PB: Who is more likely to be assassinated -- the first Jewish or the first black president?

AS: I hope neither, but probably the first black.

PB: Why?

AS: Because our high profile leadership has been historically victimized more by [violence]. I don't underestimate anti-Semitism at all, but given the historic record, it would seem that we would be more prone to a violent attack.

PB: Many people said 9/11 was going to break down racial barriers. Have you seen that?

AS: I think in many ways it did, particularly in the beginning. I saw in New York a kind of unity and a coming together I never thought I would see. But I think that Bush et al manipulated it to where it became less than unifying over a period of time. Those terrorists that attacked the World Trade Center didn't send an e-mail telling blacks to get out of the building, or Latinos or Asians. They killed us all as Americans. We all died together. The question is, can we learn to live together?

PB: What is your take on Schwarzenegger's alleged racist comments?

AS: I am not surprised. Arnold Schwarzenegger is Pete Wilson with biceps. The irony is that many of the right wingers who say Al Sharpton never held elective office and therefore shouldn't run for president, want to elect an actor, who never had a serious thought, as governor. I have been involved in public policy in the social arena in shaping a lot of this country for the last quarter of a century. He has been in movies. The difference between Schwarzenegger as an action man and me as an action man is that the stunt man doesn't do my hard work. I went to jail and did the marches myself.

PB: Realistically, when do you think we will have the first black president? Has that person been born yet?

AS: Of course I am going to say that in 2005 Al Sharpton will be inaugurated. Short of that, I think that yes, that person has been born. I don't think you make progress when "the nation is ready." You make progress when people get ready to make the nation ready. The nation wasn't ready for blacks to come to the front of the bus, but Rosa Parks and Martin King were ready. Some of us are ready to no longer consider the limitations imposed upon us. And if we are more determined than those we are fighting, our determination will pay off.

PB: As a former backup singer for James Brown, how would your wife's influence change the White House and the nation as First Lady?

AS: It would be very soulful and harmonious. She is a great singer and a great organizer and we would have a lot of fun nights at the White House. And one thing America needs is a lot more soul.