Sharpton slams endorsement, citing race issues

The Rev. Al Sharpton yesterday accused presidential rival Howard Dean of having "an anti-black agenda" and criticized a fellow black leader, Representative Jesse L. Jackson Jr. of Illinois, for announcing plans to endorse Dean.

In a news release headlined "Sharpton Rips Dean," the minister and candidate for the Democratic nomination highlighted a 1994 CNN interview in which Dean was quoted as supporting affirmative action based on class, not race. He also noted the former Vermont governor's support for gun rights and the death penalty under certain circumstances, issues that resonate among blacks who point to statistics showing the punishment disproportionately affects African-Americans, as does gun violence..

"Any so-called African-American leader that would endorse Dean despite his anti-black record is mortgaging the future of our struggle for civil rights and social justice, to back a candidate whose record on issues of critical importance to us is no better than that of George W. Bush," Sharpton said in a statement.

In an interview with the Globe, Sharpton denied any personal animosity toward Jackson, declaring, "I respect the congressman." Some political analysts say they believe Sharpton is trying to use his campaign to usurp the political influence of the congressman's father, the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, who elevated his national profile with bids for the White House in 1984 and 1988.

more: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2003/10/29/sharpton_slams_endorsement_citing_race_issues/

This is one thing that really get me riled up. The assumption that African Americans are supposed to think and act a certain way becasue they are African American.

I have been impressed with him in this campaign and in the debates and have said so, but I think he is wrong to attack Gov. Dean as "anti-black" his record if anything is about inclusion of everybody regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation. In this campaign Dean has spoken about a dialouge on race at almost every campaign stop and to predominately white audiences--such as the one I attended in Madison, Wisconsin a few weeks ago. He has slammed Bush on his record and regarding using the code word "quotas" which is racially charged.

There are many things to take into account, many issues including electability, ability to achieve goals, economic issues, etc., in endorsing a candidate. No one is perfect, not even the Reverend. He is right to be angry, just as Gep would be angry about losing a union endorsement. But these things are going to happen because it is more complex than he wants it to be. Dean does have bad stances on capital punishment and guns.

Al keep your eye on the prize. Anybody but Shrub. Dean or any of the other Democrats running would be better than that lying fascist currently occupying the White House. End the Occupation. Hell I will vote for Leiberman if thats what it takes to get the twit out of the peoples house. :smoke:

Dean is the guy who's "tough talk" about race is an analogy about anti-white male discrimination, and who thinks the best way to deal with racism is to address subconcious prejudices.

AP, do you feel Dean has any redeeming qualities? Would you ever cast a vote for him if the choice was between he and Bush?

Donna Brazile, Al Gore's campaign manager in 2000, has joined Rep. Jesse L. Jackson and Rep. Major R. Owens by praising Governor Dean's record in response to the latest attacks:

"I think Dean's record on civil rights issues, on affirmative action -- his willingness to talk about race in a very inclusive way -- has been refreshing," said Brazile, who is African American. "These long-shot candidates, all they're doing is taking aim at the top tier because they're frustrated..."

Many Du'ers bash Donna Brazille because she is on the board of the Foundation For the Defense of Democracies along iwth Gingrich, Woolsey, J. Kirkpatrick, Gary Gauer Bill Kristol, Perle, JD Hayworth.

She also does lunch with Karl Rove

Some have claimed she was a Mole in Gore's campaign.

I have defended Brazile in the past... other Democrats have had lunch with Rove, and there are a few High Profile Democrats on the FDD Board along with Brazile...

But still, the exquisite irony of seeing her name used in defending Howard Dean when so many Dean supporters have gone the extra mile to smear Brazile!

...because it's showing some willingness on the part of party stalwarts to accept the possibility of a Dean nomination, and their desire to remain influential...

I seem to recall there being some bad blood between the two.

there is not much love lost between Sharpton and Jackson.