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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.

Bush backs constitutional amendment prohibiting marriages between same-sex partners
Jumping into a volatile election-year debate on same-sex weddings, President Bush on Tuesday backed a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage - a move he said was needed to stop judges from changing the definition of the "most enduring human institution."
Nader faces uphill struggle in bid for Minnesota supporters
Ralph Nader's entrance into the presidential race is sparking debate in Minnesota political circles. The consumer advocate will run as an independent, not on the Green Party ticket as he did in 2000. Members of the Independence and Green parties appear to be divided about Nader's candidacy. Many Democrats are upset about Nader's decision, worried he'll pull votes from the Democratic nominee, while some Republicans are happy to see Nader in the race.
Cheney in Minnesota to raise money, morale for Minnesota Republicans
Vice President Dick Cheney rallied Minnesota Republicans at a campaign fundraiser on Monday with a speech that defended the Bush administration's foreign policy.
The Nader factor
Ralph Nader announced Sunday that he will run as an Independent candidate in this year's presidential race. He is telling Democrats not to panic over his candidacy. He says he thinks he'll attract conservatives and other independents who are frustrated with President Bush's policies -- but that he won't lure away a lot of Democratic voters.
Let the campaigning begin
North Carolina Sen. John Edwards and Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich were in Minnesota Saturday, encouraging Democratic voters to choose them in the March 2 party caucuses. Edwards and Kucinich are two of the four Democrats seeking the party's nomination for president. Their appearances are likely to be the first of many campaign visits to Minnesota over the next two weeks.
Dennis Kucinich on the race for president
Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich talks about his campaign and his race to be commander-in-chief. He'll also take questions from Minnesota Public Radio listeners.
Though their candidate is finished, Dean supporters hope to keep some political clout
Howard Dean supporters throughout the state say they're disappointed that their candidate didn't do better in the nation's primaries. But they say even with their candidate out of the race they'll continue their organizational efforts to defeat President Bush in November.
Dean ends presidential campaign
Howard Dean, bowing to the political realities of a 17-contest losing streak, ended his Democratic presidential campaign Wednesday but promised to keep his "campaign for change" alive while supporting his party's eventual nominee.
Presidential politics
A day after the Wisconsin primary, Gary Eichten and his guests discuss the race for president. On Tuesday, presidential hopeful John Kerry won the Wisconsin primary in a narrow victory over John Edwards. Howard Dean dropped out of the race.
Talk of Minnesota: The Vietnam War and the 2004 campaign
Last week, officials opened up President Bush's personnel file in hopes of proving he reported as ordered for his Vietnam-era National Guard duty in Alabama. Host Gary Eichten and his guests discuss why the Vietnam War has become a political issue for the 2004 presidential election.
Wisconsin voters welcome attention from candidates
Wisconsin is in the national spotlight with Democratic candidates for President criss-crossing the state ahead of Tuesday's primary. For candidates John Edwards and Howard Dean, the dairy state is a must-win following John Kerry's victories in 14 of 16 previous primaries and caucuses. All of the attention is a welcome change to the state's residents.
What it takes to be president
What compells someone to run for president? Host Gary Eichten and his guest explore the characteristics of the men who have served as commander in chief.
Taking stock of the Democratic presidential nomination
Is John Kerry's perceived electability driving his success? A look at the factors contributing to the once long-shot candidate's winning ways.
Edwards tries to catch Kerry in Wisconsin
Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards toured Wisconsin on Wednesday with stops in Janesville, Green Bay and LaCrosse. Edwards, a senator from North Carolina, continues to trail Democratic frontrunner John Kerry.
Clark withdraws from presidential race
Wesley Clark dropped out of the race for the White House on Wednesday, a retired four-star general unable to command significant support as a first-time presidential candidate.

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