Official Statement by Jesse Jackson, Sr. re: Howard Dean

[tsipple]

I haven't seen this statement by Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. posted anywhere at Democratic Underground yet. It kind of got lost in the Al Gore endorsement announcement.

Rev. Jackson released this official statement, available at the Rainbow/PUSH web site, on December 9, 2003:

"Governor Howard Dean is gaining momentum in the solidification of the Democratic Party as well as providing clarity on the Democratic message for 2004. The endorsements by Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA), Representative Major Owens (D-NY), Representative Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. (D-IL), and now the very significant endorsement by Al Gore, the popular winner of the presidential election of 2000, are pivotal milestones on the road to the White House for Howard Dean. These endorsements demonstrate Governor Dean's broadening support by Democratic leaders, and his appeal to attract new voters into the process, as we approach the Iowa Presidential Primary.

By addressing poignant issues affecting mainstream America, Dean has galvanized a broad coalition, to include:

Sun-set Americans
Dean's stance against the Medicare bill, that overwhelmingly favors pharmactical and insurance companies as well as HMOs, appeals to seniors.

Sun-rise Americans
Dean's commitment to affording a high quality college education to all youth and placing a ceiling on tuition costs; appeals to youth.

Soldiers
Dean's forthright opposition to a preemptive and unilateral war with Iraq, which has driven our nation into global isolation patriotic, appeals to peace lovers. His citing our government's lack of preparation for injured soldiers returning home from war has appealed to soldiers and veterans.

Working Americans
Dean has unapologetically rebuked Bush's tax cut, which unjustly rewards the wealthy and penalizes the poor, and bankrupting the national treasury. Consequently, states have spiraled into deficit spending.

Global Community
Our country has witnessed a net loss of 3 million jobs and we continue to lose global manufacturing jobs. Dean has called for a global agenda which works from the bottom up.

Therefore, the sooner all Democratic presidential candidates develop a broader message which resonates among the people, the sooner they will encourage participation in the electoral process, and regain the White House."

(Some, but not all, typos corrected.)

Reverend Jackson is a powerful voice for progressive social change in America. He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in both 1984 and 1988.

[Eloriel]

1. While technically not an endorsement, I'm glad to see it

Thanks!

[Dudley_DUright]

4. Did you mean to say "while technically not an endorsement"?

n/t

[Eloriel]

6. Yes, I did

thank you. I've fixed it. Always appreciate people who help me say what I mean.

;-)

[LuminousX]

2. Impressive Statement

I didn't think Jesse would get involved in the pre-primary phase.

[Cha]

3. Thank you for this, tsipple! Jesse Sr. has a

way with words doesn't he?
I like this phrase..."By addressing poignant issues affecting mainstream America, Dean has galvanized a broad coalition"..

[CMT]

5. I have a feeling that Jesse Sr. will come out for Dean

in the near future. I was happy about Jimmy Carter's comments re: Dean on Larry King Live last night. He dismissed that Dean couldn't win and said that it is possible he might endorse a candidate later in the process when the field is down to about three candidates. He seemed genuinely impressed with the Dean campaign and more than once compared it to his own '76 campaign.

[Cha]

7. Good to know!

And his son Chip is working with our campaign! All these really Great People!

[mzmolly]

8. How much better can 'it' get gang?

This is as close to an endorsement as one can give with out using the word 'endorse'.

Dean has mass appeal! JJ Sr. is as good as it gets!

[slinkerwink]

9. I'd agree!