Common Sense: Trending negative
Last week’s Q poll showed not only that Al Sharpton was viewed negatively by New Yorkers in every borough, it also showed that the trend in terms of a view of him was increasingly negative. For politicians like the mayor who probably care, the poll essentially indicates that it would be a good idea to stay away from him.
In fact, Sharpton’s fall from grace has been startlingly fast, and statistically significant with an overwhelmingly negative view of him held by all segments of New York exclusive of blacks but very much so by other minority communities including Hispanics. And he is even losing real ground in the black communities. Fueling hate is never a good long term strategy.
In as much as Sharpton’s power is a result of the illusion that he speaks for most of New York City’s minorities who are in reality a majority , the loss of support among Hispanics will have a devastating effect on his influence. The loss of his support will come as no surprise. He is viewed as a cause and proponent of a divisive atmosphere that has taken hold over our city.