Democrats running for president speak at 'Al Sharpton's primary' in New York

The annual National Action Network Convention is colloquially known as "Al Sharpton's primary." It is a must-stop event for the 2020 Democratic candidates, all of whom are hungry for face time with African American voters.

Over three days, more than a dozen presidential hopefuls appeared.

Friday had a packed schedule. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Sen. Kamala Harris of California, former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, and Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio all addressed NAN members.

Earlier in the week, former Rep. Beto O'Rourke of Texas and South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg were among the candidates to visit.

"They can't give their regular rah-rah speech, they got to talk policy," Sharpton told Fox 5.

The candidates touched on issues including racial injustice and criminal justice reform. No one shied away from criticizing the Trump administration.

Sharpton asked many of the candidates if, as president, they would support a bill commissioning a study on reparations to the descendants of slaves. All said yes.

Sharpton said he will wait until later in the year to make an endorsement.