Al Sharpton, TV pitchman
A couple of years ago, Al Sharpton was a presidential candidate. Some people in the Democratic Party even took him seriously.
Now he's a TV pitchman for a company that critics, like the liberal consumer watchdog U.S. PIRG, say engages in predatory lending.
Here's a link to legislative efforts in Iowa to end "car title loan ripoffs."
I'm surprised Sharpton is shilling for this outfit only because it should end any hope he has for renewing his political ambitions.
But ever since he emerged as a national figure in the Tawana Brawley case, I've considered Sharpton to be completely lacking in scruples or credibility. So this is par for the course.
As it happens, my wife and I saw Sharpton's commercial on TV last night. At first we wondered whether it was a lookalike posing as Sharpton, it was so ridiculous.
I wonder if John Kerry would have given Sharpton a job in his administration if he'd been elected. Obviously, Al needs a job. He must be desperate to have made this ad.
Comments (6)
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Doug,
It's interesting how a former presidential candidate of the "party of the average working stiff" is engaged as a spokeperson for an industry that shafts the average working stiff. Al, you so entertain us.
More close to home, it's my understanding that our great Democratic county leader, Skip Alston, might have been disenthroned from the head of the NC NAACP chapter as a result of his promotion of the Pay Day advance community in our fair state.
On the surface they decry the disparity and inequities in our society, but under the table, oh how the money changes hands.
Posted on December 6, 2005 12:09 PM
I believe that I saw where he will be starring in a new sitcom "Al in the family".
Posted on December 6, 2005 3:38 PM
Yup.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051203/ap_en_tv/people_sharpton
He's been a minister, an activist and a presidential candidate. Now Al Sharpton wants to be a sitcom star.
Sharpton told the Daily News in Saturday's editions that he is working with CBS on a pilot, tentatively named, "Al in the Family."
"It's about conflicting social and political views," Sharpton said. "There'll also be a social message."
The Democrat, who has also run for mayor of New York and the U.S. Senate, said one possible episode would have one of his TV children becoming a Republican.
"I don't know if I am a good actor or not, but I will be playing myself and I have been practicing that for 51 years," he said.
Posted on December 6, 2005 3:41 PM
I remember several years ago when Al was seeking public office he was asked by a reporter if he would he release his tax records. Al's reply in so many words was, you won't get it from me because I don't have any tax records. Meaning he never filed(s)a return.
A thought, since he doesn't like to file, perhaps he might have, if elected, abolish the IRS.......HHHHHmmmmmmmm.
Posted on December 6, 2005 4:27 PM
Jon, thanks for the observations.
jwg, just when you think TV can't get any worse ...
Posted on December 6, 2005 4:47 PM
When I hear of Al Sharpton the song, Bring in the Clowns, comes to mind and I see him in a clown suit. What a joke and to think he just keeps on getting re-elected over and over. .
Posted on December 6, 2005 8:40 PM