MTP Debate

Russert just tried to pin down Daschle on the war, and has now turned to Thune to ask if he agrees with Senator Hagel that we're losing the war.

UPDATE 8:09: Television is definitely a colder medium, there's a lot less electricity in the air compared to the Mitchell debate.

UPDATE 8:14: Daschle is really hammering on the issue of body armor for troops, accusing the Bush administration of not doing enough to equip the troops. Russert notes that John Kerry voted against the $87 billion bill to equip the troops. Daschle says he disagrees with Kerry on that issue.

UPDATE 8:23: Quote of the day: "Daschle ran out of the arms of Michael Moore and into the arms of President Bush" in an election year.

UPDATE 8:27: Daschle tries to get into Thune's face on the issue of judges. Thune remains unruffled.

UPDATE 8:32: Daschle quote as MTP cuts to a break: "If you want a follower you do what John did on drought relief, if you want a leader you do what I did."

UPDATE 8:40: Russert pins Thune down on the issue of gas taxes.

UPDATE 8:46: Russert pins down Daschle on the energy bill.

UPDATE 8:47: Daschle is much more aggressive, at one point he smirked and clapped John Thune's arm, it really came off as cheesy.