The Gist Abby Phillip: "The Stones for David's Slingshot"
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Nov 26, 2025 
Abby Phillip, CNN anchor and author of *A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power*, joins to explore Jesse Jackson's powerful, sermon-like rhetoric. She discusses how Jackson's push for delegate rule changes paved the way for Barack Obama, while contrasting their styles. Their conversation delves into Jackson’s unique populism, his surprising anti-globalist views, and the charisma that both fueled his campaigns and revealed inherent weaknesses. Abby also addresses the exhausting nature of his speeches and the heartbreak in societal apathy.
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Sermon Style Politics Worked As Translation
- Jesse Jackson used vivid biblical and sermon-like rhetoric to make politics feel familiar and moral to wide audiences.
- Abby Phillip explains he framed politics as a David-versus-Goliath struggle to mobilize ordinary voters.
Charisma Isn’t Organizational Skill
- Jackson excelled at stirring crowds and drawing attention but struggled as a managerial chief executive for organizations and campaigns.
- Phillip says his 'tree shaker, not a jelly maker' persona explained why he couldn't convert momentum into durable institutions.
Cuba Trip Over Primary Math
- Jackson sometimes prioritized high-profile trips or dramatic actions over delegate-building strategy during campaigns.
- Phillip recounts aides questioning why he'd go to Cuba amid an active primary schedule.
