News

Now a friend of the President, Rev. Al Sharpton says he calls himself a “refined agitator” “60 Minutes” Sunday

Today, the Rev. Al Sharpton is a different man, a more strategic and refined political fighter, a man President Obama recently visited to support his foundation’s fundraising event. Lesley Stahl profiles the new Sharpton  on 60 MINUTES, Sunday May 22 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television network.

“I’ve learned to pick my fights and also to be more strategic about my fight plan,” says Sharpton. “Doesn’t mean it’s not the same fight, but it means I’m a different and I’m a more seasoned fighter.”

But that doesn’t mean he’s not an agitator anymore.   “Say refined agitator,” he tells Stahl.

Sharpton has broadened his advocacy, changing with the times to embrace causes that are more popular today than they were back in his brawling days.  “A lot of positions I take now, no one would’ve thought I would’ve taken. Who would have thought 20 years ago I’d be leading a march for immigration? Or that I would support same-sex marriage, which most black church people don’t,” he says.  “So I think that a lot of people are stuck in time.  Thankfully, I’m not,” says Sharpton.