The article discusses how political representation involves a delicate balance between being close to the people being represented while also being different from them. It argues against the idea that representation is just reflecting the will of the people, as this can lead to a shallow understanding of their needs. Instead, effective representation requires actively connecting with the represented, understanding their situations, but also maintaining a critical distance to provide checks on the government. This approach is crucial for ensuring that popular representation truly serves the interests of the people.