[lentulusgracchus]

Yes, I agree that on that issue they show that the Left is more close-minded. They also comment elsewhere in the report that on the abortion issue, abortion activists seem to be extremely close-minded (almost "bigoted") in their reaction to contrary arguments.

But the overarching question implied here, is whether public participation in seeking policy solutions through consensus is valid in terms of finding effective and beneficial outcomes.

The tendency of their argument seems to me to be to disqualify the public on grounds of bias from participation in policymaking.

It's the old attack on citizen rights in the name of getting it right. An upscale version of making the trains run on time.

Or do I oversimplify?

[Always Right]

They also comment elsewhere in the report that on the abortion issue, abortion activists seem to be extremely close-minded (almost "bigoted") in their reaction to contrary arguments.

That is true. But really, no amount of additional information can overcome the belief that abortion is murder. Once you believe that, all other information is pretty worthless.

[Always Right]

The tendency of their argument seems to me to be to disqualify the public on grounds of bias from participation in policymaking.

Which is a strange argument, since a policymakers would have the same biases. At least with a democratic consensus the debate is opened up and the arguments have to appear rational to the majority of people. When you get into a small group of people making decisions behind closed doors is when you get the worst results that fail any test of rationality.