Originally Posted By: Adler
Alan Keyes and Jesse Jackson were never "viable."


In 1984, "Jackson, who had been written off by pundits as a fringe candidate with little chance at winning the nomination, surprised many when he took third place behind Senator Gary Hart and former Vice President Walter Mondale [in the Democrat primaries]. Jackson garnered 3.5 million votes and won five primaries and caucuses, including Louisiana, the District of Columbia, South Carolina, Virginia and one of two separate contests in Mississippi."

In 1988, "he captured 6.9 million votes and won 11 contests; seven primaries and four caucuses .... Briefly, after he won 55% of the vote in the Michigan Democratic caucus, he was considered the frontrunner for the nomination, as he surpassed all the other candidates in total number of pledged delegates."

But thanks for the "Rayfact"[TM]