If you are going to take part in politics, take part. The job of a politician is to be where the decisions are made. To get there and stay there. To be one of the people who is consulted.

Consider what are the deals and agreements that have to be made in America to take America where you want it to go. And start making those deals.

So you are influencing opinion by having a blog – and the proof of your influence is that I am reading it. Wrong. All you are doing is closing down the decision space. If you are scared of Obama or Clinton getting in, get out now and find democrats and talk to them. Find out what they think. The more they see you as approachable, the more likely they are to vote with you. And if they win, the more likely they will consult you.

Be in the conversation – and in politics, that means with the opposition.