In the waning days of any political campaign, if you work for a candidate, you often worry more about potential mistakes than what you’re doing right.

Such is the case in Camp Obama.

As we noted here yesterday, Obama has positioned himself nicely and has opened up nice leads in almost every battleground state. He’ll go into tonight’s debate with only two goals—look presidential, and don’t screw up. His campaign has gone into a Zen-like state where no news is good news.

... Which is why any news involving the Rev. Jesse Jackson is bad news.

Jackson was back in the spotlight yesterday for comments he made—surprise—IN FRANCE about U.S. policy toward Israel.

From the New York Post’s Amir Taheri:

(Jackson) promised “fundamental changes” in US foreign policy—saying America must “heal wounds” it has caused to other nations, revive its alliances and apologize for the “arrogance of the Bush administration.“

The most important change would occur in the Middle East, where “decades of putting Israel’s interests first” would end.

Jackson believes that, although “Zionists who have controlled American policy for decades” remain strong, they’ll lose a great deal of their clout when Barack Obama enters the White House.

“Zionists?“ An Obama supporter adopting the rhetoric of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?

THAT will make it easier for Obama to win Jewish-American voters on the east coast of Florida!

The Obama campaign wasted no time releasing a statement distancing itself from Jackson—and his comments:

“Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. is not an adviser to the Obama campaign and is therefore in no position to interpret or share Barack Obama’s views on Israel and foreign policy,” Obama national security spokeswoman Wendy Morigi said in a statement. “As he has made clear throughout his career and throughout this campaign, Barack Obama has a fundamental commitment to a strong U.S.-Israel relationship … As president, he will ensure that Israel can defend itself from every threat it faces, stand with Israel in its quest for a secure peace with its neighbors, and use all elements of American power to end Iran’s illicit nuclear program.”

Jackson acknowledged that he isn’t an adviser to the Obama campaign. But, he said, Obama has been “a neighbor or, better still, a member of the family.“

“We helped him start his career,“ says Jackson. “And then we were always there to help him move ahead. He is the continuation of our struggle for justice not only for the black people but also for all those who have been wronged.“

“Obama is about change,“ Jackson said. “And the change that Obama promises is not limited to what we do in America itself. It is a change of the way America looks at the world and its place in it.“

Hmm ... Change as articulated by Obama = An inspiring campaign that draws millions of new voters and catapults its messenger to the Democratic nomination for president. Change as articulated by Jackson = Something scary—even for the Obama campaign itself.

Will Obama’s election close the chapter of black grievances linked to memories of slavery? The reverend takes a deep breath and waits a long time before responding.

“No, that chapter won’t be closed,“ he says. “However, Obama’s victory will be a huge step in the direction we have wanted America to take for decades.“

So don’t let all this talk about change worry you, America. According to the Rev. Jesse Jackson, no matter how much things change, “black grievances linked to memories of slavery” won’t.

If Jesse Jackson really supports Barack Obama, the best thing he can do is shut himself up in a soundproof closet for the next three weeks.

I’m sure the Obama campaign wouldn’t mind helping him find one.