The nominee wins the support of blacks and Jesse Jackson
They have long been among the most loyal elements in the Democratic coalition, and Walter Mondale has been one of their most respected allies. Yet black voters, like many of their leaders, have become increasingly resistant to the prospect that their support might be taken for granted. That was a basic theme of the Rev. Jesse Jackson's crusade in the Democratic primaries; by attracting three out of four black votes cast, he became, for better or worse, the black community's presumptive political broker. For Mondale, coming to terms with Jackson and other black leaders was a difficult but crucial preliminary to kicking off his formal campaign. The nominee did so after 50 black leaders spent almost eight hours last week debating the issue in a ballroom of the Twin Cities' St. Paul Hotel. Said Jackson when it was over: "We must leave this place and mobilize the people of our nation." Added a jubilant Mondale: "Thus endeth the reading of the Word."
Mondale spent more than two hours sitting at the ballroom's huge central table during the black leaders' debate. He watched expectantly as a motion to endorse him was introduced by Hazel Dukes, president of the N.A.A.C.P.'s New York State chapter. Former Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton proceeded to voice his lingering qualms about Mondale's refusal to support a specific funding level for a job-creation program. Suddenly dissension filled the room, with some participants loudly agreeing with Sutton's reservations and others demanding a vote.
Amid the turmoil, the ample figure of former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson, an early supporter of Jesse Jackson (no relation), began to dominate the closed session. Recalls New York Congressman Charles Rangel, who chaired the meeting: "Maynard cross-examined Fritz. He did an eloquent Clarence Darrow job." Why, Jackson asked, was Mondale so reluctant to pledge a specific amount for jobs? Because, the candidate explained, he was committed to cutting the deficit by two-thirds and the austerity required might not permit a large federal work program. Did he have other ideas for addressing high black unemployment? Yes, replied Mondale. The lower interest rates brought on by falling deficits would stimulate overall employment, and he would expand programs calling for minority participation in federally financed projects.
A voice called out asking for the delayed vote to be taken. "All in favor of the motion say aye," intoned Rangel. Instantly, the room was filled with a shouted chorus of "Aye." Maynard Jackson leaped to his feet asking that the vote be made unanimous. As a beaming Mondale accepted congratulations, the group chanted, "We want Fritz!" Jesse Jackson, who had left the meeting earlier to make a nearby campaign appearance for Mondale, rejoined the group in time for its midnight press conference. "The course that the Mondale-Ferraro ticket represents is a course that we must pursue with enthusiasm and vigor," he declared.