Three long-shot candidates focus on absentees, D.C. voting rights
Howard Dean got the first question of Friday's radio debate. His answer was a second of silence, followed by muffled laughter and scattered applause.That Al is such a card! And did you know that Marion Barry has endorsed Deano? No word on whether any Peruvian marching powder was involved.
That's because the man who wasn't there couldn't answer why he wasn't there.
In a debate notable for its absenteeism, only three candidates for the Democratic nomination for president -- all of them long shots -- participated. Carol Moseley Braun, Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich and Al Sharpton sat on the stage with three questioners, a moderator and an empty chair with Dean's name before it.
"Governor Dean, if you cared so much about D.C. and you were so committed to the voting rights of the residents of the District of Columbia to have representation in the U.S. Congress, why aren't you here today?" asked Mark Plotkin of WTOP Radio, which broadcast the debate live.
At the end of the hourlong debate, interrupted at times for traffic and weather reports, candidates were allowed to query each other. Sharpton, facing the empty Dean chair, said: "I would like you to explain to your supporters why you're absent, why that seat is empty." Then he hopped in the vacant spot and wagged his finger in Dean style.
And speaking of The Rev, I was gobsmacked to see Sharpton transforms image into more thoughtful, reserved politician. Who knew?
It had seemed to me that Al was up to his old "slap that donkey" tricks with Sharpton: Clinton 'Killed the Democratic Party' but the best evidence that not much has changed is Report: Rev. Al Sharpton's campaign report raises new questions about finances.
