Trump is right about Sharpton

Bob McManus:

Once upon a time, when I was editing this newspaper’s opinion pages, somebody decided that it wouldn’t hurt to have a slightly more cordial relationship with the Rev. Al ­Sharpton.

So there we were, in a Manhattan steakhouse, discussing not much because it quickly had become clear that Sharpton enjoyed being New York’s premier racial grievance-monger, so there was no common ground to be had.

But he did show a flicker of interest in a $350 cognac on the after-dinner menu — glancing over with amusement in his eyes as the waiter hovered. “If you do, reverend,” I said, “I’m asking for separate checks.”

Then came that towering thundercloud of a frown — meant to intimidate, as all too often it does.

I laughed. He screwed his face up tighter. I laughed again.

And then so did he, and presently the evening ended with a handshake and a personal lesson learned: If you push back at Rev, Al, he’s not so tough.

Not enough people understand that though — not enough see through the scam.

Al Sharpton has been making a good living for 35 years now, pushing New York and the nation as far as his bullhorn audacity will carry him — which is pretty damned far for a one-time FBI informer who started with nothing and brought even less to the table. He rode an eagerness to exploit racial discord, a couple of incendiary slogans and the cowardice of state, local and national leadership to fame and fortune.
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Obama gave this conman access to the White House and Trump did not.  That is likely one of the reasons Sharpton decided to exploit the brouhaha in Baltimore.