Sharpton the truth sayer

I’ve been saying in many instances over the last couple of weeks that one plus of candidates like Dennis Kucinich and Rev. Al Sharpton not dropping out is that it ads tremendously to issues and the way they are debated.

Because Sharpton, for example, knows he does not have that big a chance he can say things the way he sees them without running it by a test group in advance. Thursday night’s debate in South Carolina was a prime example of this, and here is an excellent example of Sharpton not only thinking on his feet but also being very poignant:

Moderator TOM BROKAW: Reverend Sharpton, there is a great war going on in the world between the West and the Nation of Islam. And the United States, at the moment, is losing the war for hearts and minds. Everyone agrees on that, whatever their political position happens to be.

Specifically, what should the United States be doing in terms of programs? And how much money should it commit to find common ground between this country and the democratic ideals that we all embrace and the Nation of Islam?

REV. AL SHARPTON: Well, first of all, I assume when you say “the Nation of Islam” you’re talking about Islamic nations, because there is a Nation of Islam in the United States that has nothing to do what you’re talking about.

(LAUGHTER)

So I’m just asking for clarity.

(APPLAUSE)

BROKAW: I’m talking about Islamic nations.

SHARPTON: You’re talking about Islamic — first of all, I think…

BROKAW: No, no, I’m talking about the Islamic movement around the world, because it really does transcend nations in many ways.

SHARPTON: But, in many ways, I think that we can’t allow the distortion, because Mr. Bush and some of his crowd have said they represent a Christian view against the Islamic. And I don’t think Christ could join most of their churches.

(LAUGHTER)

So, I mean, I don’t agree with the speech.

(APPLAUSE)

BROKAW: You said that President Bush said.

SHARPTON: I think that they called themselves supporters of the Bush administration.

BROKAW: Not the president himself?

SHARPTON: Not the president himself.

BROKAW: We’re now one-for-one here.

SHARPTON: But many of their supporters talk about how they represent Christianity. I don’t think they represent Christianity any more than some of these murderers, and mass murderers, represent Islam. So let’s not blame the religion. Let’s blame those that use religion to do some ruthless, deadly, wicked acts.

Now, having said that…

(APPLAUSE)

Having said that, I think we should build relationships with those nations around the world, and I have visited them. And how do you build relationships? Work with them on things of self-interest. Many of them need clean water supplies, clean sanitation, trade. They would become our partners if we engaged in partnership. But I don’t that the way we do that is attacking people’s religion, trying to act like our religion is better.

And as far as Mr. Bush saying that he doesn’t need a permission slip from the U.N., he doesn’t think he needs votes from the American people to be president.

link to entire transcript.

Do I think that Al Sharpton is a well rounded individual who would make a good president? No.

Do I think he kicks ass and ads something to the debate that other “mainstream” candidates never dared to ad ? Yes, definitely.