Al comes in from the cold - Sharpton gets a speaking role, Kerry gets new set of problems

NY Daily News ^ | 5/2/04 | Zev Chafets

[areafiftyone]

A few months ago, back when he was an active candidate for his party's nomination, Al Sharpton told Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe that he intended to speak at the Democratic National Convention in Boston one way or another. "In the hall or in the parking lot," the Rev. Al said.

After Sharpton's weak showing in the primaries, it looked as if he would be setting up his soapbox among the sport-utility vehicles. But that changed on Thursday when John Kerry brought Sharpton in from the cold.

Asked by Jacque Reid of the Black Entertainment Network if Sharpton would be welcome on the podium in Boston, Kerry responded with not entirely spontaneous enthusiasm. "If he wants to do it, I'd like him to do it," the presumptive candidate said. "I think he'd do a terrific job. I think he'll add something.... I think he can be very, very helpful in motivating people, registering people."

Sharpton is understandably delighted. His bitter rival, Jesse Jackson, is not so delighted.

Once upon a time, Jackson was the man in charge of motivation and registration for the Democrats' African-American wing. But he has yet to be invited to address this year's convention. According to John Mitchell, Jackson's scheduler, the Jackson camp is still waiting to hear from the national committee. "When we know, we'll let the world know," Mitchell promised Friday.

By contrast, it was Kerry who let the world know Sharpton is coming to the party. "[This] is my call.... It's my invitation," he told BET.

Kerry is taking a gamble. Right now, the Rev. Al says he's planning a moderate address: "I'll talk about the issues that interest me, but I'm also going to tell the convention anger alone doesn't change things."

The speech is a few months off. Kerry has to keep Sharpton in a mellow mood. An angry rant about slavery reparations or the evils of American imperialism could Pat Buchanan-ize the convention.

If Sharpton does stick to the script, Kerry faces a different problem. The Rev. Al is good at sound bites and debate repartee, but he's a truly great orator. Give him 10 minutes, and he will electrify the convention. Jesse Jackson delivered a brilliant speech in 1988 and made candidate Michael Dukakis seem dull by comparison. Kerry, an indifferent speaker, faces a similar problem with the Rev. Al.

Kerry also has to find a way to pacify Jackson. This week, several Jacksonites accused Kerry of excluding blacks from his inner circle. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) told The Associated Press that even the minority advisers Kerry has lack experience. Kerry needs "senior policy people who know people from one end of the country to the other," Jackson said. "The senator should remedy this very quickly."

Inviting Sharpton to the podium in Boston was presumably not the remedy Jackson had in mind.

Everybody knows the Democrats can't win without a large black vote. Kerry cannot count on his own soul appeal to bring it out. And he can't afford to permanently offend the Jacksons. Sooner or later, Jesse Sr. will probably get his invitation to address the convention.

When he does, the stage will be set for a grand, prime-time duel between Jackson and Sharpton. The rhetoric it inspires will be a treat for lovers of political theater and political oratory. The showdown should greatly boost the convention's TV ratings in July.

Whether it helps Kerry in November is a different question.

Originally published on May 2, 2004

[areafiftyone]

BWAAA HAAA HAAA Kerry is in deep doo doo!!

[BobS]

"All you ho's listen to me now..."

[Future Snake Eater]

His bitter rival, Jesse Jackson, is not so delighted.

But, really, with all those love children--who has the time?

[areafiftyone]

Is Jackson's new phrase going to be "Take off Da Flip Flops!" instead of "Stay out da Bushes"?

[cardinal4]

"In the continuing slapstick motif that has become the Kerry campaign, Rev Al and Jesse Jackson (hes not a real rev) came to blows last night at the Dem convention in Boston. John Kerry, who tried to stop the fisticuffs, wound up with a black eye and a bloody nose which he claimed came from fighting of a group of Viet Cong...."

[Condor51]

Poor, poor Kerry. So much pandering to do, so little time.

[Thom Pain]

"John Kerry, who tried to stop the fisticuffs, wound up with a black eye and a bloody nose..."

and a fourth Purple Heart?

[blanknoone]

This convention will be viewed by history as a decisive turning point on the democratic party's road to implosion. Not only are they putting up an indecisive, pathetic candidate that is no one's first choice, but the rhetorical duel between Sharpton and Jackson will be a race to the extreme.

Both Revs are vying to be the 'official' black representative to the party, and as such, must make demands on behalf of their constituents. The one who can make the loudest demands, will win the hearts of the majority of black America. At least one of them will point out that the dem party has been using, abusing and ignoring blacks for decades. They take their votes for granted. Because Dems have a lock on the black vote, they don't actually have to do any of the things that block demands. Two of the key issues very well may be the lack of senior blacks in democrat administrations and school vouchers, which are immensely popular in failed urban school districts.

It is in the interest of the party that they just get 'their people' to the voting booth without undue noise or attention. But now, both Al and Jesse have to make noise and get attention...otherwise they lose power and prestige and become irrelevant.

My guess is that this was another example of the character trait underlying Kerry's flip-flopping...he just said what the particular audience he was addressing wanted to hear. I would love to know if this was preplanned or if his strategists cringed. My guess is the latter.

[JoeGar]

"In the continuing slapstick motif that has become the Kerry campaign, Rev Al and Jesse Jackson (hes not a real rev) came to blows last night at the Dem convention in Boston. John Kerry, who tried to stop the fisticuffs, wound up with a black eye and a bloody nose which he claimed came from fighting of a group of Viet Cong...."

Wait a minute. The VC are some of Kerry's biggest supporters. He was on their side, remember?

[Eric in the Ozarks]

We haven't heard much lately from "the Father of the Year Award" winner...

[yoe]

Electrify? Like his infamous deception about Tawana Brawley? The Rev. Al is just another Snake Oil Salesman, selling political concoctions guaranteed to change lies into truth.............my wallet! Where's my wallet!?

[Go Gordon]

John Kerry, who tried to stop the fisticuffs, wound up with a black eye and a bloody nose which he claimed came from fighting of a group of Viet Cong...."

Afterwards, Kerry put himself in for a purple heart...

[ride the whirlwind]

This could be the highlight of the dem convention. (yawn)

[The Good Doctor]

Absolutely incredible that this piece of sh*t who tried to frame NYPD officers for rape now receives accolades from the Democratic Presidential Candidate.

[Missouri]

but he's a truly great orator.

What B.S. One mans orator is another mans buffoon.

One could also say Hitler was a great orator. Just more liberal bias from the media.

[per loin]

Blacks have faithfully supported the dems for years. It's time for the dems to support a black for VP. Al is the natural choice. Leaving him off the ticket would be a sign of racism by Kerry.

[quantim]

Kerry also has to find a way to pacify Jackson.

Kind of like shoveling manure - someone has to clean the barn.

[verity]

I presume you want to provide the Kool-Aid for this event? lol

[not2worry]

Interesting article! If I were a black American I would be totally miffed with the Dems. It's appears as though Kerry's "gotta" invite someone black to speak at the Convention and doesn't quite embrace the idea. BUT feels he HAS to do it in order to win the black vote.

Wake up fellow black Americans.

We Republicans are proud of our party members. We are not ashamed or have to think twice to have Condi Rice, Colin Powell, J.C. Watts, Alan Keyes and a host other other wonderful people not only speak on our behalf, but to represent OUR PARTY!

We welcome all American's to consider our values and join our cause to keep our values, morals and integrity in the White House and urge you to support and vote for GWB.

[cpdiii]

Asked by Jacque Reid of the Black Entertainment Network if Sharpton would be welcome on the podium in Boston, Kerry responded with not entirely spontaneous enthusiasm. "If he wants to do it, I'd like him to do it," the presumptive candidate said. "I think he'd do a terrific job. I think he'll add something..

I hope that all voters of the Jewish Faith remember that Reverend Al Sharpton instigated a riot that resulted in the death of some Jews. Why Why Why do most of those of the Jewish Faith continue to support a party that attacks them? I do not understand!