Have Sharpton and Braun redeemed prior errors in campaign?

[mouse7]

When the campaign started, neither Sharpton or Braun were seen as serious threats to win elected office in the future. Has that changed?

What do you think? How about Gov. Braun? How about Mayor Al (I picked mayor because I almost think he'd rather be Mayor of NYC than President)?

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. Why not start by telling us all what you think about them

I'm all ears.

[IndianaGreen]

7. That's right NSMA, let's hear your opinion mouse7.

According to GD rules to have to express an opinion when you start a thread, none of this nonsense:

Sharpton

discuss

or

Zimbabwe

discuss

that used to happen a lot in GD before the rules change.

What is your opinion about Sharpton and Mosley-Braun, mouse7? And spare me the Sharpton as Mayor bit, which I have never heard Sharpton say a word about.

[mouse7]

12. Sharpton has run for Mayor of NYC before - 1997

http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1997/09/10/primary.roundup/

[IndianaGreen]

16. and Sharpton supported Michael Bloomberg for Mayor

one of Sharpton's low points. His refusal to endorse liberal Mark Green was one of the contributing factors that helped Bloomberg win the 2001 election.

Ironic that now Sharpton wants to topple the man he helped into Gracie Mansion. According to this NY Daily News story:

Asked whom he might endorse in 2005, Sharpton named Ferrer, City Controller Bill Thompson and controversial City Councilman Charles Barron as possibilities.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/local/story/120932p-108862c.html

[mouse7]

17. Oh well... looks like you got me on that.

Not sure if I forgot that or never knew.

That's a shame.

[mouse7]

10. I kinda did... didn't exactly elaborate though

I think Braun would make an excellent candidate for Gov. in Illinois and Sharpton might now give Bloomberg a real run next time for Mayor of NYC.

[IndianaGreen]

13. Well, the problem is that neither of them are running for local office

They are running for President. Do you have anything to add about their campaigns and/or positions on the issues?

[mouse7]

14. They're both excellent Progressive candidates

Both have accomplished far more than anyone considered possible with extremely meagre resources. I could vote for either one for President without a second thought.

I'm not goin to get the chance to vote for anyone but the eventual nominee in the presidential Primary. Where I live is very late in the process. Even the crying will be over when we get to vote.

[liberalnurse]

2. Both have made a terrific impression

within the democratic base. I for one have learned much about Senator Braun, and admire her keen insight and ability to articulate the issues.

Sharpton has elevated himself to a most respectable and credible political position. He has been seen as the sensible and base of all the democratic debates.

[helleborient]

3. Braun has had the same problems, however,

With sloppy campaign management...that's what got her in trouble in Illinois.

I doubt we will have a Gov. Braun, as we already have a Dem. governor. She would have a difficult time with statewide office here. I think she would do better to look for a DC position in a Democratic administration.

[Redneck Socialist]

5. What campaign problems?

I have a vauge recollection of some sort of scandal but I can not remember about what.

[helleborient]

6. This spells out most of it...from Slate

http://slate.msn.com/id/2078924/

She lost to a largely unknown Republican millionaire in a Democratic state...without the scandals she would still be our senator.

[Redneck Socialist]

11. Thanks

I had forgotten most of that. Let me revise my earlier post. Ain't no way she is getting elected to anything at least in Illinois.

[Redneck Socialist]

4. What the hell, I'll bite.

CMB? Maybe, probably. She didn't lose by much in 98 and has a solid progressive record. I think she will be around for a while and will likely either get elected (Senate again perhaps) or be appointed to something or other.

Mr Sharpton would have trouble getting elected dog catcher. By all acounts he is a charming guy and a good speaker but he has zero credibility. He has a knack for getting press (not always good press) and will hang around but he is highly unlikely to ever hold elective office.

On edit: In light of new evidence I retract my statement regarding CMB. She is unlikely to win a major election, but I would not be surprised to see her land another ambassadorship to some out of the way country.

[thinkahead]

8. I love them both

Al has the best stage presense and a good future for sure - and CMB is nothing but class. Every time I hear her speak I want to cheer. Neither is my favorite candidate (Dean wins by a long shot), but these two are definitely up there - and admire the hell that they are doing so well poll wise considering they are up against muchg better funded operations.

:cheers:

[helleborient]

9. I love to hear CMB speak and her ideas...

But she has an uncanny knack for stumbling into scandal...see above.

[arewethereyet]

15. Honestly, no

but it probably does allow them to soapbox in the future.