Many observers are agog over Jesse Jackson’s angry “open mic” revelation, in what he thought was a “private moment” during a Fox News appearance, that the civil rights leader would like to cut off Barack Obama’s nuts.
John Cass’s column in today’s Chicago Tribune offers some historical insight, going back to Jackson’s early years as a Chicago pol.
Cass first points out that a reference to a politician’s cajones has long been a part of Chicago political tradition:
[Editor’s note: If you watch the video, which we linked here, you can see the wrist twist and hear the grunt.]
Cass sought answers from a Chicago black pol:
So there you have it. This is not a “black thing”, but rather a very public boiling over of years of frustration suffered by Jesse Jackson, who has seen others ascend to political power, and then push him out of the limelight.
John Cass’s column in today’s Chicago Tribune offers some historical insight, going back to Jackson’s early years as a Chicago pol.
Cass first points out that a reference to a politician’s cajones has long been a part of Chicago political tradition:
Ok, that explains the civil right’s leader’s fixation on the presumptive Democratic nominee’s testicles, but why the anger expressed by Jackson—who said he would like to separate the Chicago Senator from said vital organs, accompanied by what Cass described as “Jackson twisting his right wrist, as if he held a curved blade, giving a little pull, grunting for emphasis, like a butcher of the old school, if you will”?
“Our Machine Democrats who back Obama are constantly preoccupied with nuts of all kinds. When our first king, Richard I, was elected, the hacks went around saying that "Daley is the dog with the big nuts," though they wouldn't dare say so in the presence of mob boss Paul Ricca.
“And when Daley's son, Richard Shortshanks, began the restoration, his anatomy was also favorably described by trembling politicians who still act like puppies in his presence. Our own Machine-backed governor, Rod "The Unreformer" Blagojevich, once made news by bragging he had "testicular virility" to make tough decisions, although now everyone's patiently waiting for him to get indicted without making a mess.”
[Editor’s note: If you watch the video, which we linked here, you can see the wrist twist and hear the grunt.]
Cass sought answers from a Chicago black pol:
“Rather than listen to Washington talking heads explain our town's politics, I called a friend, a prominent African-American activist of the far left persuasion. He considers me his token conservative buddy.”What Cass learned about the source of Jackson’s frustration is fascinating. According to Cass’s source:
“"Jesse's got an ego. He can't stand it. He couldn't stand it when Harold ran things. He can't stand it now, watching Barack climb up the Daleys
into the White House," said my friend.
“He was talking about Chicago's first black mayor, the late Harold Washington. I covered Washington's opening announcement of his historic campaign. The platform at the Hyde Park Hilton was ringed with large, tough, black police officers in plain clothes, their arms locked, letting no one up there with Washington.
“The reason?
“[Mayor] Washington didn't want Jackson up there. He knew the Rev. would try to grab the limelight. Once Washington was elected, Jackson
was politically invited to leave Chicago for Washington, where he ultimately ran for the presidency.
“That's what Chicago does with politicians who could threaten the mayor. We get them to run for the White House.
“Of course he's got to be green-eyed, when Jackson sees white liberals in the news media all but hug Barack's trouser leg, seeking affirmation and expiation of guilt."
So there you have it. This is not a “black thing”, but rather a very public boiling over of years of frustration suffered by Jesse Jackson, who has seen others ascend to political power, and then push him out of the limelight.
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