They say politics should never be personal, even though we know it often is.
But last week, one politician showed he can rise above the norm and do what's right.
During a meeting of the Illinois Delegation at the Democratic National Convention, Congressman Jesse L. Jackson Jr. used his turn to speak to the state delegates by reaching out compassionately to a longtime rival, South Side congressman Bobby Rush, who is recovering from cancer treatment.
That prompted Rush to stand up and embrace Jackson. And that prompted Jackson to expand his remorse to his other conflicts and personal fights.
He turned to State Sen. Debbie Halvorson and apologized for his criticism of her over the proposed Peotone airport. And then he asked, "Who else out here has been mad at me?"
That prompted Mayor Richard Daley, who hates to be left out of the spotlight, to tug at Jackson's arm. They embraced, prompting Jackson to tear up.
Later, Daley seemed insensitive telling one TV reporter, "I felt sorry for Jackson. He has issues." Maybe he meant to be nice, but you know how hard it is to understand what the mayor says.
Too many people view tearing up and public expressions of remorse as signs of "weakness." I think it is a sign of strength.
That's the difference between Jackson and Daley.
Jackson represents a new generation tired of the old name-calling, the power struggles at the expense of the public that only benefit the politicians, and the failure of elected officials to do the right things.
Jackson was not weak. He is the kind of inspiring leader we need.
A few weeks back when the Rev. Jackson jealously slammed Barack Obama, his son, Congressman Jackson, didn't hesitate to put his own father in place, saying that what his father said was shameful.
Most people probably believe Obama's nomination as the nation's first African American with a serious chance of becoming president is the most important thing to come out of the convention. I think the real achievement was made by Congressman Jackson.
I admire you, Congressman. I've been unfair to you in the past. I give you a "written hug" and will do my best to be fair in the future to you and to your equally admirable wife, Ald. Sandi Jackson.
Some people say Jackson will succeed Obama in the senate if Obama becomes president. But I'm against that move. I think Jackson has shown he is the best person to be the next mayor of the City of Chicago.
Daley has always had the power to end the destructive fight between mean-old House Speaker Michael Madigan and corruption besieged Gov. Rod Blagojevich. But he never has tried. Instead, Daley exploited the fight for his own selfish benefit.
But Jackson's moment of "weakness" prompted Madigan and Blagojevich to hug, too. Will it last? We Illinois taxpayers can only hope, but I doubt it will.
My theory about the Madigan-Blagojevich fight is simple. Madigan wants his daughter, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, to become governor. She is very qualified. But a state Democratic leader can't take on an incumbent Democratic governor -- unless there is a fight so vicious and personal the public won't see Madigan's challenge as being disloyal to party unity. The fight is contrived.
If Jackson can move Madigan and Blagojevich to hug, even for a moment, and possibly focus them on the needs of Illinois instead of on their own agendas, then Jackson deserves to be Chicago's next mayor.
Here's a salute to you, Congressman!