Cosby talks half-smokes, sports and race

Television legend Bill Cosby dropped by WTOP Radio to promote a series of performances he'll give at the Kennedy Center Opera House. The performances will start next Saturday.

In a lively 45-minute chat on WTOP, the comedian discussed a range of issues.

However, at the top of Cosby's list was to reclaim his star status at the famed Washington landmark Ben's Chili Bowl. He has a lifetime pass to eat for free at the restaurant located on U Street.

Cosby started eating at the restaurant in 1958 when he was studying physical therapy at the Bethesda Naval Hospital.

His favorite is a half-smoke with mustard, chili, and onions. In his youth he could eat six at a time, he said. A sign inside the restaurant says Cosby is the only person who can eat for free.

When he learned he'll share the distinction with President-elect Barack Obama the comic sighed heavily.

"This is not right," he joked on WTOP. "He has not earned it."

Obama visited the restaurant for the first time Saturday with Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty. Cosby said Fenty has started a competition with him. The mayor beat Cosby by having the first half-smoke served at the new Washington Nationals ballpark, Cosby said.

A big sports fan, Cosby cheered loudly when he learned the University of Maryland men's basketball team beat Georgia Tech Saturday.

All kidding aside, Cosby said Obama's inauguration will be an important moment for the country. He said the president-elect and his wife Michelle, are wonderful role models for Americans.

In addition, he didn't back away from old comments he made about African American parents taking more responsibility for raising their children.

The actor has been heavily criticized for his remarks about some segments of the African American community being lackadaisical in teaching values to young people. Cosby has been very vocal about the acts of violence being committed by young black youth and the need for parents to instill the sanctity of life.

"People in trouble need to understand and they need talking. They need to hear," Cosby said. "People are afraid to talk to each other."

He said he's not worried about his remarks being used by critics to disparage the African American community.

"People make it because they try," he says. "Those numbers who are in trouble that reflect the incarceration and drop out rates..we have to change our behavior. It is up to us."

(Copyright 2009 by WTOP. All rights reserved.)