Monday at the National Action Network's (NAN) House of Justice in Harlem, Rev. Al Sharpton took direct aim at President Donald Trump, who originally had no public events scheduled to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"After we attacked him, he went by a drive-by of the King Memorial," Sharpton said. "A 90-second stop, which is the epitome of an insult. He didn't even tweet this morning, 'Happy King Day,' until after we attacked him. We don't want a drive-by, Mr. President."

Earlier in the day, Sharpton hosted a breakfast in Washington, where several potential presidential candidates delivered remarks, including former Vice President Joe Biden. Also on-hand was former mayor Mike Bloomberg, who is also exploring a run for the White House as a Democrat.

"Whatever the next year brings for Joe and me, I know we will both keep our eyes on the real prize, and that is electing a Democrat to the White House in 2020," Bloomberg said.

"We disagreed on stop-and-frisk, but we agreed on education, and we agreed on many other issues," Sharpton said. "And I will never forget I used to always talk about how Dr. King taught us how we must find that common ground even if we disagree and really do disagree on issues."

Back in New York, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was given one of the earliest speaking slots during the program. She had spent the weekend campaigning in Iowa.

"I can't tell you how excited I am to be here at the House of Justice on Martin Luther King Jr. Day," the Democrat said. "It is such an important day for us to be here."

One elected official who did not attend the National Action Network event was Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He issued a statement earlier in the day paying tribute to Dr. King. His public schedule only said he was in Albany.

 

Image above of Bloomberg, Sharpton, Biden, and Martin Luther King Jr III gathered at a commemoration of Martin Luther King Day in Washington courtesy of Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP.

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