It is hard to know whether a "silent majority" exists anymore (did it ever, really?). One can add up public opinion polls and conclude that the POVs on top constitute what a majority really wants from government or wants politicians to do.

But it is not that simple. For one thing, people's responses often heavily depend on the way a question is asked. For another, voters have opinions that are contradictory (e.g., spend more on just about everything and also eliminate the budget deficit and lower taxes).

And most poll results reveal nothing about what the public's ranked priorities are, or what tradeoffs they would make if they had to (and they usually are required - that's what we are really paying politicians to do, make the choices we do not have the knowledge to judge).

The view that "real people" really widely agree on everything is a pet peeve of mine.

Yet, even in these crazed, polarized times that Trumpism both intensifies AND reflects, I think it is possible to get a broad idea of what political solutions the public really prefers over others. At least in many cases.

The coffeehouse is closing. So later on I will explain a bit more and, the week before our meeting look back here for a few key background links.

**Optional Backgrounders –**

· TBD.

DavidG

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