Rev. Al Sharpton joining CNBC as political commentator

[CShine]

Rev. Al Sharpton is joining CNBC as a political commentator for its coverage of the upcoming Democratic and Republican National Conventions, the network announced Thursday.

The outspoken civil rights leader and former candidate for the 2004 presidential nomination will share his views on "Capital Report," "Dennis Miller" and the new "McEnroe" (scheduled to premiere in July), among other CNBC shows.

"Having run for the Democratic nomination, Rev. Sharpton brings to our viewers an insider's perspective on presidential politics," said Cheryl Gould, supervisor of CNBC's political coverage.

Sharpton, a 49-year-old New York native, was ordained as a minister when he was 10, and has long reigned as a social activist and media personality. In December, he was guest host of "Saturday Night Live."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2004/06/03/entertainment1607EDT0713.DTL

[Not Me]

1. I hope they put him in the 9-10PM slot

and replace Dennis Miller. At least they wouldn't have to pay the audience to listen for the hour.

[Lou_C]

15. LOL

Dennis Miller sucks!

[LittleApple81]

2. Shoot.... Anybody that gets CNBC that can record his program

and post it here? I would be disappointed if I miss his comments. He was the best part of the dem debates when he was still there.

[0007]

5. You got that right! Al can beat Dennis all night long with his

tongue tied. I've tried to watch the Dennis Miller show twice and and couldn't get past the five minute mark.

Miller is so insipid from his days on SNL it is unbelievable.

[schultzee]

3. He is so good! He could do great stand up comedy about politics

if he wanted. He is quick, funny, and so likeable.

[calimary]

4. NOW we're talkin'!

EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT move.

The man needs a BIG, TALL, WIDE, HAND-CARVED, GORGEOUSLY-DESIGNED pulpit. Certainly deserves it. I was always hoping he'd be part of the Air America lineup, but he also needs to be someplace EXTREMELY high-profile, where his extraordinary talents can be appropriately and generously showcased. For now, Air America is NOT it, unfortunately. I'm DEEEE-LIGHTED that he'll be on the air regularly!

[crossroads]

6. Sharpton is SHARP as a tack!!!

Love his take on everything... he tells it like it is. I'm for Kerry, but I sure wish he had some of Sharptons gumption...
This dude rocks!!!
:bounce:

[Just Me]

14. I agree. I love to listen to that man speak.

He is on my "favorites" list rather than my "shit" list.

You rock, Sharpton. :yourock:

[geek tragedy]

7. As a New Yorker,

I revile the man.

However, I would pay money to see him as a regular on Hardball, ala the SNL skits.

[Imalittleteapot]

8. As a Texan

I love the man and can't wait to see him up against Miller. :bounce:

[Skittles]

9. I'm very impressed with Mr. Sharpton's speeches

he'll be good.

[FleshCartoon]

10. I'm glad to hear this, too...

...but I have my doubts that it will last. As much as I love Sharpton's sharp takes, he generally loses interest in long-term committments and starts becoming a no-show.

But I wouldn't mind if he proved me wrong. Good luck to him and I'm looking forward to watching.

[mom cat]

11. Remember the republican bankrolling of Sharpton in the primary?

http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0405/barrett.php

Follow the link to the expose regarding Repug dirty trickster Roger Stone, providing a lot of money to Al who just happened to target some key Democrats during the primary. Stone even let Al use his credit card. Remember, Stone was a key repug operative in the media blitz against the recount in Florida. I'm just not sure that CNBC is trying to do us a favor. Al is a loose cannon and could do a lot of damage.

[progressivebydesign]

12. THANK YOU!

I was starting to think everyone had lost their minds! Sharpton will be speaking as an "insider" alright.. but insider for what party? I don't trust or like the man.. never have.

As with Don King stumping for Bush, the GOP and Democratic pundits think all they have to do is put a black person on t.v. and automatically all black voters will gush, and run to their sides. It's pretty racist.. assuming blacks only vote black issues.. just as they think that Jewish people only vote on Israel issues.

Sharpton can be funny as hell with his one line zingers.. he's quite entertaining.. but I have little interest in his insight about the election. Until he explains the GOP, Roger Stone connections, he's not someone I'd trust. I think of him as more of a GOP funded sleeper in the primaries.

[mrdmk]

13. Thank you, I was looking for that article

I do not trust Mr. Al Sharpton as far as I can kick him. The man has the gift of gab, but for a man that does not own the suits that he wears, one needs to wonder. It also figures that Sharpton would wind up on CNBC.

[DemoTex]

16. Damn good show, CNBC!

Good for the network, good for the viewer, and good for Sharpton's chances for a House or Senate seat. You go Al! When Hillary becomes VP, Al can run for her seat. We need a man of color in the US Senate.