The Rev. Al Sharpton is already bracing for critics to try to tear down President Obama’s legacy after he leaves office, but the civil rights leader is promising to lead the defense.
“The legacy of President Obama, from affordable healthcare to what he’s doing on criminal justice, to even what he’s done with Osama bin Laden and other things of that nature, will probably be attacked by some,” he said.
As a result, he plans to help the president bolster his legacy and keep the critics at bay, both personally and with his 25-year-old National Action Network.
Al Sharpton has been supportive of President Obama since the president’s 2007-2008 campaign. AP Photo.
He called Obama “transformational,” much like former President Ronald Reagan. “I think President Obama, after two Bushes and after the Clintons with ‘triangulation,’ did transform the country, he turned the ship of state another way,” said the civil rights leader.
“Those that were opposed to that different way will continue to disrespect him and will disrespect his legacy. Those of us who agree with that way will uphold” Obama, he added.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
