JESSE'S OBAMA ENVY

Went to grave believing president stole his place in history

- 

CIVIL rights trailblazer and political groundbreaker Jesse Jackson went to his grave envying Barack Obama because he stole his dream of becoming the nation's first Black president.

Both men are considered American icons, but they had a difficult relationship, as political insiders say they vied for their place in history.

"Jackson always felt he did all the heavy lifting to pave the way for African Americans in politics and Obama leapfrogged him on his way to the White House," one Beltway historian exclusively tells GLOBE.

Jackson was well on his way to Pennsylvania Avenue in his first run for president in 1984 when his campaign was derailed by revelations he used the antisemitic expression "Hymietown" when referring to New York City in a private conversation.