Minnesota DFL Senate candidate Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer smiled and chatted easily as a small crowd of serious congregants gathered last Sunday in the basement of Northfield Minnesota’s venerable old UCC Church. In a town with two highly ranked private colleges, this little gathering contained a large percentage of authors, PhDs, and assorted other educated types. The rest were the sort of coupons clippers who give money to political campaigns.
In spite of its dour image as the church of New England Puritans, the Congregationalists have an unexpectedly progressive tradition—of which the Northfield congregation is a fine example. These are the folks who encouraged Paul Wellstone before anyone else had heard of him. Most of us would have been nervous before such a gathering, but NOT Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer. These were his people and he certainly knew their language.
He warmed the crowd up with a short talk appropriate for the Third Sunday of Advent. The theme was how in many ways, the historical development of Christianity was a logical response to Roman imperialism. This led to a short explanation of the more baleful aspects of empires—especially for folks on the receiving end. From there it was but a short leap to an analysis of the published papers the neo-cons used when planning the Iraq invasion and occupation.
It was an intellectual tour-de-force. It was historically informed, it was appropriate for the audience, and it was actually relevant to why someone might want to become as USA Senator. It was delivered with the casual ease one might associate with a guy explaining how he got his ice fishing house to the right spot on the lake. It was breath-taking. You could have heard a pin drop. The PhDs and coupon clippers alike were listening.
The rest of the speech was pretty much a version of his stump speech. In two months, while he was teaching full-time at St. Thomas, Jack has made himself a serious player in the Senate race. Most of this is due to his winning all ten of the regional DFL debates by wide margins. He has raised a quarter million dollars which is enough to get him to caucus night. And next semester, he is on sabbatical.
Thanks to the good people at YouTube, it isn’t necessary to take my word for the quality of Nelson-Pallmeyer’s political positions or speaking ability. Watch for yourself! These clips are from the November 27, 2007 debates held in south Minneapolis.
Except for the clip on Iraq, each of these answers run about two minutes.
How did we get into Iraq and how will we get out? This clip is actually a composite of two debate answers. It is so thoughtful and nuanced it makes one wonder why Jack isn’t running for President.
The multiple advantages of a single-payer health care system.
The existential emergency of climate change.
Thinking about our relationship with Iran.
What to do about the subprime mortgage mess.
Opposing the gay marriage ban and other forms of discrimination.
A plan for economic renewal.
How to deal with the shortcomings of education in USA.
Why the pro-choice position is necessary and moral.