Posted on 01/08/2007 6:03:31 PM PST by NormsRevenge
NEW YORK - Civil rights activist Al Sharpton said Monday he is seriously considering a run for president. "I don't hear any reason not to," Sharpton, 52, said in an interview during an urban affairs conference sponsored by another civil rights leader, the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
"If we're talking about the urban agenda, can you tell me anybody else in the field who's representing that right now?" Sharpton asked. "We clearly have a reason to run, and whether we do it or not we'll see over the next couple of months."
Sharpton mounted a long-shot bid for the White House in 2004, in which his wit and fiery denunciation of President Bush often enlivened Democratic primary debates. He dropped out of the race after losing several state primaries and endorsed the eventual nominee, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry.
Despite widespread interest in the likely candidacy of another influential black Democrat, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama (news, bio, voting record), Sharpton said he's heard little substantive discussion of issues that might influence his decision about running.
"Right now we're hearing a lot of media razzle dazzle," Sharpton said. "I'm not hearing a lot of meat, or a lot of content. I think when the meat hits the fire, we'll find out if it's just fat or if there's some real meat there."
Sharpton said the candidate who impressed him most so far was former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, who has made poverty the central issue of his campaign.
Sharpton ran for the Senate from New York in 1988, 1992 and 1994, and ran for New York City mayor in 1997.
Yes. Bingo...
"I don't hear any reason not to,"
'Cause my wallet, like my loafers, be a little lite"
Isn't he a convicted felon?
I suppose he's run through the money he skimmed from his run in 2004 so needs to scam some more so he can continue to live high on the hog.
But...
But...
But...
"Separation of church and staaaate!!!"
The "reverend" can't have a government job because the supreme court won't allow him to, remember???
Remember the last time he ran? I loved it.I mean the D'craps HAD to let this "statesman" on the stage during their primaries or take the chance of pissing off the black vote.Actually he was pretty entertaining compared to John Kerry and the rest of the Democrap bozo's running !!!
He was the funniest thing about the DemocRAT debates in 2004 and he wouldn't withdraw from the race.
Rev Al needs to get on the campaign circuit again. I think 3rd Party would be great and then he would have to be included in the general election debates. It would spice them up IMHO!
Please do, Al!
"I suppose he's run through the money he skimmed from his run in 2004 so needs to scam some more so he can continue to live high on the hog."
- Actually, you raise a very good point. Where does Al get the money to flit all over the country and still maintain a comfortable life style?
As far as I know, he doesn't have Jackson's corporate shake down racket to fall back on, so who supplies all the cash?
He must be running out of money and needs a new "election campaign" to continue his "fund raising" activities; where he becomes the biggest employee of his "election campaign" fund.
Sharptons involvement in the Brawley case is well documented. Fewer know about the Rockaway Five case.
Reggie Rivera was a police officer in the 100 Precinct in Rockaway Beach. One of the things that the Hispanic cop did was to ticket illegal van drivers. Reggie could be seen almost any day on Rockaway Beach Boulevard, stopping the illegal vans and ticketing their drivers.
A number of the drivers, most of them from Latin America, decided to get even with Rivera. Five of them got together and charged that Rivera had sexually assaulted them when he was in uniform and on duty.
The story hit the papers and Sharpton picked up their cause. He organized protest demonstrations each week. The protestors marched from the (NYCHA) Hammels Houses to the 100 Precinct, to shout invectives. Each Saturday the same Sharpton regulars walked by. Once I went to listen to them yell at the building. I even took some pictures, it was a fun way to spend a Saturday morning. Everybody knew that Sharpton bused his demonstrators from place to place, paying them for their time.
Eventually, it was proven that the five van drivers lied. On some of the occasions, Rivera was not even on duty. He would have had to come to the Precinct in uniform and check out a patrol car without being on duty. That does not happen.
Evidence was planted. Sharpton pushed the envelope.
Rivera was proven innocent and was transferred to another precinct. The illegal van drivers took over the streets, causing accidents and general havoc on the streets.
Sharpton never apologized for defaming Rivera. It is not his way. What a president he would make.
Please FReepmail me if you want on or off my miscellaneous ping list.
I'd love to see him run again. He'll take donations away from real Democratic candidates, keep some blacks from voting for the viable Dem candidates, and help the GOP with his racist rants.
Run, Al, RUN!
From that Rush Limbaugh parody "...as soon as I get my matching funds, I'm out the door..."
"Soon as I get my matching funds, I'm out the door!"
AL SHARPTON FOR PRESIDENT!!!!! PASS IT ON!!!! ;)
Didn't he run in 2004? I remember a Rush parody song where he says as soon as the matching funds come in he would be out of there.
It was Mamma Told Me Not To Run, I think.
"You can't win Al!" |
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.