But telling the constituencies that they were naive and irresponsible did nothing to reconcile them to their political impotence.
As Dionysus he delivers his baroque autobiography – "son of Zeus, born by a lightning bolt" – in a measured tone, as if he were a politician telling his constituency not to panic.
University professors reportedly told their constituencies to avoid it.
That could allow both sides to tell key constituencies that they did not violate core principles.
Except for Mélenchon, all the top contenders for the presidency told their constituencies to back Macron. .
Blunkett, 67, told his constituency party in Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough that he would not seek re-election in next year's contest, ending a career as an MP that began in 1987.
Nick Clegg today moved to defuse the tuition fee controversy that threatens to destroy Liberal Democrat hopes of a byelection triumph in Oldham East and Saddleworth when he told the constituency's voters that most graduates will either pay less than they do now under the coalition's reforms, or not be required to pay off their entire loan.
In 1996 his main emphasis was in getting through the Commons the disabled persons and carers (short-term breaks) bill, already steered through the Lords by Lord Rix, but at 68, in anticipation of a serious operation, he told his constituency that, after more than 30 years as their MP, he would not be standing again.
They are also investigating claims that Liz Lynne, the former Lib Dem MP who followed Smith into the Rochdale seat, told her constituency aide to get rid of a document detailing a cover-up at the Knowl View children's home in Rochdale, which closed in the mid-1990s.
Head teacher Alwyn Thomas told his constituency MP that it is a common occurrence.
