The night before the Democrats convened their presidential convention in Chicago, there was a civil rights Rainbow PUSH convention going on in honor of the Reverend Jesse Jackson of Chicago. An event not as spectacular as the Democrats. But for me, something extra special to think about because, in Chicago politics, Reverend Jackson and I grew up together. He, as a political leader. I, as a political reporter. Over the years, we’ve had a lot to do with each other. 36 years ago, in 1984, and then again in 1988, Reverend Jackson was a candidate running for president. I was a reporter running to keep up with him. He was a voice about Chicago government. I was an anchorman on Channel 2 News. Being typical politician versus reporter, we often were combatants. At one time, having no specific problem with me, Reverend Jackson was, for some reason, so unhappy with Channel 2 News that he organized and led a boycott against us that lost us many viewers. After which we both needed to calm down, which we did. And since then, when we run into each other, we still are calm and in a friendly way, we talk about Chicago government. I don’t know what Reverend Jackson thinks about me now. But I do know that I have for him deep respect and I thank and praise him for the personal sacrifices he’s made in doing the wondrous good he’s done. I now worry about his health and I wish for him what he so deserves: The best, the very, very best, years ahead.

Walter Jacobson gives his Perspective: