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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:
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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 rallies the base in Rochester airport stop
President Bush made a whistle-stop plea for votes in this traditionally conservative pocket of Minnesota on Wednesday, part of a frenetic campaign week that suggests the candidates are shifting from chasing undecideds to turning out the faithful.
Bush in Rochester
Minnesota has had more than its fair share of presidential visits this year. Both President George W. Bush and Sen. John Kerry are in town this week. Bush makes a campaign stop in Rochester Wednesday afternoon, and Minnesota Public Radio has live coverage and analysis.
Bush and Kerry's economic plans: Less difference than meets the eye
President George W. Bush and Sen. John Kerry have different ideas for improving the economy. Polls show the economy is an important issue for voters going into the presidential election.
Slicing the Spin: Jobs and the Economy
Both presidential candidates use the rhetoric of jobs to sell their economic plans. But economists dispute whether presidents really can improve the nation's economy within their terms. Midmorning's weekly series Slicing the Spin dissects the candidates' economic plans.
Edwards kicks off frenzied week of presidential campaigning in Minnesota
Both presidential campaigns are giving lots of attention to Minnesota this week. Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards made a stop in Hibbing Tuesday night. This was the Kerry campaign's first big rally on the Iron Range. Edwards is the first of the four top-of-the-ticket candidates who will visit Minnesota before the end of the week. President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, and Democratic candidate John Kerry all make campaign stops in the state over the next few days.
The Choice 2004 - part 2
In the 1980s, John Kerry established himself in the U.S. Senate. The former prosecutor led investigations into Iran-Contra and other scandals. George W. Bush launched business ventures, with mixed success, and worked on the campaigns of others before winning the governorship of Texas in 1994. In hour two of this Frontline special from American RadioWorks, we look at how John Kerry and George W. Bush came of age as politicians and how their very different histories and personalities might shape their approach to the presidency.
The Choice 2004 - part 1
Two candidates for President, offering two directions for America. They are men of the same generation, Yale graduates from privileged New England families. But they took starkly different paths as they formed their values and politics. In the first hour of this Frontline report from American RadioWorks, a look at George W. Bush and John Kerry as young men.
Presidential candidates focus much attention on Wisconsin
There should be no doubt, looking at the candidates' travel schedules, that Minnesota and Wisconsin are battleground states. Democrats John Kerry and John Edwards will both be in Minnesota this week, as will President Bush. Mr. Bush is also coming back to Wisconsin on Wednesday, when he'll be in Eau Claire. Mr. Bush was in the Badger state this past Friday; so was John Kerry. Trying to keep up with the candidates is enough to exhaust any political reporter. One of the best in Wisconsin is Dee Hall. She's covering the presidential campaign for the Wisconsin State Journal, and she spoke with Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer.
Neighborhood friction is a sign of the times
Political yard signs are the primary way average citizens advertise their preference as voters. In this divisive election year, however, they've become markers on a battlefield. In some Minnesota neighborhoods, the signs alternate between Kerry/Edwards and Bush/Cheney from house to house, sometimes for an entire block. How does this battleground challenge neighborly ties?
Replay of the last presidential debate
For those who didn't get a chance to hear the debate live, Midday rebroadcasts it in its entirety. (Please note: Because of technical requirements, the second portion of the debate can be heard on the second hour of Midday, which is followed by analysis. Alternatively, you may click the link below to hear the entire debate without interruption.)
Domestic issues in spotlight during final debate
The presidential candidates wrap up their debate schedule with an event in Arizona focused on domestic issues. With Bush and Kerry so close in the polls, a strong showing in the debate is critical.
Somalis watch campaign with the hope things will get better
Only about 20 percent of Minnesota's 60,000 Somali immigrants are citizens and can vote. But whether they're first-time voters or future voters, many take are taking this presidential election very seriously, including several of St. Cloud's Somali residents.
Two generations critique the final debate
An intergenerational group of Minnesota seniors and students gathered Wednesday night to watch the final presidential debate. They wanted to hear from Democrat John Kerry and Republican George W. Bush on issues ranging from Social Security to the draft. Many said they weren't satisfied with the answers.
Bush, Kerry trade charges over jobs, health care, taxes
Sen. John Kerry said Wednesday night that President George W. Bush bears responsibility for a misguided war in Iraq, lost jobs at home and mounting millions without health care. The Republican incumbent tagged his rival in campaign debate as a lifelong liberal bent on raising taxes and government spending.
NRA chooses Duluth as site of Bush endorsement
The National Rifle Association today endorsed Republican President George Bush for re-election, and plans to target Democrat John Kerry in a multi-million dollar campaign. The NRA made its announcement in Duluth.

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