« previous | TPM CAFÉ READER POSTS HOME | next »
Jesse Jackson: Ingratiating Himself with Blacks at Obama's Expense.
Over the years Rev. Jesse Jackson's largely effective---albeit ethnically tailored--- protest politics had far-reaching impact on a sectarian level however, and his self-styled "Black leadership" had elevated the political aura of his persona to near legitimate dimensions in American politics. Nonetheless, lately his prominence had considerably receded from the national media headlines since the presidential politics ushered Barack Obama onto the national stage. Hence in the foregoing context, then, the recent headline-making epithets tagged on Obama by Jackson seem to have achieved just what they clearly were intended to accomplish: the elevation of Jackson into the limelight once again for the sole purpose of reducing Obama to narrow black nationalist politics Jackson has long consigned himself to. In that kind of politics he has thrived and gained some measure of national recognition as a black leader. But the emergence of Obama as a legitimate major-party presidential candidate in mainstream American politics has essentially scuttled from Jackson, what the Reverend never acually acquired: mainstream legitimacy. Thus we have'nt seen the last of Jackson's controversies against Obama designed to ingratiate himself with the black community at Obama's expense. Never mind that he has apologized or purports to.
Comments (3)
African-American voters will reject Jackson's comments. Those voters are very practical people. The choice is President Barack Obama or Bush III and Jesse Jackson.
In fact Jesse may get some Consevative African-Americans to vote for Obama rather the lackluster McCain. Reagan Democrats in Red State America will actually like the idea that they are giving it to Jesse by voting for Barack Obama.
July 10, 2008 4:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Your take on the Jesse Jackson issue is highly analytical and insightful.
July 11, 2008 2:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Who did Jackson support in Primary?
July 10, 2008 8:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Post a Comment