And now you see the problem in the Democratic Party. I love Dennis Kucinich, but despite what folks that think like us folkies believe, it hasn't got much to do with who we like the best. It is about who the great middle likes the best. Folks that are perceived to be too far right (Buchanan) or too far left (Kucinich, Harkin) will never get the nod. They bring a small group with them, but drive far too many others to the other side. Folks can live with some defection from their core values, but not too much. That is why it is so very important to craft a platform, and a ticket, that appeals to the center. I hate it, but in our society, that is how it is. If I could choose a President today, it would be hard to beat Tom Harkin. But, for the reasons stated above, he would never get elected.

All the best,

Mick