He Just Can't Resist the Spotlight

By DAVID ELLIS

Despite his refusal to rule out a presidential bid in 1992, JESSE JACKSON is quietly making plans that could hinder a third run for the Democratic nomination. TV sources say the preacher-politician is negotiating a deal with Cable News Network to host a current-affairs program. The show would probably get a half-hour Saturday-morning slot. His previous effort, a syndicated talk show, was canceled in May because of poor ratings, but Jackson apparently believes he might do better on the all-news network. Hosting the show, though, would make it almost impossible for him to conduct a campaign.

With reporting by Sidney Urquhart