Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We are taking a deep dive into the life and legacy of Jesse Jackson — and the lasting political impact he leaves behind.

From his early days working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. to his groundbreaking presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, Jackson reshaped the modern Democratic coalition and expanded the national political conversation. The team explores how his Rainbow Coalition strategy changed the way candidates build multiracial, cross-class alliances — and how his campaigns paved the way for future leaders, including Barack Obama.

Was Jackson ahead of his time? How did his presidential bids alter the trajectory of the Democratic Party? And what lessons do today's political movements — on both the left and right — still draw from his organizing model?

It's a candid discussion about ambition, activism, controversy and the enduring political architecture of one of America's most consequential public figures.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

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