Final answer:
When Jesse Jackson ran for the presidency in 1984 and 1988, he brought attention to civil rights and social issues, finishing third and second in the Democratic primaries respectively, his campaigns helped shape the political discourse and promote diversity in American politics.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Jesse Jackson ran for the presidency in 1984, it marked a significant moment in American political history as the second national campaign by an African American after Shirley Chisholm in 1972. His role as a civil rights activist and leader of the People United to Serve Humanity (PUSH) laid a strong foundation for his candidacy.
By 1988, Jackson had increased his influence and credibility. During his second presidential run, he focused on advocating for workers, and policies such as eliminating mandatory minimum sentences, universal health care, and free community college.