Rev. Al Sharpton speaks during the National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Indianapolis in this August file photo. Sharpton said Monday he is seriously considering a run for president. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
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.
Rev. Al Sharpton speaks during the National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Indianapolis in this August file photo. Sharpton said Monday he is seriously considering a run for president. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
He may want to consider running all right,, away from the buffets.
Al... Al... you'll gain no ground in the Democrat party. You need to be ready to run as a third party!
"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."
Tawana Brawley.
Next to Chuck Schumer and John McCain, there isn't a bigger media whore than the Reverends (sharpton and jackasson). Run al run.
Free SS-Security for a year?
Run Al, run!
it's not like Fat Al has a real job or anything.
Hey Al - what part of N-O do you not understand?
Boxing promoter Don King, left, and the Rev. Al Sharpton chat before a boxing match which they attended Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, in Hollywood, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
He's threatening to run so that he'll be guaranteed a place at Hillary's table.
The more people dividing up the $$$ available from Democrat donors, the better ;-}
Exactly! Third Party is the way to go Al.
Right off the top of my head I see Tawanna Brawley and Duke University. Two pretty good reason not to run.
I hope he runs, he is the only Democrat I understand.
Good Lord! Is he campaigning for President or doing a fast-food ad? Where's the beef?
And didn't Rev. Al get the memo about Osama Obama?
Sharpton/Brawley 08!!!
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