Sharpton blames Obama campaign for 'jealous' allegation

March 13, 2007

New York - Two weeks ago, in Selma, Ala., the Rev. Al Sharpton and Sen. Barack Obama embraced. But Monday brought a chill when a New York Post article claimed Sharpton was trying to tear down the Democratic presidential hopeful because of jealousy.

Two weeks ago, in Selma, Ala., the Rev. Al Sharpton and Sen. Barack Obama embraced. But Monday brought a chill when a New York Post article claimed Sharpton was trying to tear down the Democratic presidential hopeful because of jealousy.

And Tuesday, Sharpton alleged that Obama's presidential campaign planted the story, which claimed the civil-rights leader was withholding his support of the Illinois Democrat because he is 'jealous' of Obama's soaring popularity.

"It's important to point out, they started this," Sharpton said. "I mean I wake up yesterday morning with no warning and (read) 'is he jealous because he won't endorse?' I've never heard anything like that in my life in politics."

He added, "This is one time I didn't start the fight."

Sharpton said Obama called him about the article last night, but he wasn't available to take the senator's call. He said he plans to call the Illinois Democrat back.