Jesse Jackson: "We Need Each Other"

Tony Iannelli & Jesse Jackson

Civil rights activist Jesse Jackson visited Moravian College yesterday to deliver a speech at Johnston Hall. Right before that, he taped a one-on-one interview with Business Matters' Tony Iannelli. Rev. Mike Dowd, a former Trustee at Moravian Theological Seminary, was able to lure the controversial preacher. Believe it or not, I was there. I'll tell you what I thought of Jackson, and give you a sneak peak of what he said to Tony.

When he came in, I thought his entourage would consist of all kinds of publicists and personal assistants. Instead,  two college professors - Moravian's Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Lehigh's James B Peterson - were his escorts. I expected him to be loud and brash. Instead, he was subdued, almost meek. If someone wanted a picture with him, he was only too happy to comply. He was genial to everyone.

Tony, who was counting on a hot and fiery interview, began to look worried.

Jackson with Peterson, Iannelli, Kim and Dowd

Another thing that struck me was Jackson's size. At age 70, he still towers over most people. He also has a penchant for sports metaphors when he talks. He still looks a lot more like a professional athlete than a preacher. As it happens, he did reject a professional baseball contract after high school.

Once the lights went on and the camera began to roll, the Jackson we all know came to life. He blasted away.

What made him an activist? - It all started when Jackson was arrested for trying to use a public library in the segregated South.

How is the U.S. today? - "We're a different nation, 50 years later," he said. "We're the best we've ever been." But he adds that 53 million Americans are still food insecure and in poverty. He worries about the widening gaps between the "haves" and "have nots." He detects a "growing sense of anger in this country," and stresses that "we need each other."

What about Barack Obama? - Jackson calls Obama the "captain of the ship," but is concerned that there are "those who will sink the ship just to get the President." When Obama is criticized as the "food stamp President," and his Christianity and citizenship are challenged. Jackson maintains these are "coded words."

"He came in against tremendous odds. Our automotive industry was collapsing. We're now climbing to number One again. That's a victory on his watch.

"We attack Obamacare. The fact of the matter is, pre-existing conditions are cared for now. Going to school, age 21, don't have a job, and you want to go on your parents' insurance plan? We have that now.

"Talk about 100,000 troops in Iraq? They're home now.

"Complaint about losing jobs? We're gaining jobs now."

What about his "Hymietown" remark? - "I never stop reaching out to people. All you can do when you make a mistake is have a contrite heart, seek forgiveness and redemption and move on."

Martin Luther King. - Jackson calls him a "scholar activist" who "knocked down walls and built bridges. His impact is far beyond what is discussed today."

Want to know more? You'll have to watch the show. It airs Monday nights, 8 PM, at WFMZ-TV69.