Sharpton says he'll explore running for presidency
Any reason why this news shouldn't scare the hell out of anyone with any brain cells left?? Of course, given the motley roster of Democratic hopefuls, why not Al ? He's at least as motley as any of them.
"I am running for president to finally put the issues concerning most Americans onto the front burner," the 48-year-old civil rights activist said in a statement.
He expects to file papers with the Federal Election Commission on Jan. 21, spokeswoman Rachel Noerdlinger said.
"I'm qualified, probably more qualified than any other person who is expected to be on the Democratic ticket for 2004, because I actually have a following and I speak for the people," said Sharpton, who has never held public office.
He will make stops in South Carolina and New Hampshire this month to enhance his visibility in the early primary states. Sharpton also will travel to Boston this weekend and is scheduled to speak Monday at Harvard.
Sharpton joins Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, Rep. Dick Gephardt of Missouri, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry and North Carolina Sen. John Edwards in a crowded Democratic field.
Let's see; no political experience, no reputation as a reasonable or dignified orator, no ideas, no platform, nothing to offer except his ability and willingness to play the race card...yep, he's perfect.
Hey, if Jesse Jackson can run a campaign fueled by little more than race and rhetoric, why not Al? He has no more, or less, to offer than any of the other candidates, but if you're looking for polarizing rhetoric and race-baiting, well, he's your man.
As head of the nonprofit civil rights group National Action Network, Sharpton has been considered a polarizing figure by many.
But he's moderated his positions in recent years, aligning himself more closely with the party establishment by appearing with Democratic National Chairman Terry McAuliffe, former President Clinton and Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chuck Schumer.
He's also visited with Republicans, including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
The national spotlight first focused on Sharpton in 1987 when he served as a spokesman for black teenager Tawana Brawley, who claimed she was raped by a gang of white men. A grand jury later concluded her story was a hoax.
Sharpton later made headlines as a spokesman against police brutality, representing police torture victim Abner Louima and the family of Amadou Diallo, who was fatally shot by police as he reached for his wallet in the vestibule of his Bronx apartment.
Sharpton said his background and experience as a civil rights leader gives him more insight into the plight of ordinary Americans than his competitors.
"They have been on the public payroll most of their life," he said. "I have an experience far closer to the average American, therefore I have a richer base to deal from as I confront what I think is a critical time for the American public."
Right. And I'm the captain of the Starship Enterprise. Or was it the Good Ship Lollipop?? I'm a little more forgetful these days...maybe it's all those drugs I did in the '60s. No, wait, that's not it, either.
Al Sharpton has about as much appeal to and in common with Joe Sixpack as Warren Christopher. Al has been nothing if not a superlative Media Whore over the past 15 years or so, surpassed only by the Master, Jesse Jackson. If a campaign can be limited to sound bites and rhetoric instead of ideas, Al might just have a shot. His problem, though, is that he needs to overcome the perception that the only thing he has to offer is his ability to exploit the race issue. Not much to govern on, is it??
I will say this, though; he certainly would be the UGLIEST President in US history.
