Al Sharpton has sharp words for both Hillary and Bill Clinton

Rev. Al is not happy with the Clintons.

With the Democratic National Convention abuzz with anticipation over Hillary Clinton’s speech to it tonight, civil rights activist Al Sharpton says she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, cannot afford anything less than an extraordinary effort to help Barack Obama’s presidential candidacy -– beginning this week with an intensified push for party loyalty.

Otherwise, Sharpton warned today, their reputations within the party -- once sterling -- could be permanently tarnished.

“It can damage their legacy in the long run if they don’t get a grip pretty quick,” Sharpton told The Times.

Sharpton’s comments came as many leading Democrats attempt to tamp down reports of festering tensions between the Clinton and Obama camps -- and a definite reluctance among some Clinton delegates to stand foursquare behind Obama.

Some African American delegates in recent days have complained that the Clintons are giving only lip service in saying they will help Obama, and that they are actually more interested in helping Hillary Clinton plot her next political moves.

As it is, Sharpton added, the racially tinged primary campaign has already hurt the once-tight relationship between the Clintons and black America.

“I’d like to see them in the trenches,” Sharpton said. “They did a lot of damage against him, so they’re going to have to do a lot more than the ordinary for him -– not (just) for him but for the public to believe them.”

-- Peter Wallsten

Photo credit: Greenfield-Sanders / HBO

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Comments

[N.E. BodybutHillary]

Truer words were never spoken. The childish antics either end, or they lose whatever diminishing credibility they might have once had.

[vision63]

This just sounds like petty gossip.

[1hipchik]

Doesn't Sharpton always show up whenever he can get attention?

It's not up to the Clinton's to win support for Barack Obama. It's up to Obama to win over the Clinton supporters. If you want the Clintons supporter's votes stop critisizing their preferred candidate.

Sharpton sounds like all the Republicans who have spent the last decade blaming their mistakes on the Clinton's. How did any couple become so powerful that they could ruin the country and decide a Presidential race when they aren't even in power?

[MarkL]

Hey Al! We don't care what you have to say!

[Gail]

As a strong Hillary supporter there is no way I am voting for Obama. And Al, its not the Clinton's job to win this election for Obama. He needs to do it himself. If Hillary is that powerful and influential, then how come she is not the nominee??

[John Krumpter]

Shut up Al...

[James]

Al, you are the problem...I can hardly wait to vote for John this coming election...

[Ethan]

As a Clinton supporter I'm personally offended by this.

Obama needs to woo me. Clinton doesn't need to direct me to my presidential pick.

Unfortunately, I, like many Clinton supporters, have a mind of my own. And while I still think Clinton is the best choice to be president, her word is not the defining word in the race.

Just like Oprah's wasn't in the primary. Endorsements mean jack.

[J Pincus]

Al Sharpton is giving the Clintons lessons in humility? He's demanding that they stand behind Obama or else? What temerity this guy has!

The very Rev. Al walked away from G-d's work a long time ago. Ever since the Tawana Brawley hoax, there isn't a thing that comes out of his mouth that can be trusted. He ruined people's lives because he wanted attention and because a black girl was involved. If it had been a white girl or an Hispanic girl or a Jewish girl, he wouldn't have cared.

This is the kind of unity Al wants: You're either fully behind the black guy or you're a racist. Well, I'm not behind the black guy. Guess that makes me a racist.

[Bill S]

Obama has stubornly refused to court Clinton supporters. Is he entitled to their support or should it be earned? Critisism seems to come very easy.

[Kanaan]

The minute a black candidate came on the scene, African American loyalties to the Clintons went out the window and supported Obama at a rate of 90% even before this thing got bruising. So he has the nerve to demand that they support his candidate?

Perhaps, Al, if you weren't so divisive, you could have been the one getting the nomination for President. Living vicariously and attacking a couple who have done more for African Americans since LBJ (signing the Civil Rights Act).

Al, do you feel powerful now? Do you now feel you have the voice of black America because of Barack? Should we pat you on the back for someone else's accomplishments?

[Paul Spirn]

Al Sharpton has neither the political gravitas nor the moral standing to lecture anyone, anyone about how to behave, in a political context or any other.,
,
Having said that, the comments from Hillary supporters about needing to be wooed by Obama are awfully revealing. We all know there is not a dime's difference in policies between Hillary and Obama. John McCain's policiies vis a vis women--he wants to repeal Roe v Wade, and voted against equal pay for equal work--and the rest of the progressive agenda are anathema to every policy goal any Hillary supporters would truly want. So what on earth is their problem? It's emotional I guess. They want to be inconsolable. Damn shame. Grow up. Hillary could have won this nomination. She lost it, not the press, not even her advisers. She did. She could not manage her campaign. She did not insist on a strategy that responded to any contingency other than her anticipated overwhelming triumph on Super Tuesday. She did not insist that they plan to ama,ss votes in the caucus states. She let them blow through $100M before NH. She did not find her voice until it was too late. That is her fault, just as it will be Obama's fault if his handlers succeed in overmanaging him.

Now let's turn our attention to the real struggle, keeping the government out the hands of those who would continue to destroy its capacity to work for the people.

[carolyn]

I can't understand who Al Sharpton thinks he is to threaten Clinton. Clinton was a wonderful President and a great friend of blacks. After the treatment they have all shown in this campaign for Hillary, Bill should tell him to screw himself.

[aoife]

oh this is priceless!!
obama's\miserable polling numbers are now the fault of the clintons, of course it has nothing to do with the fact that obama is a fraud, sexist, race baiter, inexperienced elitist moron.......

hillary2012

[mimi362]

Is he kidding? who gives a crap what Sharpton thinks or wants. I am a Clinton Supporter and will always be a Clinton supporter. Both Hillary and Bill have done more collectively for the Black People than Sharpton or Obama ever did, so he should just shut his face .OH and I will not vote for Barak Obama no matter what Hillary Clinton wants I do have a mind of my own period the end. We do not need to be threatened by a lying jerk like AL Sharpton king of the tax evaders, King of the cry babies- Get a life Al no one is interested in your tyrannical craziness,

[feudi]

Best move for McCain? Condi Rice for VP.

[Rich]

You people are crazy to slam the Rev. Al===He hasn't the intelligence to understand a bit of what you are saying.

[Frank]

So Al Sharpton is now the "enforcer" and threatening the Clintons? Who does he think he is? His whole life experience has been a waste for humanity as he has shed much more heat than light wherever he goes. A pox on his ass.

[Rich]

You people are crazy to slam the Rev. Al===He hasn't the intelligence to understand a bit of what you are saying.

[joseph]

Al Sharpton just said the truth about the Clintons, if Obama loses the election they will be blamed 100% and Hillary ,dear Chelsea and Bill can forget about their political careerand legacy

[Cindy]

Sick and Tired of Al Sharpton's crap. Obama won -he needs to convince America that he is the one for President. Once again all we have running for high office are men again. Let Biden do the work. Why should Hilary prove anything. It isn't up to her to convince her supporters to vote Obama. Isn't he smart enough to do it on his own. Why should a woman do what he should do. Give me a break

[Justice]

It is THAT type attitude that Sharpton has, that is identified with Blacks.

It is for this reason, why Obama will never be president.

[tlatexaspuma]

I agree, 1hipchik. Whiney baby Barack wants to lead, now stand up, be a man, and lead. Papa Sharpton can't go around holding your hand helping you cross the street.

GALLOP POLL
OBAMA 44%
MCCAIN 46%

GO PUMA'S

[Virginia Taurus]

As a male, black, Democrat and Hillary Clinton supporter, I am appalled by the comments of Al Sharpton. First, he does not speak for me nor does he share my views. Second, the Clintons have done more for me and my family than any politician ever has. It's amazing how blacks are jumping off of the Clinton ship like rats. I will never vote for Obama because I just don't feel that he is very trustworthy. I know little about agenda and even less about his past.
All of you who are voting for him JUST because he's black should be ashamed.

[Go Away]

Hey Al, go get your roots touched up and sit down somewhere!

Why do people even seek comment from this joke?!?!