Sharpton's Bid Aided by an Unlikely Source
By MICHAEL SLACKMAN Published: January 25, 2004
The Rev. Al Sharpton has demonstrated his quick wit and deft use of one-liners in his campaign for president. But while the delivery has been all his own, he had help shaping his message from an unlikely source: Roger Stone, a political consultant who worked for Richard M. Nixon, Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush.
Mr. Stone, who describes himself as a Republican-libertarian, has had a hand in some of Mr. Sharpton's most effective attacks on Howard Dean, aides to Mr. Sharpton said. By extension, he has played a role in shaping the dynamic of the Democratic primary, political strategists and observers said.
...
"Frankly," Mr. Stone said in a recent telephone interview, "there has not been a candidate with this much charisma since Ronald Reagan. He is a natural talent. Who else could do the funky chicken on television and get away with it? I don't share his politics. Let's be very clear, if you check the F.E.C. records you will see I am supporting George W. Bush. I am a Reagan Republican."
But the men have found a common agenda in the Democratic primary. They have delighted in skewering Dr. Dean, with Mr. Sharpton generating one of Dr. Dean's lowest moments in a debate when he forced him to admit he had no blacks or Hispanics in his cabinet when he was governor of Vermont. > ... end quote
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/25/politics/campaign/25SHAR.htmlFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, January 22, 2004
SHARPTON TO DNC:
“I’M IN FOR THE LONG HAUL”
True Unity Can Only Be Achieved by a Dem Platform Inclusive of Minority Concerns Says Sharpton
Washington, DC— Presidential candidate, Rev. Al Sharpton in a letter (attached) to DNC Chairman, Terry McAuliffe today indicated that he will continue his candidacy right up until the Democratic Convention in Boston this summer. Sharpton also identified the Democratic Party’s proposal for a “unity” event to help retire the campaign debts of the Democratic Presidential candidates as an important “first step” in bringing the Party together but stated that the ultimate key to unity is a progressive platform inclusive of minority communities.
“I wish to make it clear that I will continue to campaign vigorously until the last day of the Convention to give voice to all Americans who have been too long taken for granted by inside the Beltway policies and politicians,” said Sharpton in the letter. “Moreover, it is my intention to use all the delegates I will gather to ensure that the Party’s platform is progressive, inclusive and reflective of the concerns of minority communities.”
...
“Creating unity within our Party through financial cooperation is an important first step as we enter the heart of the 2004 election cycle— a cycle that will prove to be a watershed for the direction and future of the Democratic Party,” added Sharpton. “However, true unity cannot be achieved until the voices of minority communities that make up the Democratic base vote are heard and incorporated into the platform and policies adopted as we go forward.” > end quote
http://www.sharpton2004.org/index.php?menuID=PressStory&id=39
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