By Dan McCue

CHARLESTON -- The Rev. Jesse Jackson came to Charleston Tuesday night, urging a crowd of nearly 300 gathered at the International Longshoremen's Association Hall to see beyond racial and generational distinction, to vote based on their convictions.

But mostly, Jackson was in town to be a part of the national conversation on the future of America.

"I challenge you this evening to register to vote and set a new agenda," Jackson said. "The tragic reality is that only about half of all South Carolinians who are eligible to vote are registered, and only about a quarter of those participated in the last election."

Jackson's appearance in Charleston was one of 12 scheduled stops throughout South Carolina.

The goal of the tour, in Jackson's words, "is to engage young and old alike" to promote voter registration and turnout at the polls. His tour concludes today in Aiken.

Jackson said he believed 2,000 new voters had been registered as a result of the drive.

Among those in attendance at the event were Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr., Charleston City Councilman Wendell Gilliard, Rep. David Mack III, who acted as master of ceremonies, and state Sen. Robert Ford.

Rising to speak about an hour into the program, Jackson provided reason for greater voter participation in South Carolina, reciting a litany of issues he said plague the state. These included lack of access to affordable health care, education and predatory lending.

"I think today in America there is a real disconnect between democracy and the economy," Jackson said. "Sixty-one percent of working South Carolina residents have no health insurance despite the fact that they have jobs.

"Taxes are up across the nation, services down. Guns in. Drugs in. We must break that cycle. We invest in a new Iraq. We invest in a new Afghanistan. We must reinvest in America."

Jackson's comments also touched on what many in the audience agreed are the inequity of the legal system.

"Paris Hilton goes to jail, gets sick and gets to go home," he said.  "Poor people go to jail and stay there."

"Years ago, the textiles were South Carolina's leading industry, today it's the 'jail industrial complex.' Poor people go to jail. Can't make bail. Ravenel gets bail."

The reference to former state Treasurer Thomas Ravenel, who recently resigned and pleaded guilty to cocaine possession, drew a loud response from the crowd.

"You think Ravenel should be out while he thinks it through and tries to get well?" Jackson asked. "We want equal protection under the law."

But perhaps one of the most inspired speakers was Leonard Riley, of the Longshoreman's Union. Riley was speaking in place of his brother Kenny Riley, who leads the union.

"If we vote, they will respond," he told the crowd. "But to make an impression, we need to consolidate our demands and together voice our concerns about health care and jobs. Voting is the key."

The evening wasn't entirely about politics. Many times, befitting the presence of several religious as well as political leaders, it was about praise.

Among the recipients of that attention was Daniel Davis, an 18-year-old violin prodigy whose performance of a jazz-infused classical piece intertwined with recorded excerpts of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., elicited a standing ovation from the crowd.

So moved was Jackson by the performance after a long day that included appearances in Columbia and Orangeburg, that he leapt to his feet when it was through and invited Davis to perform at his upcoming birthday party in Los Angeles.

"Larry King and Barbra Streisand will be among those in attendance and I want them to hear you," Jackson said.

Turning his attention back to the crowd, he added, "Many of our children are just an opportunity away from greatness."