A Little Schizo?': Al Sharpton to Rick Santorum About His Take on Federal Programs

GOP presidential hopeful Rick Santorum faced off against Rev. Al Sharpton on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" Thursday, with Sharpton asking the former Pennsylvania senator if it's "a little schizo" that he's running for president while not believing in federal programs.

Sharpton made the comment as Santorum was talking about his ideas for the U.S. education system, saying there doesn't need to be a federal education program.

"This is the kind of a dramatic change that we need in this country, and presidents can lead on that,” Santorum said. “I’m not saying we need a federal system of education. In fact, just the opposite. I’m not saying we need federal programs necessarily to accomplish marriage — but we need a president who can talk about those things.”

After trying to interject, Sharpton asked, “When you get through talking, how do you do it if the federal government is not going to do it? And I might remind you, you’re running to be the head of the federal government. So how are you against something that you’re running to be in charge of? Isn’t that a little schizo?”

“Yeah, that’s the difference between you and me, Al,” Santorum said.

“Yeah, there’s a lot of differences but go ahead,” Sharpton responded.

Sharpton had kicked off the exchange by accusing Santorum of saying "despicable and ugly things" about President Barack Obama.

"I could argue with you about some of your ugly statements on the president and all of that, but that would probably help you in the primary if you and I got into an argument this morning," he said.

Watch the full clip below via MSNBC. Sharpton's "schizo" comment comes at the 10:50 mark: