In order to fulfill his heavy campaign schedule, Senator Barack Obama has opted to skip the State of the Black Union forum being held in New Orleans, LA. And he's taking some heat for it. But he's not the only one under fire.

CNN reports:

The annual State of the Black Union forum boasts a number of famous names as it gets under way in New Orleans, but this year's event is getting much more attention for who won't be there.

Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York, was the only major presidential candidate to accept an invitation to attend.

Her rival, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, declined, as did Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

But it's Obama's absence that's prompted both controversy and a backlash against Tavis Smiley, the organizer of the event who has openly criticized Obama's decision.

Apparently, Smiley has frowned upon the decision while not demonizing Obama. Yet, that hasn't stopped the angry messages from Obama supporters who have rabidly harassed his family back in Indiana.

But Smiley's criticism has also prompted many people to come to Obama's defense. The talk show host told The Washington Post he has been inundated with angry e-mails and even death threats.

"I have family in Indianapolis. They are harassing my momma, harassing my brother. It's getting to be crazy," Smiley told the newspaper.

Why on earth would supporters, who are supposed to be inspired by the 'hope' Obama touts, feel it is necessary to express death threats towards Smiley and his family? How exactly is that hopeful?