1976 Primaries

Pragmatism at the Polls: Rustin’s Critique of the Carter-Jackson Field

In this draft, Bayard Rustin evaluates the leading Democratic presidential contenders through a pragmatic lens, urging Black voters to prioritize concrete economic and social policy over personality or symbolism. He offers a pointed critique of Jimmy Carter’s record while arguing that the true test for any candidate is a serious commitment to full employment and robust federal action benefiting working people.