And it’s really depressing. Even the people who I want to cheer on seem like they are terrible. There are definitely some good people working to keep things going – I know a few people who are working the the government, doing their best with this turmoil – but it seems like almost all the leaders are just yucky people.

Paul Wellstone was my political idol: he was fiery, but kind. He worked for us. He did what he believed was best for the constituents, even when it wasn’t the best for his career necessarily. I miss him.

I don’t see too many Paul Wellstones out there. Don’t come at me with “but Bernie…” because Sanders trashes allies. Wellstone repeated “we all do better when we all do better.” Maybe I’m being rosy with my memories but I don’t remember Paul ever denigrating allies. Or many people, to be honest.

Erin Murphy was probably the candidate that came closest to Wellstone recently, and I am sad she is not our candidate. I’m going to vote and encourage everyone else to vote because we cannot go backwards in Minnesota – we cannot afford Jeff Johnson or even Wardlow. But I wish there were people I could be excited to support.

Don’t get me wrong – I think Walz will be a good Governor. I appreciate some of the things he’s said in recent interviews and debates. I’m glad he is the candidate and not Lori Swanson. I’m just not over the moon about his candidacy.

Maybe that shouldn’t be an expectation in politics. Voting is a utilitarian activity in the general election: “how can I get the best outcome for the most people?” is the question I think needs to be answered as a voter in the general. I don’t feel comfortable withholding a vote on principle when I feel like it would affect the lives of so many people. If anything, our last presidential election shows us the value of our votes.

So yeah, I’m disappointed by our leadership and I’ve lost faith in a lot of humankind recently, but I’m still going to vote the best I can and hope we can turn the tide or at least insulate Minnesota from the worst effects of national politics. I hope my fellow Minnesotans will join me as a voter.