Democrats to talk civil rights

The two democrats seeking their party’s presidential nomination appear tonight at a “Brown/black” forum in Des Moines to talk about civil rights. Former New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley appeared at a Martin Luther King Day forum for Des Moines-area elementary school kids. One of the kids asked Bradley why there’s never been a black president.Bradley said too many Americans can’t look beneath skin color.Bradley had strong words about the controversy in South Carolina over flying the Confederate flag over that State Capitol. He said it’s offensive and should be taken down immediately. Bradley, a star in the N-B-A for the New York Knicks, brought along former Boston Celtic star Bill Russell, who when he started in the N-B-A was the only black player on his team.Vice President Al Gore arrived in Iowa this afternoon for the debate with Bradley, which begins at five o’clock.