Does it matter?
It does to those who believe Sharpton has a chance of at least approaching the performance of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, another African American preacher, who changed the dynamics of presidential politics in 1984 and 1988. By winning several primaries and building a wide coalition that included support from black and white voters, Jackson assured an African American voice inside the Democratic establishment. Jackson's strong showings and riveting 1984 convention speech ("Keep hope alive!") proved a black candidate could not be ignored.
Sharpton has said that Jackson's campaigns set an example for success: "He did more in not being elected than some people have in winning." But that groundbreaking fervor is nearly two decades old and probably can't be regained by Sharpton in 2004, political experts say.
"Jackson's campaign in 1984 was more of a movement, with almost a religious zeal to it," said Vincent Hutchings, an associate professor of political science at the University of Michigan. "The novelty of an African American running for president is not so pronounced anymore."
In one recent week, candidate Sharpton skipped his only political event. He spent his time preaching, delivering a eulogy, making fund-raising calls and holding campaign meetings. When asked the nature of the meetings, he replied, "None of your business."
On a Thursday night, the Broadway Democrats gathered in a Columbia University auditorium to hear about each of the nine presidential candidates. The neighborhood club had advertised Sharpton as the only contender who would appear in person. But just a few minutes into the meeting, Sharpton canceled, sending his lawyer as his surrogate. Several in the audience groaned. "I was really disappointed," said Colin Blair, a 19-year-old religion student at Columbia, who wore a blue Sharpton T-shirt.
Later that night, Sharpton got only three votes in a straw poll of the tweedy, multiethnic club. Blair and his brother, who are white, said they are still primed to work for Sharpton, if only they can find an office where they can volunteer.
Sharpton also bobbled a meeting last spring with a group of African American political scientists in Oakland, charming some but alienating others.
The candidate finished his speech, then took almost no time to press the flesh or ask for guidance from the 200 black scholars in attendance. Several participants said the candidate missed what one called "a golden opportunity" to recruit thoughtful, well-heeled supporters.
