Jackson, Henry Martin “Scoop,” 1912–83, American political leader, b. Everett, Wash. As a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1941–53) and Senate (1953–83) he was a supporter of organized labor, civil rights, the emigration of Soviet Jews, and a strong defense posture. He differed from many of his Democratic colleagues in his outspoken support of the Vietnam War. Jackson had a considerable impact on the conservative turn of politics in the 1970s and 80s, both through his own policy statements, and through the influence of his supporters and staffers, many of whom later supported President Ronald Reagan. Jackson made unsuccessful bids for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972 and 1976.
See biography by P. J. Ognibene (1975).
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