Obama isn't the first African American to win a Presidential primary

[dsc]

Jesse Jackson won five in 1988. Yes, Obama is making history. Please don't forget Jesse Jackson. He didn't ever have the chance to win it all that Obama has, but without Jesse, we likely wouldn't have Obama.

[Chovexani]

1. Thanks for reminding us.

I still have my Jesse for Pres button from '88, that my mom pinned on my backpack.

I remember the ridicule I got for it in elementary school too (this was a predominately rich WASP private school). I didn't care, either.

[kurth]

2. Excellent point

Jesse Jackson was a true pioneer.

[sandnsea]

3. Yes you're right, he was awesome

I can't remember if I voted for Jackson or Gore in '88, but he ran a hell of a campaign.

[dsc]

4. In Illinois you vote for the candidate seperately from the delegates

I voted for Simon but Jesse's delegates.

[sandnsea]

13. That's interesting

Why does it work like that, and what good does it do to vote for one candidate if the other's delegates will get seated.

[dsc]

14. Simon needed the showing so he wouldn't get a serious challenge for his Senate seat

but by that time he was dead as a candidate for President. It worked out for him though I think most just voted for the delegates of their candidate.

[TheDebbieDee]

5. Well, then, let's not forget Shirley Chisholm neither.......

I don't think she ever won a primary, but she ran in the race for as long as she could.

I would tip my hat to both of them if I had one!

[dsc]

6. true

[racaulk]

7. Very good point, thanks for the reminder.

:)

[melody]

8. Actually, if Abe Lincoln was a Melungeon, it's arguable that he was the first n/t

[ProSense]

9. You're right, he did not make history, at least not tonight! n/t

[tammywammy]

10. Good point

Many men and women paved the road that Obama walks down at this point.

[EffieBlack]

11. Jesse Jackson helped to build the bridge that Obama is now crossing

And I hope that Obama remembers to stop along the way and nail down a few planks to ease the way for those who will come behind him.

Thank you, Rev. Jackson.

[DesertRat]

12. I voted for Jesse Jackson that year in the Texas primary.

:patriot:

[H2O Man]

15. When Jesse began

to gain strength, the "good old boys" behind the scenes encouraged some other candidates to drop out, to allow Michael Dukakis to get the nomination.

[Divine Discontent]

16. amen! n/t

[annie1]

17. k&r