Talk of the Town

By Alex Patrick Joyner

August 2, 2005 10:39 AM | Link to this

I wouldn’t mind lunching with former president Bill Clinton. McDonalds, preferably.

He may have embarrassed himself and the country during the Monica scandal, but I’m confident you could hold a conversation with him that didn’t involve the words “terror” “resolve” or “Amuuuricans.”

Always my President

By Jim

August 2, 2005 10:52 AM | Link to this

My choice for lunch would be Pastor Jakes and President Clinton. Just listening to these two gentleman converse would be a very memorable experience.

By April

August 2, 2005 11:07 AM | Link to this

I will definitely be at the march. The right to vote is an important cause.

By LeBreux

August 2, 2005 11:31 AM | Link to this

Given the choices, I would have lunch with President Clinton. Let me begin by saying that I am a lifelong Republican, but I respect Clinton as a politician. He is a brilliant, shifty, talented, and likeable guy. He is the most prolific performer in American political history.

Aside from the poor moral example he set as president, I think he did a decent job overall (largely because of the Republican controlled Congress).

I’ve had the opportunity to meet him on a couple occasions, and he truly has the ability to make you feel like the only person in the room. In the book Primary Colors, the author spends the first several pages just describing how Clinton shakes your hand, including and his subtle body language leading up to, and following, the actual shake. The person on the receiving end feels like a visitng foreign head of state.

You must admit that a guy who is that slick must have some great stories to tell. We all know what happened in the White House with Ms. Lewinsky. But wouldn’t it be great to be good enough buddies with Bill that he’d boast to you about all his other escapades that were never made public? (before, during, and after his tenure in the White House)?

I’d take him to BluePoint, get him a few too many Martinis, and let the stories start flowing…

By Brooke

August 2, 2005 12:53 PM | Link to this

Given the choices, I think I would rather eat alone.

By Lee

August 2, 2005 03:08 PM | Link to this

President Clinton!

By William Richardson

August 2, 2005 04:03 PM | Link to this

Although the thought of having lunch with Bishop T D Jakes or President Clinton would be an honor, I would choose Chaka Khan. I’ve been a fan of her incredible voice since the beginning, plus I think she would be interesting and humorous.

By BigDaddy

August 2, 2005 06:26 PM | Link to this

Slick Willy… at the Cheetah - I’d just like to watch a master in action…

By karena

August 2, 2005 11:06 PM | Link to this

I would not care to have lunch with any of the people you have named that will be visiting Atlanta this week. The one person I most admire right now is Condoleeza Rice, and to have lunch with her would be wonderful.

By SE Ashe

August 3, 2005 03:42 AM | Link to this

I like to sit at the table with all of them after we attend the March, we would be hungry…I would leave the tip.

By Antonio

August 3, 2005 07:53 AM | Link to this

I would like to have lunch with Jesse Jackson. As a young Black man, I’m appalled at the fact that all of America has dubbed him as the “Black Leader”. Since MLK Jr. and Malcolm X, Jesse and all the others are like substitute teachers. We need to think for ourselves and stop looking to one person to tell us what to do. Don’t just vote Democratic because you were told to. I’d like to ask Jesse what has he done for “usâ€? lately.

By Lisa

August 3, 2005 08:52 AM | Link to this

I would love to have lunch with Chaka Khan — can you only imagine the stories that she could tell. She is a classic veteran musician and listening to her advice and tales would be invaluable.

By Sally

August 3, 2005 09:00 AM | Link to this

I’d choose Clinton. I’ve already heard everything Jakes and Jackson have to say and Chaka Kahn would be vapid. Even so, I’d rather have lunch with Colin Powell.

By Julia

August 3, 2005 09:13 AM | Link to this

I would like to sit down eat and chat with Former President Clinton and Rev. Jesse Jackson. Both of them are strong determined brothers that look out for the interest of all people. Not just black or white, poor or rich they are fighting for everyone and for all human cause. I have a nickname for Former President Clint (Ghetto Brother)because he’s not afraid to go where no other President that I’ve known in my life time has gone (ghetto areas & et cetera).

By Karin

August 3, 2005 09:17 AM | Link to this

I’d like to have lunch with Tavis Smiley and Bill Clinton. In case Bill gets off track and starts flirting with me, Tavis could keep the dialogue moving.

By LA-LOVE

August 3, 2005 09:25 AM | Link to this

I will love for my husband and myself to have lunch with Pastor T.D. Jakes, so that the pastor can tell and give my husband experiences of life, that ALL MEN go through storms before they give their lifes to GOD. I love you Pastor Jakes, thsnk you for all your inspiring words.

By Michele

August 3, 2005 09:51 AM | Link to this

I would love to have lunch with T.D. Jakes and President Clinton because both men has a great spirit.

By James

August 3, 2005 09:57 AM | Link to this

I usually have lunch alone, it’s my time to relax and read a good book, with that said I would still pick a good book as a lunch date. I do have a concern about the separatist tone all of what is happening in downtown Atlanta this week seems to be taking. Would the city of Atanta be as receptive to almost exclusively white audience events? I don’t think so. Atlanta still operates under a double standard and will continue to do so until there is a balance of power downtown.

By Joanne C

August 3, 2005 12:17 PM | Link to this

I would love to lunch with President Clinton. I have admired and respected this man an his devoted wife since before his first term. A lot could be learned from both.

By ROGER WARE

August 3, 2005 12:43 PM | Link to this

OK, here goes, if I was: A politician: Lunch with Chaka Khan. A musician: Lunch with Bill C ada “sax”.

By K Robinson

August 3, 2005 01:03 PM | Link to this

James-get over yourself. There are SEVERAL events that happen downtown that are majorly white. Who ever said you wouldn’t be welcomed to worship with TD Jakes or march for voters rights? Do you think black people stop and say “I don’t think I’m going to see NASCAR. That’s a white event?” No, most of us don’t. I’m black & I’ve been several times. When people stop thinking in black & white, the “balance of power” will be evident. Good day to you, sir. Try to lower your stress level.

By Norman M.

August 3, 2005 02:29 PM | Link to this

I would like to have lunch with both T.D.Jakes and Bill Clinton. I heard Jakes speak to Christian Counselors a couple of years ago. He really has a heart for helping people to recover from social and family trauma. Bill Clinton is brilliant and is really good as evaluating the world situation.

By beverly

August 3, 2005 02:51 PM | Link to this

You should have included Deion Sanders in your list because I would love to chat with him. But since you didn’t I would have to choose President Clinton. He has a great sense of humor and he will always be my president.

By MJ

August 3, 2005 03:01 PM | Link to this

The only event that has any “separatist” undertones in the National Association of Black Journalists. Both the Megafest conference and the march for the Voting Rights Act are open to all who will attend. All of these events seek a different “TARGET AUDIENCE* because that is who they market to. It is no different than a computer association marketing to computer people or a lawyer’s association marketing to lawyers. Jakes markets to African American Christians because they are his largest audience. I don’t agree with the ridiculous sums of money that are being generated to fatten individuals’ pockets instead of taking care of the less fortunate and growing independent businesses. But, if people who are not African American want to attend any of these activities (including the NABJ), they are more than welcome.

By Gayle

August 3, 2005 03:07 PM | Link to this

President Clinton, for sure. He’s such an intelligent person. He makes that thing that’s president now look like a total buffoon. Plus President Clinton has the most beautiful hands that I have ever seen on a man.

By Vicky C.

August 3, 2005 03:14 PM | Link to this

If I could have lunch or a meeting with one of the participants, I would choose Bishop T.D. Jakes. I admire his ministry and would love to talk with him about the ministry. God has blessed him to bless so many people. He is a preacher’s preacher and has a heart for God and His people.

By Tracie

August 3, 2005 03:22 PM | Link to this

How could you not want to have lunch with all of them? Each one brings a different type of knowledge to the table.

By Julie

August 3, 2005 03:34 PM | Link to this

T.D. Jakes, the annointed man of God. Where we lunched would not be important.

By James

August 3, 2005 03:54 PM | Link to this

K Robinson, I’ll get over myself as you put it, when there isn’t a Black Chamber of Commerce, or organizations such as The 100 Black Men of Atlanta or the Black Clergy of Atlanta. Do you think for one minute anyone would allow a White Journalist Group to meet, or The 100 White Men of Atlanta, or even the White Clergy of Atlanta? Enjoy the double standards in life you are afforded, I’m sure they help keep your stress level down. Can you, for just one moment, imagine the kind of stress you’d live under without these double standards you given? Try living, like I do on a daily basis, where affirmative action or double standards don’t work in your favor. Have a nice day.

By K. Washington

August 3, 2005 04:19 PM | Link to this

I think that I would most enjoy conversing with former President Bill Clinton. As many have stated before, he is a brilliant man and his flaws make him even more likable. People of all walks of life identify with him and appreciate his humanity. To James: I would like to say it is interesting that you are uncomfortable with events that are targeted towards African-Americans. The city of Atlanta goes out of its way to accommodate the interests of those who can bring the most money to the city, be that black, white, blue or red. Historically, this has been events that attract majority white audiences. You really should do your research before posting such ignorant comments.

By Carol

August 3, 2005 04:37 PM | Link to this

I would not like to have lunch with any of the ones you have listed. The person I would like to have lunch with is President George W. Bush and Laura.

By peggy

August 3, 2005 05:04 PM | Link to this

Sorry I think I will be on a diet that day.

By Michelle G. Sims

August 3, 2005 05:06 PM | Link to this

If blessed with the opportunity, I would have lunch with T.D. Jakes.

While attending an Atlanta-based, tobacco prevention summer institute in 1999, I decided to see the “Woman, Thou Art Loosed” play one evening.

Earlier that day, Bishop Jakes was preparing for the performance at the chosen venue. One by one, my four co-workers and I who were about to purchase tickets, each walked onstage and greeted him.

Bishop Jakes is extremely personable; he shook hands, and exchanged pleasantries with us all.

By kay

August 3, 2005 05:31 PM | Link to this

I would like to have lunch with Bishop T.D. Jakes. Very Anointed Man!

By Deborah S.

August 3, 2005 08:53 PM | Link to this

I would choose former President Clinton. He is very smart, charming and charismatic.

By Michelle

August 3, 2005 09:02 PM | Link to this

I would choose lunch with Rev. T.D. Jakes. The pleasure of his company would be the most interesting, and his insight the most relevant, to me and my life.

By Beverly Wittler

August 3, 2005 09:24 PM | Link to this

President Clinton would be my choice so I could ask him the best way to reach the commander in chief (and get his full attention with concerns such as a flagging economy, too long in Iraq and stop the space insanity.

By Janet

August 4, 2005 06:33 AM | Link to this

I would love to have lunch with all of the above with 2 additional people and they are Ms. C. Rice and Mrs. H. Clinton. They are 2 of the world most infleuntial ladies.

By Deb

August 4, 2005 08:08 AM | Link to this

Hands down, it would be President Clinton. He is a brilliant and handsome man.

By Shadia Hunter

August 4, 2005 09:50 AM | Link to this

I would lunch with Bishop Jakes, this is a true man of God. I would like to ask him certain biblical questions that I have had trouble getting answers for thus far. I believe that he has an insight that many of us Christians have yet to attain.