The reverend Al Sharpton spent the bulk of President’s day weekend in New Hampshire exploring a possible 2004 run for the oval office as a democrat. The veteran political activist preached a message of civil rights, civil liberties and world peace at Keene State College
While Al Shapton stopped short of declaring his candidacy, he wasn’t shy about declaring his contempt for what he called the dog and pony show of mainstream American politics. He opened his speech at Keene state by blasting what he called the extreme reactionary politics of George W. Bush and attorney general John Ashcroft…..
"They created a climate that if you were opposed to their policies, you are opposed to the United States. I think that is a dangerous precedent."
Sharpton then quickly criticized what he termed the gradualism of their democratic counterparts.
"Most don’t disagree with Bush’s direction they just disagree with his timetable. If we are going to fall in a ditch the debate should not be should we fall in a t two o’clock or four o’clock the debate is can we avoid falling in at all."
Sharpton says avoiding the ditch will be possible only if leaders dedicate themselves to addressing issues like Middle East peace, civil rights, election reform and US energy policy with a new determination. However Sharpton doesn’t believe that’s likely given each party’s current political leaders. And thought Sharpton was plenty critical of republicans, he reserved the bulk of his scorn for the conservative democrats he says have sold their principles for a chance at power.
"I think it’s time to move the part away from being republicans in donkey clothing…..There’s nothing more humorous than to see an elephant dressed like a donkey. It don’t fit your clothing is busting out at the seems and you really end up looking like a bloated jackass….That is what we’ve been looking at."
If such rhetoric seems unlikely to sway Democratic Party regulars, it certainly seemed to win over the 40 or so who attended Sharpton’s visit to Keene State. Keene state senior Ryan Kish said he considers Sharpton a hero.
"I think he’s one of the modern true patriots. I think he’s fighting for what he believes. He’s not fighting for the money or the power. He’s fighting for what is just and true and I think that’s a pretty noble thing to fight for."
Keene resident Tim Josephson was slightly less effusive, but allowed that a Sharpton presidential bid would at the very least inspire voters seeking a progressive candidate.
"His voice was a different voce and it’s refreshing to hear. I voted for Nader in 2000 and he echoes a lot of the same things that Nader did. I’d have to look into it by he’s a very motivating speaker."
And Joshephson wasn’t alone in feeling motivated ……Sharpton says his first visit to NH confirmed the near certainty of his running.
"I’m inclined to do it and everywhere I go people are saying the need a definite progressive choice. And there not hearing it….We will decide by early summer but I certainly inclined to do it….and today didn’t discourage me…..People came out people were positive and people are concerned and that’s good."
Reverend Sharpton is expected to visit Iowa in the coming weeks…..
