How Barack Obama's S.C. Win Differs From Jesse Jackson's
When Bill Clinton pointed out yesterday, while talking about Barack Obama's South Carolina victory, that Jesse Jackson won the state in 1984 and 1988, the former President got plenty of attention.
Clinton seemed to be encouraging the perception that Obama won because of support from black voters, and that his victory was more about racial allegiances than substance.
He was also misrepresenting history.
It's true that Jackson won South Carolina in '84 and '88. But Clinton failed to mention several key points. For one, the state held caucuses back in those days, not primaries, and they attracted only a fraction of the participation that yesterday's primary did. Also, Jackson is a native of Greenville, South Carolina, which gave him an extra advantage.
Finally, and most importantly, no one campaigned against Jackson either time, and the contests had nowhere near the same significance to the race.
In '84, Jackson, Walter Mondale and Gary Hart were the only three viable candidates for the Democratic nomination by the time South Carolina rolled around, although Jackson was not considered a serious threat. The South Carolina caucuses were not a standalone event, as yesterday's primary was. They fell on the same Saturday as caucuses in Michigan, Arkansas and Mississippi, as well as a primary in Puerto Rico.
Neither Hart nor Mondale mounted a serious effort in South Carolina, and the press practically ignored the state. Both candidates were looking ahead to the imminent Tuesday primary in Illinois, the first major test after Super Tuesday (which had been held the Tuesday before South Carolina and which Mondale had used to rescue his campaign with surprise wins in Georgia and Alabama).
Given that Jackson was a native son of the state, that there was a large black vote he would likely attract, the small number of delegates at stake, and the presence of so many other states on the calendar, it made sense for Mondale and Hart to cede the state to Jackson, who "won" the caucuses (he actually finished second, well behind "uncommitted") with 25 percent.
The story wasn't much different in 1988. That year, the caucuses again fell between Super Tuesday and Illinois, and again it made sense for all of the major contenders to leave it to Jackson.
Super Tuesday '88 was essentially a three-way tie between Michael Dukakis, Al Gore, and Jackson. When it was over, Dukakis and Gore both turned their attention to Illinois and Michigan (which caucused the Saturday after Illinois). Gore, who had skipped Iowa and New Hampshire, was desperate to parlay his new momentum into a non-Southern state while Dukakis believed Illinois and Michigan wins could seal the nomination for him. So they left South Carolina to Jackson, who improved on his '84 performance by claiming 41 percent of votes. As in '84, the media largely ignored the contest.
Yesterday, more than 500,000 people voted in the South Carolina Democratic primary, a stark contrast to those caucuses 20 years ago. Preparations by the candidates began more than a year ago. The national media camped out in the state for the week. And the candidates (with the exception of Hillary's two-day hiatus) moved in for the week. Jesse Jackson didn't have to do too much work for his South Carolina wins. Barack Obama had to compete with the celebrity of both Clintons and John Edwards' claim to his home state.
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Thank you for the clarification. Very helpful, as usual, to get the truth on these matters. And as is the case, it appears, in all other instances, knowing the truth of the matter only supports the integrity and honesty of Senator Obama and the move to unify this nation that he has begun. I'll spread the word.
Why does former President Richard Jefferson Clinton continue to demonise Senator Barack Obama? What he has been doing to support his wife in the current election campaign smacks of barbarism and is downright evil. It is unchristian to villify someone so as to make way for yourself using your wife! President Clinton should have sought approval from the American people during his eight year tenure to amend the constitution so as to enable him serve as president for sixteen years, instead of attempting to extend his White House tenure via the back door through Hillary Clinton. I used to admire and appreciate him as an honest, meek and GOD fearing gentleman, but now I am not so sure about him! President Clinton, kindly revert to your role as an accomplished American statesman please. Support and encourage your wife's ambitions, but do not sacrifice other folks in order to achieve victory for her. Live and let's live: give other people and ideas a chance. America stands for diversity in ideas, people and sensibilities - and this combination took you to the White House. Thank you!
It seems to me that Ex-President Clinton could be sabatoging his wife's campaign. This negativity has not gotten anyone in the White House. He should be ashamed of himself. "Shame on you Bill"
Julie Hoover
9059 Gaither Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-1424
For years, I have been President Clinton's admirer even at the time of Monica Lwensiky affair. But lately Mr. Clinton had shown everyone exactly who he is. It is really very sorry situation. I intended to vote for Mrs. Clinton if she wins the primary, but I will vote Republican Party if Mrs. Clinton wins the Democratic Party primary. There is no different between Clinton late Atwater, Willie Horton and President Bush swift boat campaign
against Dukkakis and Kerry respective. We usually associate republicans with mudslinging.
So, my Bill continues your negative campaign Obama and you have yourself to blame. The best Americans are yet to be born and American dream and aspiration shall on.
The Clintons show a sign of desperation which questions their real intent of running.... Is their race for the White house an ego drive or a sincere drive to serve the people of the United States. I for one feel very strongly that the world is looking up to America for a change of status quo. Barack Obama is not Jesus Christ,... but once in a while someone comes along that rekindles hope and a feeling of freshness you cannot resist or ignore. I feel tha freshness just now.
For years, I have been President Clinton's admirer even at the time of Monica Lwensiky affair. But lately Mr. Clinton had shown everyone exactly who he is. It is really very sorry situation. I intended to vote for Mrs. Clinton if she wins the primary, but I will vote Republican Party if Mrs. Clinton wins the Democratic Party primary. There is no different between Clinton late Atwater, Willie Horton and President Bush swift boat campaign
against Dukkakis and Kerry respective. We usually associate republicans with mudslinging.
So, my Bill continues your negative campaign Obama and you have yourself to blame. The best Americans are yet to be born and American dream and aspiration shall on.
This is 'balanced journalism' at its best. Keep up the good work.
I'm a non-American who have over the years admired the Clintons, but I'm disappointed at the role President Clinton is playing in wife's campaign. They seem desperate to get back to the white house by any means possible. It's not good for the Stateman image Bill has worked had to cultivate over the years.
Americans Not Deceived by Bill Clinton, et al.
The timeline began with the Clintons bringing up issues of race in a vague way and then wondering out loud why Barack Obama was getting so upset. It reminds me of the bully of the schoolyard pushing another child when the teacher’s back is turned and then acting cute and innocent.
How many have noticed this ploy? How many are gullible enough to watch a partially smiling Bill Clinton become irritated by questions from reporters and how many believe his argument that the Obama camp is starting to play dirty?
Those Clintons are very clever – aren’t they? Unfortunately their game-playing (politics as usual) might just work and might defeat Obama’s efforts to win the Democratic nomination
I would hope that we are smart enough to see through these manipulations.
Hillary's active and strong negative approach to Barack was a big turn-off at the beginning of last week’s Debate. This is typical of the "Clinton Machine" approach. Read Sally Bedell Smith's "For the Love of Politics" and you will decide that another four or eight years of a Clinton White House will not be in the best interests of our country. The behind-the-scenes manipulations might be politics as usual - but we need to get away from that and take a more unified approach to move our country forward.
Also - remember that Bill will be the unofficial Vice-President…which will lead to more negatives and Bedell Smith's book reinforces the number of faulty efforts of Bill Clinton's administration.
Barack Obama is a reasonable and good person who can bring honesty and unity to our country.
Lois Peterson
1016 Tahoe Drive
Belmont, CA 94002
A few days before the South Carolina primary, Sen. Clinton stated that Sen. Obama was frustrated. Who is really frustrated. I am sure she would like to take that comment back. But I am sure she has a political "spin" comment to diffuse that issue.
I have felt an inspiration since I first heard Barack Obama speak. As others, including Caroline Kennedy, I have not an idea of real hope since her father was President. I am proud of the Kennedy's for being willing enough to use their support publicly for Obama's campaign. I find that inspirational too. All I have heard from the Clintons (they seem to be a pair, just at two different speaking locations) is negativity completely unneccessary to the campaign and damaging to the country. Yes, Bill is usually a pretty likeable guy and has charisma, but let's face it he LIED UNDER OATH. What does that say for his character, and for the character, in my personal opinion only, of Hillary to put up with a man who has philandered for years and she hasn't kicked out the door. He would have been out of my life years ago, once I found out once, but this seems more a political pairing than a marriage. I don't know how she can hold herself up as a strong woman. She has certainly shown weakness in being a strong woman to stay married to Bill.
The American people are showing there disappointment with the status quo and I am very proud to be one today. We are ready for new ideas and fresh faces in Washington and in the White House. We have been looking for a leader who is willing to break down barriers that separated us and bridge the social and economic gap that hindered true progress. The Clinton's recently proved that they are neither willing or able to unite the American people to a common cause, instead they have demonstrate the opposite. I believe if Hillary Clinton is the Democratic nominee a lot of Democrats will actually vote republican or not vote at all.
Call it like it is. If Hillary Clinton is nominated, she will "swift-boat" herself. If she is even elected as President, can you imagine what you will hear EVERY day. She will never get anything accomplished!
I do like her and her husband, but all you will hear is dirty laundry!
BARACK OBAMA!! YOU feel my heart with love and hope!!
I thank GOD every day for you!!
Don't worry, we are aware of the evil the "others" try to do to you!
I wish I could hug each and every person that voted for you in S. Carolina!!
From a White woman thats for OBAMA!!!
Great comments! I thought it was very funny when the Clintons were making the comments about race, and trying to suck Barack into the controversy. I loved when the CNN reporter caught up with Barack, knocking on doors ... busy with his campaigning. He commented to the reporters that basically, "Do you see me worrying? I'm busy running a campaign"
As a woman, I was thrilled when Hillary ran. I thought that I would be torn between Hillary, and Barack ... but I went on You Tube, and listened to his speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention ... and I read his book. That's all that it took! And then, Hillary totally turned me off with her and her husband's dirty tactics!
I was really hoping that the mudslinging would stay out of the Democratic party ... and show up when it inevitably would .. during the General Election. I love what John Edwards has to say too, but I don't think he can carry the party. But he'd make a great VP!!
Obama - Edwards - 2008!!
WE ALL IN NIGERIA ARE REALLY SUPPORTING OBAMA............GO OBAMA U CAN DO IT RIGHT
BELIZEANS FOR OBAMA '08!!!!!
I believe that America would be better off politically economically,socially and culturally with Barack Obama.
I read his two books and I discovered a man with a lot of integrity, sincerety and honesty. He not only speaks hope, he is the hope for the American people and for the rest of the entire world.
January 29,2008
All though I liked the Clinton's exspecially during Bill's presidency it semms they are running scared with all the mudd slinging that's going on. It makes you wonder who is really running for president in '08 Bill or Hilary. Barack keep uniting th country we are behind you.
Senator Obama is the best - not to worry, all...to quote a line from a song penned by the artist, Prince, "cream rises to the top"!
Thanks for stating the facts about Jesse's wins. I'm disappointed at the Clinton's lack of class. The Clintons are power hungry and there doing everything possible to get back in the White House. It will be only a matter of time before they will be campaigning for Chelsy to get in the White House.