Sharpton Denies Questioning Romney's Belief in God During Debate
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
BOSTON — The Rev. Al Sharpton, who recently urged that radio host Don Imus be fired for making a racially insensitive remark, said in a debate that "those of us who believe in God" will defeat Republican Mitt Romney for the White House. But Sharpton denied he was questioning the Mormon's own belief in God.
Rather, the New York Democrat said he was contrasting himself with Christopher Hitchens, the atheist author he was debating at the time.
"As for the one Mormon running for office, those who really believe in God will defeat him anyways, so don't worry about that; that's a temporary situation," Sharpton said Monday during a debate with Hitchens at the New York Public Library's Beaux-Arts headquarters.
Redirect: Click here to hear the Rev. Al Sharpton's comments.
The comment was first reported Tuesday in a blog on The New York Times's Web site.
The Romney campaign, which has been wary of campaign trail criticism of Romney's faith, jumped on the Sharpton comment. If elected, Romney would be the first Mormon to serve as president.
"It is terribly disheartening and disappointing to hear Reverend Sharpton offer such appalling comments about a fellow American's faith," said Romney spokesman Kevin Madden. "America is a nation of many faiths and common values, and bigotry toward anyone because of their beliefs is unacceptable."
IMO:
What a blatant and deliberate insult to a mainstream religion. Sharpton was the loudest voice condeming Imas for his nonsensical comment about nappy headed ho's....... It seems his hypocrisy has no bounds.