Those in the political arena don't always have a good view of what the masses are thinking about in any given election. Certainly there is an abundance of educated people who vote on the candidates' responses to the various issues. It should be remembered, though, that there is still a tremendous number of voters who vote on personalities and the way the candidates present themselves.
Jesse Ventura won his governorship primarily because people did not like either of the other two candidates. Voters were sick of both the main parties during that particular election as well as sick of negative campaigns. Many people expected Skip Humphrey to be like Hubert. He wasn't. Everyone was tired of Norm Coleman.
I remember one of the debates between the three. I remember the shocked looks on Coleman's and Humphrey's faces when they knew that Jesse had captured not only the debate but the audience. People were so sick of both the Republican and Democratic parties, with all their fighting back and forth, that they decided to go with Jesse instead. At least this year we have lots of DFL candidates that people actually like.
The best thing a candidate can do is have viable ideas regarding how to solve the issues, a history of being an honest person with integrity, and present him or herself in a favorable way before an audience. Voters look at all of these. They also look at whether a candidate seems a little too slick, a little too glossy. Voters want a governor they can look toward as a leader rather than as a used car salesman. They particularly want someone they can trust. People don't trust politicians much.
Who can we trust in this election? Who has a history and a reputation of having a great character rather than just a catchy personality? Who has the most experience in public service? Who has a habit of carrying out promises? Who is not in this campaign for the money? Who deeply and sincerely cares about Minnesota and its people?
It's time we had a governor who meets all these characteristics. This election that choice can only be a DFL candidate. Which DFL candidate meets every one of the qualities that I've listed above? Mark Dayton. Our next governor.
