Guest column: Despite the political tides, I am feeling hopeful

Lastly, I’m also feeling optimistic about the American people. Some consider that a naïve perspective. But again, I’m going with a data-informed long view. My source for optimism is the 2018 More in Common Hidden Tribes report. It explores political centrists, whom the authors call the “exhausted majority,” comprising about two-thirds of Americans. What I find so uplifting about this group is their pragmatism: they are politically flexible (they’re not ideological purists), support compromise (they value shared agreement) and are tired of political conflict (they emphasize similarities). They also feel their voices obscured by highly-vocal members of the far right and far left.  Although this group’s voters typically vote either Republican or Democratic, it’s upon this results-demanding group that elections turn. Which suggests that a leader and party that’s intent on serving themselves, political extremists, and a national political agenda, rather than the American people and their communities, won’t long hold power. Yeah, these days I’m feeling hopeful.