Jesse Jackson Jr. Loses the Right to Vote

Peter Z. Scheer / Truthdig Feb 21, 2013 Pleading guilty to fraud and facing as many as five years in prison, former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. tearfully acknowledged Wednesday that he was losing one of the rights for which his father fought. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

When Democrats Demand War

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Sep 23, 2012 Journalist Michael Tracey was disheartened on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., where an arena full of liberals joined Vice President Joe Biden in cheering the extralegal killing of Osama bin Laden. Tracey sought the counsel of New York Times columnist David Brooks, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Reps. Dennis Kucinich and Barney Frank.Journalist Michael Tracey sought counsel from the Rev. Jesse Jackson, columnist David Brooks and Reps. Dennis Kucinich and Barney Frank after an arena full of liberals joined Vice President Joe Biden in cheering the extralegal killing of Osama bin Laden. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

‘Soul Train’ Creator Don Cornelius Dies

Staff / Truthdig Feb 1, 2012 In 1970, Don Cornelius set "Soul Train" rolling into American homes in Chicago, and soon the R&B-heavy weekly broadcast became a showcase for predominantly black musical acts and a fixture on TV sets around the country -- and it didn't stop for 35 years. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

What If Jesse Jackson Had Been the First Black President?

Staff / Truthdig Jul 6, 2011 A group of rhetoric scholars once got together and decided that Jesse Jackson's 1984 Democratic National Convention speech is the 12th most significant address of the 20th century, behind the words of Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, among others. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Does Emanuel Have a Fighting Chance in Chicago?

Staff / Truthdig Sep 28, 2010 One would think that, after serving for two years as Barack Obama's hatchet man in the White House, becoming Chicago's next mayor wouldn't be the hardest feat for Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel -- but then again, this is Chicago we're talking about here. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Racism Reconsidered

Marcia Alesan Dawkins / Truthdig Jul 22, 2010 In Obama’s America, negative connotations of race are but a relic of the past. But does this mean that it’s now fair game to play the race card in ways that might have been considered politically incorrect before Obama’s election? Is it now fair game to play the race card in ways that might have been considered politically incorrect before Obama’s election? Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Top 10 Feuds of the Year

Staff / Truthdig Dec 23, 2008 You know it's the end of the year when all those predictable fun lists start coming out. This one is among the more creative: Gawker has put together a memorable pastiche of the year's top feuds, starting with an unexpected ambush on NYT columnist Thomas Friedman. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Jesse Jackson: ‘We Are a Better America Today’

Staff / Truthdig Nov 6, 2008 Jesse Jackson took a moment on Wednesday to elaborate upon his wordless reaction (that spoke volumes) Tuesday night in Chicago as Barack Obama claimed victory in the 2008 presidential election. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Election Night Speeches

Staff / Truthdig Nov 5, 2008 John McCain was dignified and gracious in the face of overwhelming defeat Tuesday night. Barack Obama embraced his moment in history with yet another incredible speech. It brought tears to Jesse Jackson's eyes and to countless others around the country. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Jesse Jackson Backpedals on Obama Comment

Staff / Truthdig Jul 10, 2008 The Rev. Jesse Jackson quickly switched to damage-control mode Wednesday after Fox News picked up a "crude" and "private" comment that Jackson made about Barack Obama when he thought wasn't being recorded. Multiple updates. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Did Bill Clinton Hurt Hillary’s S.C. Showing?

Staff / Truthdig Jan 27, 2008 Former President Bill Clinton's strong words in the days leading up to the South Carolina Democratic primary may have affected Saturday's results in ways that didn't help Hillary Clinton, according to exit polls. While polling is under (well-deserved) scrutiny lately, statistics aren't needed to indicate how risky some of Bill Clinton's choices have been. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

The Imus Distraction

James Harris / Truthdig Apr 17, 2007 Truthdig's resident analyst of racial politics argues that the firing of Don Imus will not alleviate the more pressing problems plaguing the black community. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )