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In 1984 and 1988, Baptist minister and Democratic politician Jesse Jackson campaigned for the U.S. presidency. The noted activist’s first campaign in 1984 landed him in third place in the race for the Democratic Party’s nomination—a much more successful showing than many had believed possible. Jackson’s 1988 platform was much the same as it had been in 1984, calling for a “Rainbow Coalition” of minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and the poor. He also campaigned for an end to the War on Drugs, the creation of more jobs, and raising taxes on the wealthy. Though Jackson was popular overall, he was hindered by allegations of his brother’s criminal past. Jackson eventually lost the Democratic nomination to Michael Dukakis (who eventually lost the presidential election to George H. W. Bush). 

Jackson continued to serve in politics and social activism throughout the 2000s and 2010s. In 2023, he announced that he was stepping down from the Rainbow/PUSH organization—a non-profit founded by Jackson dedicated to promoting social justice and civil rights causes.

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In 1984 and 1988, Baptist minister and Democratic politician Jesse Jackson campaigned for the U.S. presidency. Jackson was a close ally of former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, and the two regularly supported each other in their political campaigns. The noted activist’s first campaign in 1984 landed him in third place in the race for the Democratic Party’s nomination—a much more successful showing than many had believed possible. 

Jackson’s 1988 platform was much the same as it had been in 1984, calling for a “Rainbow Coalition” of minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and the poor. He also campaigned for an end to the War on Drugs, the creation of more jobs, and raising taxes on the wealthy. A close ally with Though Jackson was popular overall, he was hindered by allegations of his brother’s criminal past. Jackson eventually lost the Democratic nomination to Michael Dukakis (who eventually lost the presidential election to George H. W. Bush).

Jackson continued to serve in politics and social activism throughout the 2000s and 2010s. In 2023, he announced that he was stepping down from the Rainbow/PUSH organization—a non-profit founded by Jackson dedicated to promoting social justice and civil rights causes.

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In 1999, then-First Lady, Hillary Clinton announced her decision to seek the U.S. Senate seat from New York. The seat was help by Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, who announced his retirement after four terms. As a first-time candidate for Senate, Clinton was challenged to demonstrate her effectiveness in office. Her opponent was Rick Lazio, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives who entered the race with just five months left in the race. Despite facing a number of setbacks while campaigning, Clinton would go on to win the election with 55% of the vote as opposed to Lazio's 43%. Clinton's successful run gave her the distinctions of becoming the first First Lady to ever be elected to public office and also the first woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate from New York. Clinton stayed in the role until 2009, when she began her campaign for President of the United States. 

Photograph of Jesse Jackson on left half of button.  Black and red text on a white background on right half of button.

In 1984 and 1988, Baptist minister and Democratic politician Jesse Jackson campaigned for the U.S. presidency. The noted activist’s first campaign in 1984 landed him in third place in the race for the Democratic Party’s nomination—a much more successful showing than many had believed possible. Jackson’s 1988 platform was much the same as it had been in 1984, calling for a “Rainbow Coalition” of minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and the poor. He also campaigned for an end to the War on Drugs, the creation of more jobs, and raising taxes on the wealthy. Though Jackson was popular overall, he was hindered by allegations of his brother’s criminal past. Jackson eventually lost the Democratic nomination to Michael Dukakis (who eventually lost the presidential election to George H. W. Bush). 

Jackson continued to serve in politics and social activism throughout the 2000s and 2010s. In 2023, he announced that he was stepping down from the Rainbow/PUSH organization—a non-profit founded by Jackson dedicated to promoting social justice and civil rights causes.

Outline illustration of the state of Arkansas with an insent photograph of Bill Clinton with blue and red text a red background.  White outer border with blue text and two red 5-pointed stars.
 

Bill Clinton was the Democratic Party nominee for President in 1992. During the Democratic National Convention (DNC), Bill Clinton accepted the nomination and ended his speech saying “I still believe in a place called hope”, referring to his hometown Hope, Arkansas. The DNC was held in Hope, Arkansas.

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Ronald Reagan was an actor who became involved with politics in the 1960s. He was the Governor of California from 1966 to 1974. In 1968 and 1976, he ran unsuccessfully to become the Republican Party's nominee for President but easily secured the nomination in 1980. 

Reagan ran against incumbent President Jimmy Carter in the 1980 election, alongside vice-presidential nominee George H. W. Bush. His campaign stressed lower taxes, states' rights, and less governmental interference in people's lives. In the general election, Reagan was behind in most polls leading up to the sole televised debate with Carter, but the Reagan/Bush ticket was able to overcome the deficit. Reagan ended up carrying 44 states and became the 40th President of the United States.

Henry Ross Perot is an American businessman and former politician. He ran as in independent in the 1992 presidential election against Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush, on a platform focused on balancing the federal budget, opposed to gun control, and determined to end the outsourcing of jobs to foreign countries. Although Perot polled well, he only received 19% of the popular vote in the November election, and no votes from the electoral college. His promotional team distributed these buttons in return for $5.00 donations to his campaign, as Perot was adamant about not accepting donations greater than $5.00.

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In 1984 and 1988, Baptist minister and Democratic politician Jesse Jackson campaigned for the U.S. presidency. The noted activist’s first campaign in 1984 landed him in third place in the race for the Democratic Party’s nomination—a much more successful showing than many had believed possible. Jackson’s 1988 platform was much the same as it had been in 1984, calling for a “Rainbow Coalition” of minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and the poor. He also campaigned for an end to the War on Drugs, the creation of more jobs, and raising taxes on the wealthy. Though Jackson was popular overall, he was hindered by allegations of his brother’s criminal past. Jackson eventually lost the Democratic nomination to Michael Dukakis (who eventually lost the presidential election to George H. W. Bush). 

Jackson continued to serve in politics and social activism throughout the 2000s and 2010s. In 2023, he announced that he was stepping down from the Rainbow/PUSH organization—a non-profit founded by Jackson dedicated to promoting social justice and civil rights causes.

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Leonard Frank Arons ran for, and was successful in his bid to become, a delegate for Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign. Arons got his start in politics as a part of the College Republicans at Illinois State University.

Arons, a Republican, ran twice to unseat long-time incumbent Democrat John E. Scott for a Missouri State Senate seat. Running on a platform of a unique combination of experience as a former public school teacher and a private attorney, Arons vowed to eliminate sales tax on food, reform the welfare system, and uphold traditional family values. In both races, Arons took in about 30% of the vote to Scott’s 60%.