One of the most traditionally lefty states in the U.S., Minnesota, is home to some of America’s biggest liberal household names, including Hubert H. Humphrey, Walter Mondale, Paul Wellstone, and Al Franken. And it’s not just the politicians who lean left. In the last 81 years, the electorate has voted for democrats in all but one election: back in 1972 when Nixon won. Only Washington DC has a longer Democratic winning streak.
But more recently, we’ve seen decidedly un-liberal people rising through the political ranks in Minnesota like Michelle Bachman and Tim Pawlenty. Is Minnesota a bellwether of the rest of American liberalism as a whole?
Ralph Brauer, native Minnesotan and author of the “Strange Death of Liberal America,” offers his thoughts.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!