The American People are...

[MineralMan]

17. I believe that the most vocal elements have grown further

from the center, for sure. However, in engaging in precinct and district political activism, I see a great deal of pragmatic centrism in those who turn out to vote. And it is in elections where the direction of every jurisdiction and the entire nation is set.

In 2008, for example, a wonderful progressive man made a run for a state legislative office in my own district. Thoughtful, progressive, and sincere, he failed miserably in the caucus and convention endorsement system we use in Minnesota. I talked with him several times, and would have liked having him in office very much. But, he did not present himself well at the podium and could not muster enough support to have a real chance to be elected.

No mistake...we endorsed and elected a fine candidate, but I would have preferred having this man in office. He was just a bit too far to the left and not able to convince even the delegates at the convention to back him. Too bad.