The Reverend Al Hour

The New York Times reports that Al Sharpton's next career move following the campaign might well be, in their words, "multimedia sensation."

He may not have won many votes this primary season, but the Rev. Al Sharpton won credit from various quarters for often stealing the show at Democratic presidential debates, where his wit and sense of humor often made his opponents seem like, well, politicians...

"I don't think anyone denies that I have built a national personality.''

My own opinion is this could be a good move both for Sharpton and the progressive Democratic movement--provided the Reverend recognizes that being a media personality, Ronald Reagan notwithstanding, will likely mean the end of any genuine political aspirations he may have held (of course, his record in the primaries likewise suggests that politician isn't something that Al should pursue).

Having watched him during the campaign, I think he could work quite well in this capacity: he is politically progressive, he KNOWS the how to speak within the confines of the modern media, and he won't back down a la Alan Colmes.

Sure, it's not quite as much fun as being in the thick of the race, but there's a degree of power in being a media figure, along with a degree of freedom that politicians don't have.

For the record, I'd watch the Reverend Al Hour. It'd beat the hell out of O'Reilly or Hannity or any of the other right-wing clowns that monopolize political discussion on the airwaves.