The Democrats

In terms of impact on the fall election, Jackson's deal with Dukakis is a decidedly mixed bag: some major concessions, some quite minor. But nearly everything in the package is intended to strengthen Jackson's forces for the next round of his "endless campaign," in 1992 or 1996 or both. Details:

Party rules. The number of unelected super-delegates at the 1992 convention will be cut in half. This year those 645 delegates voted en masse against Jackson.

Party structure. Jackson selected New Orleans Mayor Sidney Barthelemy for the new position of party vice chairman for voter registration. Jesse Jackson Jr. was named as an at-large D.N.C. member; of the 20 new at-large members, twelve are from Jackson's camp (new at-large total: 45).

Campaign staffing. Members of Jackson's organization will be integrated into Dukakis' staffs in all 50 states. Jackson will stump every day, sometimes with Dukakis, probably using funds and an airplane paid for by both the D.N.C. and the Dukakis campaign.

Policy. Jackson won commitments to emphasize District of Columbia statehood and quickie voter registration. No big deal; Dukakis had been in favor anyway.

That is not necessarily the final deal. Negotiations are continuing, and Jackson can be expected to keep pressing for more. As he put it, one-upping Yogi Berra: "It ain't over till it's over -- and even then, it's not over."