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Candidate Bio
Al Sharpton
Political affiliation:
Democratic Party
Born:
October 3, 1954
Brooklyn, NY
Personal:
Married to singer Kathy Jordan. Two children. Pentecostal.
Occupation:
Minister
Education:
Attended Brooklyn College, 1973-75
Experience:
Candidate for State Senate, 1978; Candidate for US Senate, 1992 & 1994; Candidate for New York City Mayor, 1997. Licensed and ordained a Minister at age 10 ; appointed Junior Pastor of the Washington Temple congregation. Founder & President, National Action Network, 1991-present. Founder, National Youth Movement, 1971. Road Manager for singer James Brown, 1973-80.
On the Issues

Highlights

Sharpton's speech to the Democratic National Convention (6/28/03)
Links and Resources
Web site:
Document al2004.org
Campaign contributors:
Document Political Money Line
Candidate Pages

Al Sharpton

SNAPSHOT
Al Sharpton was one of only two candidates not named Kerry still in the race by the time Democrats held their national convention in Boston in July 2004. But he pulled out of the race, and was given a prime-time speaking role. Taking 20 minutes to speak, when he was given only 6, Sharpton electrified the delegates with a spirited rebuke of President George W. Bush, in what was a carefully scripted convention that sought to avoid direct attacks on Bush.

Hardly a word about Al Sharpton has been written in the mainstream media without "controversial" being placed before his name. Critics say he's little more than a publicity seeker who straddles the line of right and wrong. Time magazine says Sharpton views the campaign as his chance to displace Rev. Jesse Jackson as the icon of black leadership in America. He's a liberal Democrat who thinks the party's move to the center has come at the expense of the poor and minorities. He first gained national attention in the 1980s for defending Tawanna Brawley, who claimed to the victim of a racial attack. It turned out to be a hoax. Past political aspirations were muted by the 2002 HBO airing of a film showing Sharpton allegedly aggreeing to participate in money laundering for illegal, Mafia-connected cocaine deals; a tape which Sharpton said was an FBI set-up.

Presidential politics and how Minnesotans will likely vote
A new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll finds Minnesotans who think the war on terrorism is the nation's most important problem are likely to vote for President Bush -- while those who put economic issues first are likely to vote for Senator John Kerry. Host Gary Eichten and his guest discuss presidential politics and the role of Minnesota as possible swing state.
Bush team asks senators to turn on one of their own
The Bush campaign has recruited Sen. Norm Coleman to paint presumptive Democratic nominee John Kerry as weak on defense and a flip-flopper, despite Coleman's own reputation for changing political positions.
Campaigns take to the airwaves
Both national and state political ads have created a stir in the political community. A look at the role of ads at this point in the presidential campaign, and why state parties are running TV spots on legislative issues.
Foreign policy from Kerry and Cheney
Foreign policy speeches by likely Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry and Vice President Dick Cheney. Kerry spoke Thursday at George Washington University and Cheney spoke at the Ronald Reagan Library in California.
The buying of America's elected leaders
Investigative journalist and author, Charles Lewis, speaking recently at the City Club of Cleveland. Lewis is the founder and executive director of the Washington-based Center for Public Integrity, a non-profit, non-partisan watchdog group that tracks the links between monied interests and American elected leaders. His books include The Buying of the President 2000, and The Buying of the President 2004: Who's Really Bankrolling Bush and His Democratic Challengers--and What They Expect in Return.
Edwards bows out of race; throws support to Kerry
John Edwards has officially announced that he's ending his presidential campaign. Addressing supporters in Raleigh, North Carolina, Wednesday afternoon, Edwards spoke highly of John Kerry, who soundly defeated him in the Super Tuesday primaries. Edwards vowed to do everything in his power to make Kerry the next president of the United States -- and he asked his supporters to do the same.
Bush's first ad for re-election focuses on past three years
President Bush talks about his hope for the future in his re-election campaign's first television ads but mainly focuses on the national security and economic challenges America has faced during his three years in office.
The general campaign begins
On Thursday, President Bush's re-election campaign dips into a $100 million-plus war chest to begin television commercials in 50 or more cities across more than a dozen battleground states. It's money Sen. John Kerry doesn't have - in states where he hasn't yet polled for a general election contest.
John Kerry has a super Tuesday
Senator John Kerry dominated the Super Tuesday contests and now readies for the November election. In Minnesota, caucus turnout was high.
Kerry adds Minnesota to Super Tuesday rout
John Kerry charged to victory Tuesday in Minnesota's Democratic caucus, adding to his near sweep of Super Tuesday states that pushed rival John Edwards out of the nomination hunt.
Super Tuesday Results
Results from state primaries and the Minnesota caucuses for 'Super Tuesday' in the presidential campaign.
Minnesotans head to their caucuses
On Super Tuesday, 1,151 delegates are up for grabs -- more than half the number needed to win the Democratic nomination.
Minnesota caucus night culminates campaign flurry in state
On Tuesday, neighborhood meetings held around the state could help decide who the Democrats nominate for president. The Minnesota caucuses are part of "super Tuesday." Residents of California, New York and seven other states will also vote in presidential primaries. And for the first time in many years, the candidates have been focusing on Minnesota along with the bigger states.
Edwards steps up campaign in Minnesota; courts Dean supporters
North Carolina Sen. John Edwards held a rally in St. Paul on Friday, marking the second time he's been in Minnesota in the last week. Edwards is one of four active candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for president. Three of the four have visited Minnesota in the last week, courting voters who intend to vote at the state's March 2 caucuses.
Kerry rallies Democratic faithful in St. Paul
Buoyed by the wind of 18 wins in 20 contests, John Kerry sailed into Minnesota on Wednesday even as his opponents focused on sinking his ship.

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