Rev. Jackson Returns to Public Life Rev. Jackson Returns to Public Life
By MARTHA IRVINE, Associated Press Writer
Monday January 22 8:35 PM ET
CHICAGO (AP)-The Rev. Jesse Jackson made good on his promise to quickly return to public life, going before a cheering audience Monday to call on President Bush to improve funding for public schools and maintain affirmative action programs.
Jackson's challenges came days after the civil rights leader acknowledged an extramarital affair in which he fathered a now 20-month-old daughter. Bush was among the political leaders who called Jackson after the affair became public to offer support.
Jackson said he was ready to ``rebuild a massive coalition of conscience'' during a luncheon of his group, the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in Chicago. Jackson said last week he would take some time off to ``revive my spirit and reconnect with my family,'' but announced in an interview with The Associated Press on Saturday that he was reversing course.
He said Monday he would work to protect abortion, support public education and worker's rights and end the death penalty. He said he continued to oppose the nomination of John Ashcroft for attorney general. He applauded Bush for choosing a racially diverse cabinet, but asked him not to weaken affirmative action programs.
He also criticized Bush's plan to push school vouchers and called instead for more money for public schools. Asked during a brief news conference after the luncheon if he thought news of his affair would hurt his ability to lead, Jackson answered: ``No,'' without elaboration. White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said Monday that Bush had called Jackson and told him, ``You're in my prayers.''
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