Paul Wellstone and Bill Dauster

Political progressives focus on enhancing popular participation in politics and on using governmental means to improve the human condition, contend Paul Wellstone and Bill Dauster in the following viewpoint. Labor laws, social security, electoral reforms, health insurance, and civil rights victories are just some of the national achievements that resulted from progressive efforts, the authors point out. Currently, progressives need to push for increased access to child care, health care, living wages, and quality education. They must also fight cynicism as they continue to champion grassroots political participation and social justice, the authors conclude. Before his death in 2002, Wellstone was a Democratic senator from Minnesota. Dauster was a counselor to Wellstone.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In the authors’ opinion, why were Democrats successful in the November 1998 elections?
2. According...