CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The first night of the Democratic National Convention offered great praise for President Joe Biden, and a surprise appearance by Kamala Harris. But, it also honored one of Chicago's own, the Reverend Jesse Jackson.
Civil rights leader Jackson has been living with Parkinson’s disease for several years. But, early among last night’s convention speeches was praise for the former Rainbow PUSH leader.
He appeared on stage in a wheelchair pushed by his son, Congressman Johnathan Jackson.
The Congressman told WBBM he’s been very touched by the tribute from people great and small, including leaders who say Rev. Jackson paved the way for them.
“It was a moral crusade of the foundational run,” the younger Jackson said. “It wasn’t about my district, it was about the collective, and so many people benefited, so for that I’m eternally grateful, and now I have another vantage point on looking at dad, and I’m so glad that he’s here to fill the warmth of the sun of his accomplishments.”
He said his father is eternally optimistic and hopeful about the candidacy of Kamala Harris because he feels this country is in a dangerous time.
There's no question that there's a palpable excitement surrounding the candidacy of Kamala Harris at this convention. There's optimism. But what will it take to keep the momentum of the first weeks going?
Illinois Delegate and Chicago Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. had a possibly surprising answer. He said Harris doesn't need to do anything because everytime Donald Trump opens his mouth, he hurts himself.
“I think this is the type of momentum that she don’t even have to do anything,” Burnett said. “That momentum is just going to keep rolling because every time that other guy speaks he put his foot in his mouth…He’s so disrespectful to women. Any man who honored their wives and their mothers and their daughters, man cannot vote for that guy.”
Some of his fellow delegates and public officials do believe it will take a lot of work to keep the momentum going. But, they all appear ready to do the work.
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