Sharpton and Bill Clinton, Together in S.C. [Event canceled last minute]

New York Times ^ | 12/17/07 | Patrick Healy

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Update | 6:10 p.m. The event has been canceled.

Update | 5:20 p.m. Bill Clinton and Al Sharpton have yet to arrive at the event and reporters and photographers are being kept outside the event. More to come.

JOHNSTON, Iowa – Here’s what’s not happening in Iowa today:

The Rev. Al Sharpton has issued a news release saying that he and former President Bill Clinton will appear together later Monday afternoon to discuss hate crimes and civil rights in Columbia, S.C.

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Hmmmm... Did Sharpton or Clinton cancel?

My guess: Clinton.

Here's my complete speculation:

I think Sharpton got too close to an Obama endorsement in recent weeks, and the Clintons used their pull (or leaks, or inside info, whatever) to get Sharpton in the legal problems. Then, Sharpton, feeling the pressure, negotiated an appearance with Bill Clinton as part of some deal to include Clinton using his pull to help with the legal problem. After the Clintons had Sharpton's press release in hand, they canceled the event, leaving Sharpton swinging in the wind. Can Sharpton now go out and endorse Obama? Maybe, but the Clintons can use his press release to reduce the effect.

[Old Sarge]

Al Sharpton, aka FBI File # 816

[bannie]

Brilliant.

[khnyny]

Here’s another scenario - Sharpton is just too “hot” right now with the FBI investigation. Clinton canceled as appearing with someone being investigated for campaign finance shenanigans from a prior run for POTUS hits a liiiitttle too close to home. LOL.

[GOPJ]

I think Sharpton got too close to an Obama endorsement in recent weeks, and the Clintons used their pull (or leaks, or inside info, whatever) to get Sharpton in the legal problems.

Sounds like their brand of politics... who knows?

[mojo114]

Thank you for speculation. I agree totally.

[Anti-Bubba182]

I think the cancellation may mean Sharpton endorses Obama.

[upchuck]

I’m just glad it got canceled and neither of these assholes will be visiting my state.

And stay out!

[Parley Baer]

“will appear together later Monday afternoon to discuss hate crimes and civil rights in Columbia, S.C.”

Sharpton knows all about hate crimes.

[freekitty]

Ah, the Harlem guy getting shaffted by the black President.

[incredulous joe]

you got more angles on clinton than clinton, but i have to admit that i like the way your mind works

if i were obama i would not be left alone for a minute

[Joe Boucher]

Don’t ya think the Clintons should be examined by the Justice dept. for campaign irregularities?