The Bigger Man

This Keith Ellison is not only a whip-smart politician, but he's a real man.

Ellison asked another Democratic member to introduce him to Rep Virgil Goode, R-Virgina, who spoke out against Ellison in a letter to constituents last month. Ellison told CNN that he approached Goode on the House floor and the brief meeting went well.

"I shook his hand and shook mine. We greeted each other." Ellison asked Goode to grab a cup of coffee with him soon and Goode accepted.

Asked if he was felt singled out as the first Muslim member, Ellison said no and added, "By reaching out to Congressman Goode I'm not trying to be accepted, I'm trying to build bridges. In this world there are too many misunderstandings. I want to put a human face on things."

He doesn't show bitterness for being singled out for no other reason than his religion. He shows a desire for inclusiveness, to build up instead of tear down. In other words, he's a true American, and he reflects the American spirit.

It was a hell of a day for America yesterday, seeing a woman swear in a black Muslim, both of them elected by their constituents to help lead the country. That's progress.