Rev. Al Sharpton claimed that none of the 2020 presidential candidates in the Democratic Party looked like they could defeat President Trump following a lackluster debate.
The CNN/Des Moines Register debate on Tuesday night was widely criticized as “low energy” as the candidates delivered subdued responses and generally dodged conflict, except for a small spat between Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. During a Wednesday interview on Morning Joe, Sharpton claimed that the lack of passion wouldn’t help candidates stand out against Trump.
“If you are going to be the next president, you’ve got to take charge and take Donald Trump on. And if you can’t take on and take charge in the debate, what gives people the confidence you can do that with Donald Trump?” asked Sharpton. “You really must connect with people. People must know you know and feel what they do. But at the same time, you cannot stand up and be just go-along-to-get-along and think you’re going to be the next president.”
He then explained that he and Trump both used to be involved in the New York City boxing scene, supporting Mike Tyson. Sharpton argued that Trump carries the mindset of a fighter when he enters debates and noted that none of the candidates demonstrated that they could also be fighters during that debate.
“You don’t become champion by just saying, ‘I’ll get by this round,'” the reverend warned Democrats. “You gotta take the title. And I didn’t see anybody on the stage last night, or in the ring, that really said, ‘I’m taking charge. I can be president. I can take on Donald Trump.’”
Shapton, 65, was a controversial figure who rose to fame during the 1987 Tawana Brawley case, during which he accused a group of white men of kidnapping and raping a black teenage girl. The reverend was sued for defamation following the case and was forced to pay one of the men $65,000 in damages.
Many have accused Sharpton of being a race-baiter, but his voice has become key for Democrats. Several candidates have sought his endorsement by singing his praises, including former Vice President Joe Biden, who called the reverend a “champion in the fight for civil rights.”
