Rev. Jesse Jackson
At a press conference after the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s death at 84, his son, Jesse Jackson Jr., warned pols, pundits, posturers and ex-presidents not to “bring your politics” to services or grandstand. “These ongoing services are welcome to ALL—Democrat, Republican, liberal, and conservative. Right-wing, left-wing,” he said.
At least three who spoke at Jackson, Sr.’s Chicago memorial did not listen and they were all former presidents,
Former president Barack Obama credited Jackson with helping to enable his presidency as a Black American. Former president Bill Clinton called the Reverend a “friend.” Former president Joe Biden drew analogies between his and Jackson’s public careers.
But, none of the three former presidents knew his father sufficiently to speak about him admonished Jackson Jr. – to the shock of some local Democrats and activists.
What is going on demographically in Chicago – and possibly the country?
While US Blacks have traditionally voted Democratic, Trump doubled his support among African-Americans during his last presidential campaign according to Pew Research. Some credit the so-called “bro” vote combined with the anemic performance of Biden running mate Kamala Harris.
And speaking of anemic, is there anyone who didn’t cringe at Hillary Clinton’s 2008 affectation of a Black accent in Selma, Alabama when she was running for president?
“I don’t feel no ways tired,” she intoned, citing the song of the same name associated with the late Rev. James Cleveland.
The appeal was so forced, so self-conscious, so palpably embarrassing, Clinton herself must have cringed. It’s a wonder she wasn’t booed by the overwhelmingly Black crowd. Rev. James Cleveland, considered the Godfather of US Gospel music and a Chicagoan, would himself have headed for the exits.
This week, Democratic Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, indulged in similar cringe-worthy condescension. On the 61st anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, he termed President Trump’s alleged plan to “place federal agents at polling places” so he can “seize” the ballot boxes while Democratic election fears surface: “Jim Crow all over again.”
The Hyatt Hotels billionaire relates to Jim Crow subjugation? Bloody Sunday activists would have headed for the exits.
Serving Constituencies—Not
Of course, it is no secret that the Illinois governor hopes to run for US President in 2028 and is using his governorship post for early campaigning. How much did the trip to Selma cost Illinois taxpayers? What did they gain from it?
Even if the governor uses his own funds for his serial campaign trips, as claimed – 12 out-of-state trips in 12 months including to Canada, Mexico, France and Japan – what about his time away from his “desk” and neglect of his duties to Illinois citizens?
It is reminiscent of Evanston Mayor Daniel B’s shocking recent political reversal. Weeks after reelection as mayor of the liberal Chicago suburb on April 1, 2025, he announced he would run for the US House of Representatives to represent Illinois’ 9th District seat to be vacated by the retiring Jan Schakowsky. Thank you, Evanstonians who voted for me — see you around!
Can Democrats reassemble their previous, reliable voting block of workers, minorities and low-income and marginalized people some are wondering here in Chicago? Not with their current patronizing, say others.
