Text 27721, 46 rader
Skriven 2007-03-12 19:57:00 av Jeff Binkley (1:226/600)
Ärende: Al
==========
http://wcbstv.com/topstories/local_story_071165711.html

Sharpton Rips Obama, Keeps Endorsement On Hold

Marcia Kramer
Reporting

(CBS) NEW YORK With the race for the Democratic presidential nomination already
in high gear, the Reverend Al Sharpton jumped into the fray today with some
tough criticism for Senator Barack Obama. The outspoken reverend offered the
harsh comments to Obama just as he looked to build support for his candidacy in
the black community.

"Why shouldn't the black community ask questions? Are we now being told, 'You
all just shut up?'" Sharpton told CBS 2's Marcia Kramer Monday. "Senator Obama
and I agree that the war is wrong, but then I want to know why he went to
Connecticut and helped [Sen. Joseph] Lieberman, the biggest supporter of the
war."

Sharpton also questioned why Obama supports "tort reform, which hurts police
brutality victims."

What set Sharpton off was a published report that he is trying to hurt Obama's
campaign because he's jealous. Sharpton says that claim is untrue, charging the
story came from the Obama camp to pressure him into an early endorsement.

"I'm not going to be cajoled or intimidated by any candidate not for my
support," Sharpton said.

Political pundits say Obama is anxious for Sharpton's support because it could
hurt Hillary Clinton and help Obama raise money. "At this stage of the game,
it's all about the money and I think you're going to see the candidates with
the biggest fund raising making it through the end of the year," Political
Consultant Joseph Mercurio said.

Does Sharpton's endorsement matter? CBS 2 polled some New Yorkers and the
results were mixed, but the majority appeared to lean toward the side that
believes Sharpton's endorsement will make a difference.

Team Obama did not immediately return calls seeking comment. Sharpton says they
reached out to him this morning, but he didn't take the call. He adds he won't
make his endorsement until after his National Action Network summit next month.
Obama, Clinton and other candidates are scheduled to attend.

--- PCBoard (R) v15.3/M 10
 * Origin:  (1:226/600)