A small nugget from the Obama eulogy in South Carolina last week was dug up by our friend Andrew Malcolm over at Investors Business Daily. This one has nothing to do with the shooting victims, the church or the Confederate flag, though. Oddly enough it’s one of those snippets out of political time which involves Jesse Jackson. Yes, he was at the services, and as Andrew points out, he’s used to being the focus of attention at any racially significant shindig.

Jackson has spent decades in the public eye, not by accident. For better or worse, he has successfully insinuated himself into more photo-ops than anyone can count. He even had his own presidential campaign at two points.

Al Sharpton may be the only other contemporary celebrity of that sort capable of inserting himself into photos to close on Jackson’s publicity record.

Unfortunately for Jesse, he may normally be used to being rushed to the front any time there’s a chance for a selfie with the POTUS, but this just wasn’t his day.

On Friday Jackson was clearly seeking face-time with POTUS before Obama and his sizable entourage left. But just as Jackson nears his target from the rear, Secret Service agents cut him off, as you can see in the brief C-SPAN video clip below.

The men were no doubt polite. But very firm. Perhaps they even recognized Jackson. Through their earpieces, they were likely tipped to his approach by other agents.

But one-time VIP or not, if that day’s approved lapel pin signifying POTUS clearance does not adorn your lapel, you’re not getting through.

As you’ll see in the video below, Jackson tries again and again. But each time the Secret Service agents or other handlers turn him back. The man who once was regularly seated at the side of presidents and international dignitaries can’t seem to catch a break. (At the end, he did finally get a quick handshake but that was about it.)

Andrew has the full details and his usual, brilliant take on the event. It’s once again refreshing to see someone doing the work of sorting through the news and digging out all the good bits which frequently never make it to the surface, so click through and get his take on it. Other than that there’s not much left except to say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Enjoy the video.