. Motivational speaker Iyanla Vanzant explains why she reprised her first published work, Tapping the Power Within, some 20 years later.


image from Friday, August 22

Friday, August 22

Words That Work author Frank Luntz explains why Sen. Obama has been losing ground in the polls to Sen. McCain. Actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar discusses how he became a child star and why he chose to continue acting as an adult.


image from Monday, August 25

Monday, August 25

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano explains why she supported Sen. Obama early in the primary season and shares her thoughts on Sen. Biden as the VP candidate. Journalist Cynthia Tucker assesses Michelle Obama's speech, and New Orleans-based singer and Katrina survivor Margie Perez explains how she ended up giving a primetime speech at the convention.


image from Tuesday, August 26

Tuesday, August 26

In Denver, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland reacts to Sen. Clinton's speech. New York Rep. Charles Rangel addresses disaffected Clinton supporters who say they will vote for McCain. Florida Rep. Deborah Wasserman Schultz addresses Sen. Obama's challenge in Florida and with the Jewish community, and The New York Times' Jodi Kantor expresses curiosity about President Clinton's upcoming speech.


image from Wednesday, August 27

Wednesday, August 27

From the Democratic National Convention, Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh discusses Sen. Clinton's role in bringing the party together and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine assesses Sen. Obama's chances of winning his state. David Gilbert-Pederson tells how, at age 17, he came to be the youngest convention delegate.


image from Thursday, August 28

Thursday, August 28

On the last night of the Democratic National Convention, Dr. Cornel West, professor of religion at Princeton, and Bennett College president Dr. Julianne Malveaux analyze Sen. Obama's Democratic Party nomination acceptance speech. And, on this 45th anniversary of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech, Georgia Rep. John Lewis reflects on the March on Washington. Tavis also talks with Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu.


image from Friday, August 29

Friday, August 29

Tavis wraps his coverage of the Democratic National Convention with National Urban League president Marc Morial, Princeton professor Dr. Cornel West and The New York Times Magazine's Matt Bai in a discussion of whether Sen. Obama's nomination marks the end of Black politics.