Janklow, one of about a half-dozen featured speakers, gave Daschle a bear hug and shrugged of their opposite political labels.
"I compare it to the Catholic priest and the rabbi," Janklow said. "Long ago, we quit trying to convert each other. We just try to make the neighborhood a better place to live."
"When they tally up the ledger, whenever you had any impact, you made the neighborhood a better place to live. You're a darn good neighbor," Janklow added. ...
USA Today founder Al Neuharth, a University of South Dakota graduate, criticized the state's voters for defeating not only Daschle in 2004 but choosing Republican Richard Nixon over Democratic presidential nominees Hubert Humphrey in 1968 and George McGovern in 1972, both from South Dakota.
"I am ashamed of what some South Dakotans have done to their best," Neuharth said of the election defeats.
Thanks for scolding us, Neuharth. You'll also notice the reference to McGovern, the most left-wing presidential candidate in U.S. History who lost 49 states in 1972 being anti-war, pro-choice, pro-tax, pro-welfare, pro-1960s etc...and lost in 1980 bashing Reagan. It should be no wonder why South Dakotan's voted against him. Humphrey called McGovern the candidate of "Acid, Amnesty, and Abortion" in 1972.
The event was fear from the collapse of the Old Guard falling over themselves to say how great they were. The Daschle-Janklow deal/relationship was pure and brilliant politics more than anything. They were the two most powerful guys in the state and had every reason to not undermine one another. It's just another example of pragmatic politics trumping actually sticking to ones principles. The Old Guard even includes the former owner of the Argus scolding South Dakotan's for voting against Daschle. It underscores what a sea of change there's been in our politics--Daschle, Janklow, McGovern, and the Argus monopoly have faded, but what a combination they were. Furthermore, Janklow and Daschle weren't always best buds. Note this quote from former Governor Bill Janklow from 1986 (quoted in the Argus Leader, Oct. 29, 1998) when Janklow was thinking of running against Daschle:
"Daschle is a smooth politician. One of the new breed of TV-packaged, public relations kind."
Notice the lack of ideas presented; the only talk was about how great they are. Daschle never talked about "vision." He basically said we need to keep propping up the welfare state--Liberals have been saying that for 70 years. Daschle exemplifies why the Democrats keep losing: they have no ideas.
Daschle said following the election he wanted to be a "quarterback" getting laws over the goal line, but his legacy became that of a "defensive lineman." He was right: his legacy is blocking anything from getting done. The Wall Street Journal didn't call the Senate "Daschle's Dead Zone" for nothing. Again, what has he accomplished after 10 years as Senate leader? Nada.
South Dakota isn't liberal, but Daschle expected a win while hugging Michael Moore, bashing the President on the eve of war, and being anti-tort reform, pro-gun control, and pro-choice. Daschle may not have principles, but the voters sure do.
Additionally, Daschle keeps saying "never say never" about running for office again. The speculation is he wants to make a comeback in 2008 (assuming Johnson retires) or in a 2010 rematch against Thune. That's why he's so defensive about being a lobbyist. Anyway, if Daschle is going to act like a candidate it seems wise to treat him like one. "Daschle Watch" anyone?
Footnote: Where was Herseth? Apparently the feud continue between her camp and Daschle's because she made him look so liberal.
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