Abstract

Paul Wellstone

The article features U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone. His rise to political prominence from utterly ordinary beginnings illustrate his greatness. Growing up, he suffered from a learning disability, poor grades and bad test scores. During his adolescent years, he turned into a delinquent, driven by the problems in school and at home. He vandalized buildings and stole cars for 'joy rides.' When an athletic scholarship as a high school wrestler came his way, he grabbed the opportunity. This move took him to the University of North Carolina, where he developed a passion for political science. Eventually, he decided to enter the political arena under the Democratic Party. In October 2002, he perished in a plane crash along with his wife, his daughter and three members of his staff.