Scott Rasmussen says our tradition of pragmatic problem-solving still works today

Scott Rasmussen offers his polling insights into the views of the American people on society and politics. He says our political leaders actually don't set the agenda for the country — our culture leads, and politicians lag behind.

Rasmussen says America's deepest tradition — pragmatic, community problem-solving — still works today.

He says we're in a unique time. There "is a fundamental rejection of both political parties. Neither side has figured out a compelling message and strategy and approach that can lead voters to trust them on an ongoing basis."

"People recognize," Rasmussen says, "that positive change begins outside the political process. But then we get caught up again in this political battle that somehow we have to elect the 'right person' because their agenda is going to lead us forward."

"I'm not dismissing politics. I think the political role is very important. The political role is to give voice to what the American people have already decided."

"It's always been that way," Rasmussen says. "The best two leaders of my lifetime were Martin Luther King, Jr. and Ronald Reagan, and they both articulated a deep connection to America's founding values and put it in the context of the world they were living in. That's what our nation needs today."

Scott Rasmussen spoke in Minneapolis on November 13, 2018, at the Center of the American Experiment. He is the publisher of ScottRasmussen.org and editor-at-large at Ballotpedia. His most recent book is "The Sun is Shining: Politics has Failed, But America Will Not."

To listen to his speech, click the audio player above.