From left: Cornell Belcher, Kasim Reed, Ayanna Pressley and T.J. Holmes. (Photo: Pat Ryan)

As part of BET‘ Networks‘ Vote 2012 initiative, the company brought together thought leaders, policy makers, media and celebrities to discuss the 2012 campaign and the African-American vote.

Keisha Knight Pulliam, Judge Greg Mathis and Roland Martin were just a few of the attendees at Charlotte hot spot 5 Church who gathered to hear panelists Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Boston City Councilwoman Ayanna Pressley and political commentator Cornell Belcher discuss the importance of getting out the vote and voter education.

Moderated by T.J. Holmes, host of BET’s Don’t Sleep!, the panel also talked about the Black vote and what’s at stake should President Obama not get re-elected. Reed raised a touchy but truthful point about this election: Obama supporters expect the same enthusiasm that occurred in 2008, and that expectation isn’t realistic.

“Do you want to have a party or win an election?” he asked.

Cornell Belcher said if Obama’s base isn’t excited to fight, they’ll lay down to defeat.

“Fight! We can’t walk away from the battlefield now,” Belcher said. “We still have a lot of work to do!”

The open discussion on race in politics was a breath of fresh air, as the panelists weren’t shy about stating their real opinions on the issues.

Holmes ended the discussion by asking the panelists what percentage of the Black vote Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney would receive. After laughs and whispered protest, Pressley answered, “2 percent to none!”

BET and B&P would like to thank our sponsors Amgen, Southern Company, FedEx and McDonalds for helping make this session happen. Check out  BET.com/vote2012 to register to vote and for more information on voting rights and the election.

Bonus B&P Moment: Reed called Romney’s speech to the NAACP “an attempt to have a reverse Sister Souljah moment.”

Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Mel Watt and Debra Lee (Photo: Pat Ryan)

Obama Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett (Photo: Pat Ryan)

Keisha Knight Pulliam and Debra Lee (Photo: Pat Ryan)

TAGS: 5 Church, Ayana Pressley, Ayanna Pressley, BET, BET.com, Cornell Belcher, Debra Lee, Democratic National Convention, Judge Greg Mathis, Judge Mathis, Kasim Reed, Keisha Knight Pulliam, Roland Martin, T.J. Holmes, Vote 2012 initiative, voting, Voting Rights

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