Remember, Even When Stuff Like This Happens IT NEVER HAPPENED

....Or else.

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.

In a letter to Smiley earlier this month, Obama commended the forum for addressing important issues, but explained he needed to focus on his presidential run ahead of the critical March 4 primaries.

"In the final stretch, I will be on the campaign trail every day in states like Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin talking directly with voters about the causes that are at the heart of my campaign and the State of the Black Union forum," Obama wrote.

"That is why, with regret, I am not able to attend the forum."

Smiley has been vocal about his disapproval of Obama's decision.

"I think it's a missed opportunity on Mr. Obama's part," Smiley told CNN. "Now, I am not interested in demonizing him for his choice, but I do disagree with it."

Sounds ordinary enough. Plenty of these types of events criticize those who choose not to attend them. I think of Bush's non-attendence of NAACP events which draws criticism from the media, the BCC, as well as the NAACP itself. It simply is a part of the political terrain.

But not for Obama supporters seemingly:

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.

Can anyone point to an similar incident involving any other presidential campaign in the last 30 years? Where critics of Ronald Reagan or Bill Clinton were threatened for offering even the mildest and most ordinary of criticisms? Where the families of critics were targeted for harrasment?

This presidential season is taking on a decidely unpleasant vibe.