Who Are You Calling Two-Dimensional?

Tom Bartel’s characterization of Keith Ellison [“Capulets and Montagues,” November], like his understanding of perfect political storms, could benefit from a deep breath. The election of Jesse Ventura in 1998 did reflect voter aversion to the candidates of the established parties, but Ventura’s populist image, albeit more cultural than economic, had an even greater impact on his election. Populist moments come around infrequently, so to peg Ellison as “ … the two-dimensional cardboard caricature of a liberal … ” seems pretty absurd. Ellison’s frequent challenges to economic power (populism) and his record of standing up for the little guy as a lawyer, legislator, and activist have all but escaped coverage by reporters and pundits. There is a great deal to be sour about in this election cycle, but Ellison has kept his populist focus despite shallow media coverage and commentary.