In this article, the author presents his reflections on the political climate experienced during the pre-election season of 2004 and what he expected from "Homegrown Democracy." Denzin states that the values expected were opposite from the "homegrown democratic values of the hard-working, God-fearing people of Lake Wobegon, and their idea of the common good." He says that he felt anger at the Democrats who supported Bush's war; the politicians who wait to see which way the wind is blowing before they commit a political act requiring honesty and courage; Democrats who make lists; and Democrats who think the good Democrat is homegrown. Denzin concludes, "I'm not sure homegrown works any longer, my homegrown was narrow and provincial, and white. In my Lake Wobegon the Golden Rule and the politics of kindness, and the obligation to defend the weak and the poor only extended to those folks like the rest of us."