Mayor Daley rips the Chicago Sun-Times

The Chicago Sun-Times reports:

Mayor Daley on Wednesday accused the Chicago Sun-Times of trying to create conflict between himself and the Rev. Al Sharpton in a desperate attempt to sell newspapers by fanning racial tension.

"I don't know why you're trying to position me on that. It's really unfair. . . . My picture in the paper yesterday and today -- Al Sharpton on one [side] and me [on the other]. Pretty soon, they'll have boxing tournaments going on. It'll be a racial thing. They'll get us going," Daley said.

"It's a gig. They have to sell newspapers. And if they don't mention my name, maybe they can't sell 'em. . . . They need help, that paper."

Daley's charges came as Sharpton formally announced the opening of a Chicago chapter of his New York-based civil rights organization National Action Network. Speaking at the South Side's Regal Theater, Sharpton stood by his earlier characterization Daley has been "getting a pass" on police brutality scrutiny.

After seeing Wednesday's paper with headlines describing Daley as angry with him, Sharpton called the mayor. The two chatted briefly and the mayor offered a future meeting, said Sharpton.

After seeing the Sun-Times, "I wanted to know what base we were on,'' said Sharpton. "I've never had a problem when I've seen the man in the past. He called me right back. He said, 'This is not a problem with Al Sharpton.' "

Great moments in the Democratic Party.