Thune Wins Debate TKO

Daschle took some serious blows in tonight's debate. Overall, it was great debate, so I hope you watched it. In response to a question about Daschle and his party, Thune noted that Daschle voted with President Clinton 93% of the time and now votes with Kerry 95% of the time. Ouch. Daschle also said federal court nominees "are being voted on." Hmm, ask Miguel Estrada et al about that. They didn't even get a vote. Daschle, in a rather bizarre move, also brought up the nomination of Abe Fortas in 1968 in his defense. Daschle said he's opposed to gay marriage but also opposes a constitutional amendment because the constitution should only be changed sparingly and because DOMA won't be challenged. Thune noted, however, that Daschle has suppored 38 constitutional amendments on things much less consequential than marriage and that there are now 6 lawsuits seeking to undo DOMA. Thune also noted that Herseth supported the federal marriage amendment. On the flag amendment, which Daschle opposes, Thune noted that both Senator Johnson and Herseth support it. Daschle was also questioned about the Wind Cave/Tim Giago deal and said there was no "quid pro quo." That's not what other publications say, but whatever. The Argus Leader, for example, has never even reported the event, so people have very little information about it (unless you read the Washington Post, which did cover it). And Thune hammered Daschle for fumbling away the energy bill and Daschle just says it's untrue. Well, for Lord's sake Argus Leader, PLEASE ANALYZE THIS ISSUE IN DETAIL, which I've written about a dozen times. Anyway, tonight is an indication of why Daschle works so hard to avoid debates. They only hurt him.