Chairman of the Democratic National Committee Tom Perez gave sound praise to Al Sharpton from the Fox Theatre in Detroit moments ahead of the Democratic debate.
In a spirited speech to kick off the first night of the second round of debates for 2020 Democratic presidential candidates, Perez said President Trump had been “incredibly divisive” and had singled out faith leaders in a “remarkably racist way.”
Perez then offered gratitude to Sharpton, who was in the crowd, saying “Reverend Sharpton, thank you for your leadership!” Perez further condemned Trump’s claims of boosting the economy in the Midwest and declared that the Democratic Party stands with Planned Parenthood.
Perez’s praise of Sharpton echoes several other leading Democrats in recent days, such as front-runner Joe Biden, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, California Sen. Kamala Harris, and Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio. It also follows Trump’s Monday criticism of Sharpton.
Sharpton has drawn criticism for years for associations with anti-Semitic causes as well as anti-Israel and other racial comments.
