Friday, the New York Daily News reported that Rev. Al “Captain African-America” Sharpton apparently has strategically neglected to publicly support either Democratic candidate, despite his obvious affinity towards Senator Obama.

According to the report, the Captain speaks with Obama “two to three times a week” but claims he’s “gonna do whatever I gotta do to help [Obama.] Hillary Clinton has never done nothing for us,’” said Sharpton speaking specifically about his NAN organization (not black people, don’t get all bent out of shape.) Sharpton also told the Daily News Tuesday he has no plans to officially endorse Obama, but admitted he’s “absolutely supportive” of his White House bid.

Here’s my thing: We’ve already established that a public endorsement from the controversial and outspoken civil rights leader will only further polarize democratic voters, something Obama has fought so hard to escape. So what, subtly endorsing him in the Daily News is any different? It was like the worst kept secret was killing him so much he had to let it out. Do you hear that? It’s the sound of hundreds of Pennsylvania voters jumping to the Clinton camp. Although the “SNL” cartoon sketch parodied Sharpton’s effect on the campaign his public support could actually swing the nomination, ironically not because people like him but because they can’t stand him.

With my recent political commentary, some members of the Nation have accused me of not saying or doing anything that doesn’t in someway side with Mr. Obama. This interview was published on Tuesday however has received very little burn on the net and the blogs. Obviously Captain “African America’s” half-endorsement has a negative effect on the Obama momentum but I think I’m playing it straight by reporting it.