Al Sharpton just moderated one of the most intelligent and educational conversations I've seen

[Empowerer]

in some time.

He had Melissa Harris-Perry and Rick Lazio, who discussed the debt ceiling, jobs, taxes, etc. The segment was longer than usual and the conversation was very reasonable, enlightened and full of information. Rev. Sharpton skillfully guided the discussion, weighed in as necessary, but didn't dominate it. He allowed both participants to speak in full paragraphs and make their point. Interestingly, in this setting, Rick Lazio was actually quite reasonable - at least much more reasonable than folks on his side usually are in these debates. It was an absolute delight to watch.

I think one of the reasons Rev. Sharpton is so effective is that he doesn't seem to feel the need to prove to everyone how much he knows. He lets the guests speak and, while he doesn't tolerate bull, he really is all about getting information and perspectives out to his audience.

Bravo, Rev!

I really hope they give him a permanent hosting gig. He has earned it and will be a wonderful addition to the cable television discourse.

[my2sense]

1. K&R

[Chimichurri]

2. I was apathetic towards him but his hosting has made me a fan

Is this a temporary gig? If so, he should have a full time slot because he's smart, quick and doesn't let the right get away with their talking point nonsense.

[Empowerer]

3. It's being reported that MSNBC has been so impressed they're considering giving him a permanent gig

http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/archives/rev_al_might_be_getting_his_own_show_on_msnbc/

I agree with you about how good he is. I think one of the reasons he's so effective is that he doesn't rant and rave and pretend he knows better than the President and Congress how to govern the country. Instead, he sounds like an informed citizen, asking the right questions and challenging bulls-it. His approach is much more like Rachel Maddow's than Cenk or Schultz or Ratigan. I always learn something when I watch him - which I think is happening to lots of other folks who take the time to watch and listen to him.

[Chimichurri]

4. seriously, he deserves it.

[elleng]

5. Good to hear this, + happy abt Rev. Al's new career.

[Booster]

6. I've long been a fan of Melissa Harris-Perry. Like someone

else posted, I was not really a fan of Al's, but I'm getting there.

[Armstead]

11. She always classes up the place

[Booster]

13. Yeah, that's exactly right. She has loads of class & it shows.

[ClarkUSA]

7. The fact that he doesn't let guests get in their talking points is a huge plus in his favor.

[secondwind]

8. He was pretty good tonight!

[Kind of Blue]

9. Now that's a must-see I missed.

I hope they re-run it again tonight.
Thanks for the heads-up. Love them both!
KnR

[handmade34]

12. can always count on

Melissa Harris-Perry to be classy and know her facts... love her!

[Kind of Blue]

14. I do too! She delivers with such quickness

and always keeps her cool.

[Sherman A1]

10. Give him Tweety's spot

after firing that clown.

[blueclown]

15. I'd give Melissa Harris-Perry her own show first over Al Sharpton.

[Empowerer]

16. I doubt she wants her own show

She's a tenured professor, recently married, and just moved to New Orleans. I have a feeling she's quite happy right where she is.

[Tarheel_Dem]

17. Melissa H-P was awesome, I just wish she'd been given more time.

Totally agree with your assessment. I never thought I'd be watching MSNBC again, aside from the occasional Lawrence O'Donnell, I'd given up. That was hella show. :hi:

[Harmony Blue]

18. He has taking a lot of flack over the years

But when it comes to an honest discussion, Al Sharpton delivers.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

19. Think he has grown and calmed down over the years...but his

speaking voice is so stilted and a distraction for me.

[FogerRox]

20. New and improved Rev. AL. The Rev showed his stuff at the presidential debate

years back. Good to hear he's doing well. KNR