Al Sharpton stands in a class by himself when it comes to despicable public figures. Sharpton isn’t just a standard issue liberal, but a long-time Jew hater who has a history of inciting violence. His words and deeds have not only shattered countless lives, but have resulted in multiple deaths. In a just world, Sharpton would be viewed as being at least as politically toxic as David Duke. Yet despite his ugly past, Sharpton has emerged as an influential political figure with his own television show on MSNBC. A big part of the reason why he’s been able to persevere is that other media and political figures confer legitimacy on him. One of those people is Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich.

In 2009, Newt Gingrich and Al Sharpton went on a nationwide tour together, from the White House to multiple cities, to promote education reforms also being pushed by Education Secretary Arne Duncan and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. In one video from the tour, Gingrich said, “I really appreciate the leadership Rev. Sharpton is showing all across America.” Just last month, Gingrich called into Sharpton’s TV show to wish him a happy birthday and shower him with praise. “I had such a great time going around America with you” to push education reform, Gingrich told Sharpton. “I will never forget it for the rest of my life. You were tremendous on those trips … I watched you speak up with courage and with toughness on behalf of children in a way that all my life I will remember and I will honor you for the way you were willing to take on interests on behalf of children.”