Reply #115: Maybe "Unelectable" in a Wellstone way...

[no name no slogan]

In 1990, Paul Wellstone was "unelectable". I was involved heavily in the MN DFL (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) Party at the time, and that was the mantra being repeated over and over by the "limousine liberal" wing of the party (the Humphreys, Mondales and assorted others). They all supported a rich suburban lawyer, who was supposedly "more electable" because he didn't stir the pot too much.

Needless to say, Paul out-organized this guy, and got the nomination at the state convention. I was there as a Wellstone delegate, and his acceptance speech was one of the most exciting things in my life!

Even the media in MN poo-pooed Paul, consistantly showing him 10%-15% behind the Republican incumbant.

But Paul didn't play by their rules.

He worked the grassroots, getting his message out to THE PEOPLE, driving that crazy Green Bus of his all over the state. And you know what? HE WON ONE OF THE GREATEST POLITICAL UPSETS IN HISTORY!

In 1996, he was up for re-election, running against the same guy he defeated in 1990. This time the Repubs used the tired "that Ultra-Liberal Paul Wellstone" line as their campaign theme. And you know what?

Paul beat his oppenent by an even GREATER MARGIN than in 1990!

Voters don't give a flying fig about labels. They care about HONESTY, INTEGRITY, CONVICTION and PRINCIPALS. Even if they don't agree with you on certain issues, they'll still support you because they know you'll do what you think is right.

Paul was like this. Dennis IS like this. The choice is clear. "Politics as Usual" and playing by their rules is what got us into this mess. We know how to get us out.