Jesse Jackson, Progressive

Friday, Dec 30th
Last update10:24:34 AM GMT

Add this to your websiteWASHINGTON--(ENEWSPF)--December 29 - Political legend Rev. Jesse Jackson will be joining Jean Ross, co-president of National Nurses United, which is leading the fight for Medicare for all and the financial transaction tax, and Steve Cobble, from the Institute for Policy Studies, for a conversation on progressive theory turned to action. Reverend Jackson has for decades campaigned for open and inclusive politics--outlined a quarter century ago by his "Rainbow Coalition" campaigns of 1984 and 1988.

In 1988, Jackson showed the possibility of this new politics with his bold decision to campaign in the Iowa caucuses. It was a redefining moment in American politics, and it laid the groundwork for progress that would eventually see Iowans provide Barack Obama with the 2008 caucus win that led to his presidency. Now, Reverend Jackson is returning to Iowa to argue for open caucuses, open politics, and democracy.

Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) is sponsoring "Building the Progressive Movement Inside and Outside the Democratic Party," a forum being held on the eve of the Iowa caucuses in Des Moines, Iowa. The event is on Friday, Dec. 30 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 1800 Bell Ave., in Des Moines.

Progressive activists, writers, and speakers from Iowa and beyond are participating in sessions moderated by John Nichols, author and writer for The Nation magazine. Panelists include Iowa activists Ed Fallon, radio host/Former Iowa State legislator; Jeff Cox, from Iowa Healthcare NOT Warfare; and Jay Howe, with Iowa People's Alliance.

PDA National Director Tim Carpenter and Deputy Field Coordinator Andrea Miller contribute their experience as progressive activists inside the halls of Congress and outside, creating "street heat."

A reception for the panelists and audience will follow the forum at 4:30 p.m. This free event is open to the public. Sponsors for the forum are Progressive Democrats of America, National Nurses United, and The Nation, with endorsement from the Progressive Coalition of Central Iowa, The Prairie Progressive, the Iowa Healthcare NOT Warfare Caucus Campaign, and the Fallon Forum. For further information, visit http://tinyurl.com/ProgressiveMovementForum or PDA's Website at pdamerica.org.

Progressive Democrats of America is a grassroots PAC that works both inside the Democratic Party and outside in movements for peace and justice. Our goal: Elect a permanent, progressive majority in 2008. PDA's advisory board includes seven members of Congress and activist leaders such as Tom Hayden, Medea Benjamin, Thom Hartmann and Rev. Lennox Yearwood. More info:http://pdamerica.org