The first episode of the Sopranos I ever watched featured a character that might have been loosely based on Sharpton.

Many of you will instantly recall the episode, the scenes, and what I'm getting at.

Religious figure is on a construction site protesting for more AA employees, subcontractors, etc...media is there. both "sides" of the issue are fighting each other..some OC tough guys are there to intimidate the "trouble makers",


SPOILER



OF COURSE, The clergyman and Tony meet up later in private to laugh about the charade they are pulling for the public and money is exchanged

I thought it was a great storyline.

In recent years I've always felt that Sharpton's presence and visibility helps "the other side" of the political spectrum. In wrestling terms, he's a heel that can be brought up to incite the emotions of people and distract them from whatever the actual issue is.