Regarding Rev. Al Sharpton, (as you already know): 1. He's a reverend; 2. He's black. Unfortunately I think that'll be enough for some people and they won't even look at the issues.
He actually did a a phone interview on DC101 the other morning, and very patiently and cordially put up with Elliott. Sharpton himself said Dean appears to be the favorite for the primaries.

I'm not jumping into this convo - I actally hate politics. I just registered to vote this year because I finally found a candidate I feel I can back.