POLITICS ’88 : Jackson Talks About No. 2 Spot : Publicly Discusses a Vice Presidential Role for First Time

The Rev. Jesse Jackson said Tuesday that he has “earned consideration” for the vice presidential spot on the Democratic ticket if Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis wins the party nomination, as expected.

It was the first time that Jackson has publicly entertained the prospect of running for vice president. Indeed, he is said to have privately chastised top campaign aides for having discussed the idea with reporters.

In speaking with reporters after a speech in the state Capitol here, Jackson said also that he does not foresee a confrontation with Dukakis at the party’s July convention in Atlanta. However, although he sounded a conciliatory note, he warned that Dukakis and the Democratic Party must be willing to back their campaign promises with a specific budget, as he has.

Still in Active Contest

When asked whether Dukakis should consider him as a running mate, Jackson noted that the two are still in a live contest for the presidential nomination.

The choice of a vice presidential candidate, he said, “is something to be considered after June 7.” That is the date of the final round of primaries, including the California contest, in which the single largest group of delegates is at stake.

But he added: “If I were to win the nomination, the kind of campaign Dukakis has run, he has earned consideration, and would get it.

“If he wins, I have earned consideration.”

Decision Awaits Last Primary

Jackson did not indicate whether he would accept the nomination if it were offered. “The priorities I choose, and my pursuits,” he said, “will be determined based upon my options after June 7.”

Although Dukakis, with 1,715 delegates in his camp by Associated Press tabulations, appears to have an insurmountable lead, Jackson has established himself as a major force, having won 984 delegates.

If he makes a serious demand for the second spot on the ticket, party leaders will face a difficult choice. Do they deny him, and risk both appearing racist and alienating the millions of voters who have rallied behind Jackson? Or do they pair him with Dukakis, and possibly lose those voters who are put off by Jackson?

The Chicago civil rights leader said that he and Dukakis are “working on expanding our relationship, assuming our responsibilities.”

The two “need each other” to win the election, Jackson said. “Together, we must use our combined strength to change the course, to win the election and return government with integrity to the people.”

Chides Dukakis Again

He again chided Dukakis for failing to put forward a detailed budget, saying that the front-runner was telling voters: “Trust me.”

Unless Dukakis commits himself to tax and spending policies capable of meeting his goals, Jackson suggested, he may find himself in the same trap that snared the last Democratic President, Jimmy Carter. “What (Carter) could not reconcile . . . was his liberal dream and his fiscal conservative budget.”

Jackson noted that some have characterized his agenda as a radical one, but he insisted that his priorities parallel those of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose vision shaped the modern Democratic Party. Both leaders, Jackson said, championed such goals as economic protection for the elderly, affordable medical care and a better educational system.

“All these rights spell security,” Jackson said. “I seek to return our party to its roots.”

Jackson said he does not expect a confrontation with Dukakis at the convention, but he noted that party rules give him the option of taking their differences to the convention floor.

One of Jackson’s major complaints is that state party rules are stacked against him and deny him a share of delegates that fairly reflects the percentage of the popular vote that he receives.

Jackson’s campaign is making a major push in New Jersey and in the last few weeks has rearranged his schedule to allow more time here.

Campaign political director Frank Watkins said that Jackson stands a good chance of an upset victory over Dukakis here if he can turn out at least 60% of black voters and also get 15% or more of the white vote.