Time

12

COVER: Jackson as front runner changes the presidential race -- and the nation

For the first time in U. S. history, a major political party grapples with one of the biggest what- ifs of all: What if voters actually nominate a black man for President? What, exactly, does Jackson stand for? Taking Jesse seriously means seriously scrutinizing his ideas and holding him accountable for his past. -- Voices of white voters who like Action Jackson. See NATION.

25

NATION: Fed up with Ed Meese' s troubles, six high Justice officials quit their posts

The Attorney General hangs tough despite growing concern about his conduct among his aides and in Congress. Ethical questions aside, a special prosecutor sees no indictable offense. -- A congressional task force points to an alarming shortage of housing and pleads for federal dollars to build more. -- The Reagans lease a $2.5 million retirement home in posh Bel Air.

70

MUSIC: Women violinists of talent and temperament invade a male preserve

Anne- Sophie Mutter and Viktoria Mullova head a wave of female performers that also includes Kyung- Wha Chung, Nadja Salerno- Sonnenberg and Midori. They are ebullient and intense, fiery and formidable; when they play, the intoxicating perfume of the theater fills the air. "Music is a form of love, the highest form of love," says Mutter. "It is passion."

32

World

Shultz presses on with his Palestinian peace plan. -- Noriega shows he is still the boss. -- In China, two speeds ahead for reform.

46

Economy & Business

As major retailers grapple for survival in an overcrowded marketplace, the battle for the Federated chain ends in a split decision.

52

Technology

The union of the computer and the compact disc puts the world on a silver platter. -- "Viruses" give the software industry a chill.

55

Religion

Defying a one- year suspension, Jimmy Swaggart puts the spotlight on the Assemblies of God, the U. S.' s fastest- growing church group.

58

Profile

Tibet' s Dalai Lama is a remote, otherworldly God- King, yet he is leading 6 million of his countrymen in a struggle for freedom.

63

Living

Determined to protect themselves and their homes, more women are buying guns and learning how to shoot -- but are they any safer?

66

Education

Stanford' s faculty revises its Western Civilization requirements, as universities debate the nature and merit of the great- books canon.

77

Theater

With a third Broadway opening, High School Dropout August Wilson is the foremost dramatist of the U. S. black experience.

4 Letters

56 Press

57 Ethics

63 Milestones

67 Sport

69 Cinema

72 Design

73 Books

75 Food

78 Video

80 People

Cover: Illustration by Richard Mantel