This line struck me: "That’s because once Obama parroted Edwards’ attacks on greed and inequality, he would “be stigmatized as a candidate mobilizing race,” says Manning Marable, a Columbia University history professor. That is, the media would immediately portray him as another Jesse Jackson-a figure whose progressivism has been (unfairly) depicted as racial politics anathema to white swing voters."

Unfairly? Jackson's tactics are often a quarter step away from simple shakedowns. I would say that he is neither very progressive nor has he been portrayed unfairly. If anything, the press has been way too lenient with him in order to avoid unfair charges of racism.

It's not to say he doesn't ostensibly fight for a worthy cause, but I would say his methods sow greater division, more dependence, more racism, etc.