While at the DNC, CCTV America’s Sean Callebs spoke with Reverend Jesse Jackson, an American civil rights activist, Baptist minister and former politician. They spoke about the state of race relations in the country, what each political party is bringing to the table, and the nation’s dramatic journey since the 1960s when he worked alongside the late Martin Luther King.

Watch the unedited interview below.

Interview highlights

On racial equality in the U.S. today:

“Our country was built on the moral fault of 246 years of legal slavery. A lot has happened, and a lot has been accomplished in the last 50 years – but don’t kid yourself. A lot of work still has to be done.”

On Obama’s policies:

“It’s sad, those who’ve been the beneficiaries are falling for the [Republican’s] trap. There have been net gains in employment every year he’s been in office; Banks were bailed out; 20 million more Americans have healthcare; We’re in much better shape and much more secure. The irony is in spite of that progress, the fears have not abated.”

On disappointed Bernie Sanders supporters who may leave the Democratic Party:

“I hope they are true to themselves. The struggle for justice is long, difficult and arduous. And the victory often goes to the long distance runners.’

“It took us from 1955 to 1964 to get a public accommodations bill.
It took us from 1965 to 2008 to get an African American president.
It’s really those who see life through a door – not a keyhole – who reap the benefits.”