Elizabeth Warren spoke to an enthusiastic crowd today in the packed auditorium of Worcester’s North High School.  The audience consisted of Worcester’s democratic political body, union representatives, and an exuberant mix of political novices and veterans. 

Warren spoke candidly to the audience, demonstrating an ease of public speaking which comes from her years as a teacher.  She addressed her main issue: the middle class.  After recounting her own middle class to “fancy pants Harvard professor” story, Warren asserted that America is at a crossroads.  She used her own life to illustrate the America that invested in education, infrastructure, and other Americans.  But, she added “about thirty years ago we lost our way.”

Warren recounted the dangers of our boom-and-bust economic model and reminded listeners that well-placed regulations led to half a century of prosperity not only for those at the top, but for those in the middle as well.  She reminded us that the banking industry collapsed “one bad mortgage at a time” and that likewise, we need to rebuild the economy based on people not corporate bail outs.  She chided de-regulation Kool-Aid drinkers, who believe gambling should be a part of banking and wittily remarked “banking is supposed to be boring.”

In reference to those who claim regulations punish success Warren reminded listeners that “we love success in America” but that once someone does succeed they have to “take a small part of that and pay it forward so that the next kid has a chance to succeed.”  Her argument, reminiscent of John Rawls’ concept of justice as fairness resounded well with her audience, many of whom interrupted Warren with applause and whistling several times throughout her talk.

Warren’s campaign calls on participants to get involved and do their part.  While Senator Brown has been receiving donations from Wall Street lobbyists, many of whom hate Warren for creating the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over their objections, Warren is taking her campaign to the people. 

She has a passion and drive and will be a clear representative for the middle class of Massachusetts and all Americans.  Her level-headed decision making reflects why so many Bay Staters are drawn to Ms. Warren; in a time of political turmoil it is nice to know that there is at least one rational person in the room.