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CNBC News Transcripts January 29, 2004 Thursday
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CNBC News Transcripts

SHOW: The News on CNBC (8:00 PM ET) - CNBC

January 29, 2004 Thursday

HEADLINE: Congressman James Clyburn discusses Democratic presidential race and why he's endorsing John Kerry

ANCHORS: JOHN SEIGENTHALER

BODY:

JOHN SEIGENTHALER, anchor: And a little earlier I talked with South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn, the state's only black congressman. Today, he endorsed John Kerry, and here's what he said about him.

Representative JAMES CLYBURN (Democrat, South Carolina): I think that John Kerry, because of his background and experiences, because he has been there with the Vietnam experience-I've watched him interact with Vietnam survivors. And I really believe that he has a sensitivity and the good sense, the compassion and the credibility that can bring us back together as a people.

SEIGENTHALER: Did you consider endorsing Al Sharpton?

Rep. CLYBURN: No, I never did. I have always been supportive of Al Sharpton. But I know how critical South Carolina is in this whole process, and I wanted to make sure when this people-these people leave South Carolina, that they leave here having played a significant part in this election of the next president of the United States. And so I kept my focus on those people who I thought would leave here with one of the two tickets coming out of South Carolina.

SEIGENTHALER: South Carolina is clearly a state where African-American voters can have a big influence on the outcome. You must think that John Kerry, other than what you mentioned about him being a Vietnam veteran, is appealing to African-American voters. Tell us why.

Rep. CLYBURN: Well, if you look at his record, you look at the fact that his jobs program or proposals, his health-care proposals, his whole involvement in homeland security and personal security issues, all of that is about the same as all the other candidates. But you know, when you have an experience like we had during the Vietnam era, when disproportionate numbers of African Americans serve and you watch how these people are now looking back on that experience, looking for someone to bring healing to that process, I-I just think that watching him interact with African Americans, he does have what it takes to gain their confidence, and I think he has the kind of program that can be built upon. That is not to say...

SEIGENTHALER: And...

Rep. CLYBURN: I'm sorry.

SEIGENTHALER: No, I was just going to say, you know, Southern candidates like John Edwards and Wesley Clark have said, 'Look, we understand the South. Vote-South-vote for us because we connect with Southern voters.' But, obviously, you think that's not necessarily the case, that-that John Kerry, a Northeasterner can do that.

Rep. CLYBURN: Well, I think the country ought not be divided North against South or East against West. I think that we need to unite as one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. That is what I think. Can John Edwards do it? Absolutely. I don't know Wesley Clark as well, but I suspect he can as well. He's had the experiences in the military with African Americans, and I've talked to a lot of them who know him and who feel very strongly he has these qualities. I think it's good for the Democratic field to have so many candidates in it that-that so many black people can be comfortable with. That's a compliment to our party. And I'm pleased to see that. But having said that, the fact still remains, can John Kerry do it? Absolutely, he can. And I believe that he will leave South Carolina with one of the tickets to the finals.

SEIGENTHALER: A lot of people were waiting for this endorsement. Congressman Clyburn has made it for John Kerry. And we appreciate you taking the time to talk with us tonight.

Rep. CLYBURN: Well, thank you so much for having me.