NBC Today-Transcript

NBC News Transcripts January 29, 2004 Thursday
Copyright 2004 National Broadcasting Co. Inc.
NBC News Transcripts

SHOW: Today (7:00 AM ET) - NBC

January 29, 2004 Thursday

HEADLINE: Democratic presidential candidates face significant minority community in South Carolina

ANCHORS: MATT LAUER; KATIE COURIC

REPORTERS: KELLY O'DONNELL

BODY:
MATT LAUER, co-host:

Now let's turn to NBC's Kelly O'Donnell.

Kelly, good morning to you.

KELLY O'DONNELL reporting:

Good morning, Matt. South Carolina brings to this race a dynamic not seen in Iowa and New Hampshire, a significant minority community. And because the South Carolina race comes so early in the primary calendar, it gives a chance to African-Americans to help shape the momentum of this race.

South Carolina's unique voice in this primary season.

Mr. LEE BANDY (Political Writer, "The State"): This will be the first time the candidates can test their appeal in the black community.

O'DONNELL: African-Americans make up more than 40 percent of Democrats here, a powerful constituency candidates are working hard to court.

Senator JOHN EDWARDS (Democrat, Presidential Candidate): I think that what I stand for and my message of hope and change in this country is something that will resonate in the African-American community.

O'DONNELL: Al Sharpton, the only African-American still in the race, says he has spent more time here than any other candidate, and has seen his best polling numbers. But some leaders say black voters like Democrats across the board are weighing electability.

Mr. JOHN RICKENBACKER (County Council President, Orangeburg, South Carolina): I don't think Al Sharpton is the kind of candidate this time around that African-American voters are going to vote for.

O'DONNELL: The issue here, jobs. African-Americans in this state are three times more likely to live in poverty than whites. To reach out, Edwards and Wes Clark each stressed their humble upbringings, while John Kerry is hoping to benefit from the endorsement of the state's most prominent black office holder.

Representative JAMES CLYBURN (Democrat, South Carolina): This primary could very well be a breakthrough in South Carolina for the Democratic Party to reestablish itself as a viable party in presidential politics.

O'DONNELL: And talking to voters here, the subject of jobs comes up very quickly. In this state there have been more than 165,000 textile and manufacturing jobs lost. It's something you can expect the candidates to be talking about. Katie:

KATIE COURIC, co-host:

All right, Kelly, thanks so much.