The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in American civil rights and politics, died Tuesday morning at the age of 84, his family announced. His passing has prompted reflections on a career that spanned decades, from marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr. To launching two presidential bids that reshaped the Democratic Party.
In 1988, while covering Michael Dukakis’s presidential campaign, journalist Kevin Merida experienced a deeply personal illustration of Jackson’s impact. A pilgrimage to Wichita, Kansas, to visit his ailing grandfather, whom he called “Ga-Ga,” coincided with Jackson’s second run for the White House. Merida recounted holding his grandfather’s hand, sharing news of Jackson’s rallies – particularly the enthusiastic crowds in Iowa and Wisconsin – and repeating Jackson’s refrain, “Great days just maintain on coming.” To Merida’s astonishment, his grandfather squeezed his hand and offered a faint smile.
“His impact in that hospital room—and he wasn’t even there—eliciting a glimmer of life from my dying grandfather, has always stayed with me,” Merida wrote in a remembrance of Jackson. Ga-Ga passed away shortly after, but Jackson’s campaign continued to gain momentum, ultimately securing 11 primaries and caucuses and nearly 7 million votes, finishing as the runner-up to Dukakis.
Jackson’s 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns were groundbreaking, opening the Democratic Party to a fresh wave of political participation. He mobilized a diverse coalition of voters, including those traditionally marginalized from the political process, and pushed for significant changes to party rules. These changes, notably the adoption of proportional allocation of delegates in primaries and caucuses, would later prove crucial to Barack Obama’s historic 2008 presidential victory. As Dukakis himself acknowledged, Jackson’s efforts helped pave the way for Obama’s success, stating, “Keep Hope Alive’ in 1984 and 1988 did help lead to ‘Yes We Can’ in 2008. That’s an important legacy.”
Beyond electoral politics, Jackson was known for his ability to connect with everyday Americans, those he referred to as “who catch the early bus” – cooks, janitors, construction workers. He possessed, according to Merida, “the gift…to project hope in a fractured country, to instill belief in those who’ve lost it.” This talent extended to unexpected gestures, such as rushing to officiate a friend’s wedding between campaign stops, demonstrating a personal touch that resonated with many.
Jackson’s influence extended beyond domestic policy. He was known for his involvement in international issues, including hostage negotiations and advocating for peace and justice around the world. He maintained a broad network of contacts and was frequently sought out for his insights on complex global challenges. He was a peripatetic figure, engaging with issues ranging from school-board disputes to Wall Street, often initiating contact with individuals and institutions directly, sometimes with little notice, as he did when visiting the Washington Post in 2015.
Former Washington Post Managing Editor Kevin Merida recalled receiving a photograph from Jackson, signed with the inscription, “He would be proud of you,” referencing Martin Luther King Jr. The gesture, Merida noted, was unexpected and deeply moving, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by King and Jackson to expand opportunities for future generations.
Jackson’s unconventional approach to campaigning and his willingness to challenge the status quo sometimes led to criticism. He was known for his provocative rhetoric and his tendency to shift focus from one issue to another. However, his ability to inspire and mobilize people remained undeniable throughout his career. He often called people late at night, delivering lengthy soliloquies on issues he found unjust, educating and challenging those on the receiving conclude.
