Sharpton stumps with Kerry, rejects diversity questions

[AmyStrange]

Sharpton stumps with Kerry, rejects diversity questions
Fri Jun 18, 9:40 AM ET - Chicago Tribune
By Frank James Tribune national correspondent

FROM: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/chitribts/20040618/ts_chicagotrib/sharptonstumpswithkerryrejectsdiversityquestions&cid=2027&ncid=1926
Sen. John Kerry (news - web sites), who has drawn criticism for the relative lack of racial diversity among his inner circle, was accompanied on the campaign trail Thursday by Al Sharpton (news - web sites), his one-time primary opponent, who sought to burnish the likely Democratic presidential nominee's credentials on racial issues.

Sharpton compared Kerry favorably to President Bill Clinton (news - web sites), who was hugely popular among African-American voters. Kerry seemed to relish Sharpton's company, calling him a friend.

And he seemed not to mind that Sharpton's controversial history, including questions about his finances, could turn off more than a few voters.

"Al Sharpton is traveling with me today because he's a friend, because he proved during the course of this presidential race that he has a great understanding of what's happening in the country and a great ability to communicate it to Americans," Kerry said.

<SNIP>

[JI7]

1. here is a nice picture of Kerry with Sharpton during this campaign event

also, kerry has asked sharpton to speak at the democratic convention.

[DrFunkenstein]

3. Great Photo!

[Gore1FL]

2. The racial diversity issue

was with the press corp -- The spin has it sounding like his inner staff is lacking diversity, rather than a groups he has not control over.