It’s Dukakis’ Time

Subject only to the formalities at Atlanta in July, Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis is the Democratic presidential nominee. The Rev. Jesse Jackson is not. Dukakis is the winner of the protracted and complex presidential-primary sweepstakes. Jackson is not. Dukakis now is the titular head of the Democratic Party. Jackson is not.

Certainly Jackson achieved much during the primary campaign that is admirable and will provide long-range benefits for the Democratic Party, but he did not earn claim to the No. 2 spot on the ticket. That is something that one does not win by running in primaries. The choice belongs to Michael S. Dukakis alone. Dukakis has an obligation to himself and to the national party to choose a running mate with whom he is personally most comfortable.

Jackson certainly does deserve consideration. Dukakis has said that, and he should be taken at his word. But political analysts and pollsters say that a Dukakis-Jackson ticket would be doomed to lose in the fall to Vice President George Bush. Insiders believe that both Dukakis and Jackson agree with that assessment and privately acknowledge that such a ticket is not a serious possibility.

It also is evident that Dukakis has to deal openly and honestly with Jackson and his supporters. Jackson gained 6.7 million votes in the primaries and often served as gentle referee during the debates, seeking to moderate the animosities among his colleague-opponents and to present a united Democratic front. His is a major force that could represent the difference between victory and defeat in November for the Democrats.

Accommodation may mean the inclusion of some Jackson positions in the party platform. It may also mean consideration, but not necessarily promises, of some further reform in the party delegate-selection rules and a prominent role in national party affairs.

Jackson’s achievement during the 1988 campaign has been remarkable. He has given millions the chance to be part of the American political process. Even if he never is elected President, Jackson has done more than any other person to make it possible for a black to serve as the Chief Executive.

For now, however, the moment belongs to Dukakis, and Jackson’s best service to the party is to help Dukakis develop the strongest ticket possible for a difficult fall election campaign.