Jesse Jackson's 1984 'Rainbow Coalition' Speech Remembered

Op-Ed argues the civil rights leader's convention address remains a landmark in American politics.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In an op-ed, writer Jonathan Wolfe revisits Jesse Jackson's 1984 Democratic National Convention speech in San Francisco, which is regarded as one of the most significant political addresses in US history. Jackson, fresh off a losing primary bid, used his prime-time slot to call for a broader, more explicitly multiracial and working-class coalition for the Democratic party, pairing that message with sharp criticism of Ronald Reagan's economic policies.

Why it matters

Jackson's 'Rainbow Coalition' speech is seen as a turning point in how Democrats understood their base, urging the party to recommit to helping the poor, jobless, and marginalized. Though he would again fail to secure the nomination in 1988, his campaigns helped register millions of Black voters.

The details

In the speech, Jackson used the metaphor of America being "many patches, many pieces, many colors, many sizes, all woven and held together by a common thread" as an appeal for unity and hope. He told young Americans: "I just want young America to do me one favor, just one favor: exercise the right to dream."

  • Jesse Jackson delivered the 'Rainbow Coalition' speech at the 1984 Democratic National Convention in San Francisco.

The players

Jesse Jackson

A civil rights leader who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988.

Ronald Reagan

The Republican president whose economic policies were criticized by Jackson in the speech.

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What they’re saying

“I just want young America to do me one favor, just one favor: exercise the right to dream.”

— Jesse Jackson (New York Times)

The takeaway

Jackson's 'Rainbow Coalition' speech is regarded as a landmark in American politics, as it called for a broader, more inclusive Democratic coalition that would help the poor, jobless, and marginalized - a message that continues to resonate today.