Al Sharpton: I Didn‘t Know MSNBC Won’t Let Me Endorse Candidates. MSNBC: Yes You Did.
- Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:24pm by
Tiffany Gabbay
- Print »
- Email »
The controversial Rev. Al Sharpton, who has injected himself into a myriad of political contests and campaigns over the years, is no longer permitted to make political endorsements now that he is a host for MSNBC.
However, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Wednesday, Sharpton said he wasn’t aware of any MSNBC rules preventing him from endorsing candidates. “I cannot write checks, but I can make endorsements if I choose,” he explained, and rather incorrectly.
As a rule, NBC network “prohibits employees from campaigning for candidates without prior consent from management.”
Based on his statement, Sharpton is apparently not aware of this seemingly important fact. Or is he?
When told Sharpton believed he was free to endorse political candidates — and only prohibited from making monetary contributions — NBC spokeswoman Lauren Skowronski clarified, “I can let you know that Rev. Sharpton is aware of the policy and has agreed to adhere accordingly.”
“Rev. Sharpton will be adhering to NBC News policies now that he’s an MSNBC host. NBC News prohibits employees from campaigning for candidates without prior consent from management,” she said.
Sharpton, whether feigning ignorance or not, is already endorsing President Obama’s re-election bid, according to the WSJ.
“The fact that is important to me is: The whole world’s attention will be on the national [presidential] race next year and I’ll be on TV every night,” Sharpton said.
“I have been very supportive of the president, and that has happened pre-MSNBC, and I’ll be on the television dealing with how I feel about the policies.”
Indeed, while Sharpton may not be able to officially endorse political candidates, he will likely be equally if not more effective espousing the virtues of his chosen causes and candidates nightly, in a televised forum reaching millions of American viewers.
And Sharpton clearly knows it, boasting to reporters that they only need “look at the TV at 6 o’clock every night” to see how far he has come in gaining a captive audience.
Sharpton, who told WSJ he is “not ruling out” getting involved in the 2013 mayoral or other citywide races, added, ”Where I go after the presidential race, we’ll see…We’ll cross that bridge after we see what happens in November, 2012.”
Sharpton, who ran for president in 2004 and founded the National Action Network — a civil-rights organization — also told WSJ, ”I have purposely tried to focus more national, and not done New York stuff—people just don’t understand that.”
“I called [my group] National Action Network. I never called it New York Action Network. That’s where I wanted to be.”
According to WSJ Sharpton plans to continue his work at NAN during his tenure with MSNBC, stating the two missions are similar.
“To be honest with you, a lot of what MSNBC does is considered on the left—it’s issues that NAN does. I mean, what does NAN do? Police brutality, racial profiling, legal rights, educating. It’s parallel,” Sharpton told WSJ in conclusion.
Will a life-long activist like Sharpton really stay out of the business of endorsing political candidates, or will he disregard network rules, thinking himself impervious to disciplinary action? While NBC executives may share many of Sharpton’s political views, it did not stop the network from suspending Joe Scarborough or suspending, then later firing Keith Olbermann after the two were discovered to have made political contributions.
Popular Stories
MSNBC Host Snaps in Heated Segment: ‘What in the World Is Riskier Than Being a Poor Person in America?’ 682 Comments
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 640 Comments
‘Jumah at the DNC’ Speaker: ‘Muslims Visited America Prior to Columbus’ & ‘It Was a Muslim’ Who Guided Him to the ‘New World’ 523 Comments
Obama: RNC Like Watching ‘Black-and-White TV’ Because Romney ‘Did Not Offer a Single New Idea’ 360 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 313 Comments
Faith
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 156 Comments- Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More
- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 190 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 146 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 300 Comments
Scathing New Ad Capitalizes on Rep. Ryan‘s ’Fading Obama Posters’ Remark 124 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 156 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (275)
the_zazzy
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:54pmNo need to worry Reverend…if you work for MSNBC, we already know who you endorse!! Your hiring at that network says more about you than your loud mouth ever could.
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:06pmProducers meeting at MSNBC for Reverend Al’s show.
Report Post »Producers: Hi Al…about endorsing candidates…you know we can‘t do that because we’re meant to look unbiased and credible right?
Sharpton: No I didn’t know that..I thought you guys were on our side, are you just trying to muzzle the black man? Selma..Selma…
Producers: We are Reverend Al believe us we are on your side..power to the people brotha…reparations..all that…but we can’t actively endorse political candidates because that makes things a little sticky broadcasting wise…it’s just bad business. We can smear their opponents all we want though.
Sharpton: Well what did you hire me for?
Producers: To race bait.
BIGJAYINPA
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:08pmHey cut the Rev Al some slack. It is obvious the stupid ba****d can’t remember anything for more than 10 seconds after he is told. It isn’t his fault, he was born extremely stupid with a large mouth….Just sayin’
Report Post »Ookspay
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:17pmWe much remind Al to resist endorsing candidates, must we much.
Report Post »This never gets old… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjMZIC4DawM
KickinBack
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:32pmHar Har. Very funny Al.
Report Post »let us prey
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:37pmookspay
Report Post »I much and must agree with much of what you said.lol
INOGAWD
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:43pmThis Racist Trool knows….Ma Pwesednt is Obama …
Report Post »can’t believe this guy is on the Air for an Hour …
Makes My eye’s water watching a 2 min. clip..
loriann12
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:48pmHeavens, my husband had a brain f a r t. I read him the title and he said “Who’s he endorsing?” Duh. He did a V-8 moment, head slap. Must have been a long day at work.
Report Post »Favored93
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:56pmYa I heard somewhere that pride goes before a fall and this man is just full of it! Look out “good reverend” your fall may now be on national TV!!!!
Report Post »I have never understood why anyone listens to this joker?
AmericablessGod
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 8:02pmAl, we mush will much a presidential endorsement not! Rev, you da man, bro!
Report Post »INOGAWD
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 8:05pm@ Let Us Pray
That funny, your spot on !!
an dadts wut ma pwesednt is all about…ya no !!
Report Post »Secret Squirrel
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 8:20pm.
Report Post »MSNBC argues with Sharpton? Racists!
On The Bayou
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 9:00pmVery Very Good my friend.
Report Post »On The Bayou
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 9:02pmDoesn`t Al`s head look way to big for his body. And his mouth matches his head.
Report Post »jimtrees
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 9:48pmHe looks like he’s on some kind of hunger strike. Should have said, we munch we must munch. They must or much have to turn the cue cards really slow for this idiot.
Report Post »flrick
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 9:54pmIf they won’t let you do what you want, THEY”RE RACISTS!!!!! Isn’t that how it works with you, rev. dumbass?
Report Post »lovenfl3
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 10:07pmLike it was going to be a major revelation as to who Al Sharpton was going to endorse. MSNBC is so irrelevant at this point anyway. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbJylJQ3JGE
Report Post »Da Kingfish
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 10:40pmIf he could have Obumbler and his illegal uncle Odungobunghole on his show and he will sweep the ratings, even beat O’Riley, guaranteed.
Report Post »AMERICA4EVER
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 10:53pmThey’re doing a helluva poor job of looking unbiased. Give me a break!
Report Post »bookofdaniel
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 11:25pmStrike one…
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 12:58amAl reminds me of a bobble-head….with a spring wound too tight!!!
Report Post »Steve
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 2:03amTawana Brawley!
Report Post »GETLIFE
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 6:12amI love the “without prior consent” part.
Report Post »“No endorsements, except those we agree with….”
old white guy
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 6:59amwould someone please put rev al in permanent retirement.
Report Post »MAXIMUS_MARIUSZ
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 7:03amIndeed.
Report Post »gotta light
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 7:32amLMAO Does the Rearend Al Sharpton oops I mean Reverend think that ALL AMERICANS are as STUPID and willing to OVERLOOK HIS LIES like the Black race does? I HOPE NOT.
Al Sharpton is a LIAR.
Al Sharpton is a BIGOT.
Al Sharpton is a RACIST.
Al Sharpton is a POVERTY PIMP.
Al Sharpton is a PROPAGANDIST.
Al Sharpton is a SELLOUT.
Al Sharpton is a FAKE.
Al Sharpton is NOT A ROLE MODEL FOR ANYONE.
Hey bud gotta light?
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 9:02amGive me a break the entire network of MSNBC is an Obama endorsement.
Report Post »rowdygirl
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 9:11amThat says it all right there !
Report Post »gotta light
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 9:52amLMAO This ***** is a laugh a minute!!!
Did Da Rearend Al ooops I mean Reverend Al axe if he was allowed to endorse a candidate?
I believe that Comcast and MSNBC are RACIEST because they are denying A ***** his first amendment right to free speech!!!
FREE AL AMERICAN ITS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! LMAO
I support Rev Al because he & his followers and THE Democratic party support the self genocide of the black race through abortion. Way to go Al…..
Hey bud gotta light?
Report Post »sbish
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 10:27amI don’t see what the big deal is here, Al. All that is required is that the words, “I endorse President Obama” don’t come out of your mouth. You can still heap tons of praise on him and the rest of the Demotards for their redistribution of wealth and centralizing of governement while at the same time you can slander and misrepresent the Tea Party and the Right. Business as usual.
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 10:40amSharpton is an infamously notorious liar.
Report Post »lillymckim
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 10:49amoh sooo true so true .. Ole’ Rev. Al Sharpton makes dumb look dumb…
Report Post »kevleddy1
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:53pmHard to discern who the dumb a$$ would be in this one
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:02pmLMAO!!! But I’m going with msnbc as the dumbest…….I mean, they did give Al a contract and a show. Al clearly can‘t understand contracts and will garner no audience other than the poor Blaze staff who have the misfortune of keeping up with Al’s incoherency.
Report Post »MHP
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:44pmcopatriots
Course we Blazers watch him, to laugh at him.
Report Post »Sharpton is a pi$$ poor talk show host.
babylonvi
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 9:24pmIMHO Rev. Al is a walking, Talking, Breathing example for the need of more money going onto Special Education(but I’m not sure it would have helped in his case).
Report Post »WeDontNeedNoStinkingBadges
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 3:21amAl Sharpton? No, that’s … Buckwheat! O-tay!
Report Post »http://www.postersultan.com/posters/buckwheat_otay_littlerascals.jpg
21stCenturyPatriot
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:53pmThe library of Congress can’t hold all of the information this man does NOT know. But it is rather strange that the whole MSNBC network endorses Obama but yet they are not “Allowed” to personally?
Report Post »eat-more-bacon-USA
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:51pmIs Al aware that NBC does both random and “for cause” drug testing of its employees? Uh oh.
Report Post »Dinkiecb
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:59pmDrug testing??? Here now … that’s racist
Report Post »SHOWMESTATEGUY
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:13pmNow, now. You know the “Rev” wouldn’t do drugs. That wouldn’t be a good example for his flock.
Report Post »chips1
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 8:06pmA group of Sharpton followers is not called a “flock”. It’s called a “barrel”’ I looked it up.
Report Post »INOGAWD
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 8:18pm@ chips1
Racist, Ha,Ha,Ha !! very funny …
Report Post »Da Kingfish
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 10:03pmHopefully they will test him for mental retardation, he has been sharing his brain cells with obumbler.
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:51pmI remember back in the 80′s Al was stabbed and the ten inches of lard in his mid section saved him,
Report Post »In this case being a sloth was helpful to the ole race baiter.Keep on preaching faux preacher.
thegreatcarnac
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:51pmOld ugly Al was told what he could and could not do…even by this bunch of liberal trash at MSNBC. However…you see…ugly Al is special and rules are not made for him because…he is black. The black man is special in America…and even more so among the MSM elite. He is picked first for jobs…even though he might not be qualified. He can sue over the smalles percieved slight. He can demand intergration when he wants it and demand to be segregated when it favors him. He can say things white people cannot say. He can threaten and commit crimes with no real consequence. What ever he does will be covered or explained away by a communist press. He can go to any school he wishes but his white counterparts cannot.
Report Post »thegreatcarnac
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:55pmThis was sent before it was finished by a mess up by blaze….wrote another one……
Report Post »M 4 Colt
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:33pmIf men like Sharpton keep stirring the pot there will be trouble and i think that’s what he and Obama wants. Just look at the other story on the blaze today that has the black panthers teaching blacks about hand to hand combat,and coming right out on the video, calling for death to whites, but i feel this is a big mistake on their part. the reason i feel this way, there is a rage bubbling just under the surface in many citys in the US and once this rage comes to the surface the outcome is not going to be what they hoped for. I know many here feel that riots in the streets is what Obama is hoping for so he can use Marshall law. I for one feel that if the violence starts here it will be unstoppable and the bloodshed will be epic. Many on the left are so fed up with all the lies and crap coming from the government that once the rage is unleashed the deaths of whites blacks and mexicans will be huge and it won’t stop with them,many government officials will be a target of their rage too and had better hope the mob doesn’t find them. Once this starts there will be no turning it off, local governments will call out the cops but they won’t stand a chance, the mob will eat them alive and by the time they call out the national guard the destruction will be total, i think this could be the flash point for an all out civil war for the control of our country, the out come of such a war is in no way certain for the Obama administration.
Report Post »GeorgieJo
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 10:51pmCARNAC?
YOU talking about ERIC Holdem and Marc Rich?
BillyJeffyClinton?
I’m confused….everyone at LSD-NBC is MELDING2gether….
Report Post »AL-Sharpo is confused? Nope he’s wearing whoopy suits and NOT paying his taxes.
He TRULY is the black man’s nightmare.
heavyduty
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:51pmHis show won’t last long. He just won’t be able to keep his mouth shut.
Report Post »Bonnieblue2A
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:50pmSharpton is another example of the failure of Affirmative Action.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:50pmWell. Now we know WHY he wanted on msnbc! In his own words, people, and I quote, “The fact that is important to me is: The whole world’s attention will be on the national [presidential] race next year and I’ll be on TV every night,” Sharpton said.
And, if that’s not enough, here’s more: “I have been very supportive of the president, and that has happened pre-MSNBC, and I’ll be on the television dealing with how I feel about the policies.”
Anyone not understand WHY he wanted on msnbc??????? hmmmmmm?
JESUS, IN YOUR HOLY NAME I stand against this cretin. LORD, I ask YOU to expose this man for whose he is, absolutely and completely, a.s.a.p., LORD, so that his influence is nullified right now. Thank YOU. In YOUR HOLY NAME, JESUS, amen.
Report Post »HTuttle
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:48pmAl doesn‘t listen to those racist oppressors ’rules’ trying to keep the black man down!
Report Post »thegreatcarnac
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:54pmal be black…he don’t need no stinking rules….
Report Post »rikyt74
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:48pmMartin Luther King would be a embarrassed of Sharpton’s political views. Sharpton is a buffoon!
Report Post »steinkba
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 8:51amAgree!
Report Post »jaysun48
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:44pmThis man would lie about the time of day, then call you a racist if you disagreed. He is a joke.
Report Post »weneedrubio
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:44pmHe thinks you can publically endorse but not pay them money. What is the difference dumba$$. This shows how little anyone at MSLSD knows about our constituion and the recent rulings of the supreme court. THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE YOU IDIOTS!!!! How do these people get there jobs??!!!
Report Post »LinkedIn G
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:42pmLemme take a wild guess who he endorses …
Report Post »INOGAWD
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 8:14pmWould that be, “ma pwesednt” ????
Report Post »MHP
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:41pmand PMSNBC hires a racist creep.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:47pmBirds of a feather, you know the rest.
Report Post »uvgtafrnd2
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:41pmMaybe Al Sharpy can fake it for the legion of viewers that might tune in who will know he is faking it?
Report Post »SHOWMESTATEGUY
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:41pmEven the liberal msnbc is going to have their hands full with Sharpton.
Report Post »BQI
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:39pmIf you have not seen him, I encourage all Blaze readers to take a peek at Sharpton on MSBNC. He is hilariously incompetent. He mispronounces every other word; loses his train of thought (when he gets an original one) and ugh, ugh, ughs his way through each episode. I know trained journalist and broadcasters have to be steaming seeing this completely incompetent boob trying to imitate a broadcaster / commentator. It is hilarious.
Report Post »chazman
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:47pm… this will be the last time I ever post anything concerning Al not-so-Sharpton. I despise this racist, and I wish nothing but ill will upon him. I honestly believe his judgement will be to burn in hell for all eternity.
Report Post »BQI
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:56pm@ CHAZMAN
Wow!
Report Post »spirited
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:57pmWatch the faces of the guests
while honorable (uh hem) Al (Uh hem, swallow, almost choke, giggle) speaks.
>It’s priceless
Report Post »BQI
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:03pm@SPIRITED
You are so right. They are about to pop trying not to laugh. I thought perhaps he might get a bit better….nope…tonight he mispronounced at least 4 words. And his uh..hems will quickly become legendary.
Report Post »vennoye
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:59pmBQI
Report Post »I trust your judgement!! I just can’t watch Al Sharpton!!! People who listen to what he has to say deserve sooooooooooo much better!! Think he has done a lot of damage to young people over the years…..
BQI
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 9:47pm@DRAGO & VEN
I completely understand, but there are times that I just need a good laugh at someone who thinks of himself as “all that.” Sharpton represents all that is bad in our society and trust me, landing this gig was all about race; better still, affirmative action. I discussed this in our article: The Ultimate Affirmative Action Plan: The Role of Affirmative Action in the Election of Barack Obama. Also: Obama: The Affirmative Action President.
Report Post »AMERICA4EVER
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 11:22pmCan you say affirmative action?!
Report Post »Rob
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:38pmHe is a greasy haired turd.
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:43pmYou can’t polish a turd.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:49pmJust flush it.
Report Post »Midwest Blonde
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:21pm@progressiveslayer
You said: You can’t polish a turd.
Um, yeah you can – don’t you watch Mythbusters? (Snickering with tongue in cheek!)
Report Post »Da Kingfish
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 10:09pmHe’s the answer to Amos and Andy, he be Calhoon, the village idiot.
Report Post »pHredster
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:34pmHe looks like a 70 year old version of Prince in that picture…sorry Prince – I’m stretching; it’s either you or a 70 year old sphincter.
Report Post »UlyssesP
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:13pmHe partied like it was 1899.
Report Post »Oh My God
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:34pmYour‘re assuming Rev Al can read and because he’s black, he can do whatever he pleases or else your a racist!
Report Post »Oh My God
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:35pmOr should I have said — they want me to Read the (bill) no, the contract. Remember Conyers
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:42pmHey Al, can I send you a list of candidates I don’t ever want to see elected, so you can endorse them and make sure they won’t win?
Report Post »randy
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:34pmHeII, does anyone even listen to this race baiter?
Report Post »Dinkiecb
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:59pmWho?
Report Post »N37BU6
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:33pmThis man creates his own reality.
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:39pmHey it’s Reverend Al with his own show on MSNBC…what could go wrong? Right?
Report Post »Chuck Stein
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:44pmLet’s give him the benefit of the doubt — MSNBC is so hard-left partisan that Sharpton could have looked at that reality as being more substantial than the language of any contract. What he will soon catch on to is the method employed by MSNBC: you do not literally endorse any candidate, instead MSNBCers smear the OPPONENTS of those they support.
Report Post »8jrts
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:33pmWill a life-long activist like Sharpton really stay out of the business of endorsing political candidates, or will he disregard network rules, thinking himself impervious to disciplinary action?
No,Yes and Of course!!!
Report Post »ProbIemSoIver
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:32pmThink this will wake him up to who he is in bed with?
Report Post »Highly doubtful. lol.
What a loser.