Fresh off his big win in New Hampshire, Bernie Sanders met with the Rev. Al Sharpton in Harlem, a neighborhood that has a long history with the Clintons. NY1's Michael Scotto filed the following report.
Bernie Sanders hugged the Rev. Al Sharpton Wednesday, meeting at Harlem's famed Sylvia's restaurant, just hours after Sanders crushed Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire's Democratic primary.
"I think it is very important that he sent the signal that on the morning after an historic victory, that he would have breakfast with me in Harlem," Sharpton said.
The 20-minute meeting comes as Sanders tries to build support in the black community ahead of crucial presidential primaries in states like South Carolina, where the black vote looms large. Clinton has enjoyed a big edge with African-Americans, and Sanders must win more of their votes to get the nomination.
Sharpton said he and Sanders discussed issues important to the black community, including affirmative action and policing.
"Senator Sanders coming here this morning further makes it clear that we will not be ignored," Sharpton said.
Sharpton says his words are not an endorsement. He says he will decide which candidate to support after he meets with Clinton next week. But his decision just to give Sanders a hearing in Harlem, where Bill Clinton has long had an office, gives the senator new visibility in the African-American community.
Sanders also visited the ladies of "The View," where he tried to win points with another Clinton group: women.
"You have your own flavor ice cream," Sanders was told.
"I'm tasting this for the very first time. Mmm, good," Sanders replied, sampling some Ben & Jerry's.
Team Clinton fought back, organizing a conference call with prominent black supporters like Brooklyn Rep. Hakeem Jefferies, who said Sanders had been "missing in action" on minority issues.
On the streets of Harlem, some voters were undecided, a sign, perhaps, that some voters who have long supported the Clintons are open to making a change.