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Did you hear Tim say President Clinton? (living in the past)

Russert started out by asking Thune to respond to a Hagel criticism of the President. What's with that???? But Thune did not take the bait. Instead he gave a strong answer, defending the President's plan and execution of the war, how resolute the president has been, and he told us this wouldn't be easy.

I love it that Thune pointed out that hug was "the one moment of bi-partisanship shown by Senator Daschle, emphasizing "one moment". Thune won't let Daschle get away with belittling the criticism Daschle's gotten from other senators, like Grassley and Zell Miller. Thune says, Grassley, Miller, these are Tom's peers in the senate and they talk openly of Tom's Dead Zone...Bills he purposely kills and won't let go to a vote.

Thune did very well, well briefed and knowledgeable, and he didn't have to resort to old debating tricks. Daschle had obvious sound bites prepared.

Thune does not let Daschle win the microphone! He fights to finish his point, and Tom is doing what cheap trick talking heads do, trying to talk over the good points Thune is making.

"Tom wanted an issue, not a solution", says Thune. NAILS TOMMY Good!

Daschle accuses Thune of not even trying to pass a dought bill for South Dakotans. Hard criticism. Thune didn't take it sitting down, but then Daschle starts quoting Dept of Ag figures. There ya go folks! It's Thune's fault for what the House didn't pass. All his fault! (You reckon the people of South Dakota will believe that?)

Daschle's main theme, oft repeated, "Thune is a follower, not a leader". (I don't think anyone will buy that, but you never know.) Sounded boiler plate to me....and especially coming from a rather desperate Daschle, who wouldn't even be on Meet The Press if he weren't in real trouble with SD voters.

IS somebody watching Schieffer on CBS FACE THE NATION? What am I missing there? Will he talk bout Dan?

Daschle really irked that the Republican senators are sponsoring ads for Thune in SD. "John has a personal responsibility for those outside interest ads. He should take them down.", says Daschle.

"Tom has made over 350 votes to raise taxes", says Thune.

Thune hits hard on the Energy Bill!!! (sorry I didn't get it) Thune blames Daschle personally for not getting 2 democrats there to vote on it. That's all that was needed.

Daschle caught himself before saying "Thune should apologize for that ad". he changed it and quickly said "He should be responsible for that ad."

Thune says, "let me finish"....about time he told Daschle to stop interrupting him.

Am I biased? I think Thune won the Energy Bill debate, blaming Daschle for not getting it passed in the senate. Thune said Dasschle was captive to special interests and lobby groups. LOVE those zingers!!! and obviously The Energy Bill is a biggie with the folks of SD, they spent a lot of time on it.

Thune said Tom Daschle stood and applauded when the South Dakota Republican party members were called "the taliban".

Thune said, "yes, Tom Daschle's words emboldened the enemy". He doesn't back down from his tough ad.

Daschle says, "that is disappointing, Tim. His attacks on me would earn a trip to the woodshed. His efforts to demonize me in SD won't work in SD. I take it personal!!! (He's gonna cry...a whahhh awhha) Play by the goldne rule, love of country, work hard......that's SD. OH MIGAWD!!! THIS IS PATHETIC!!!!!! I'm embarrassed.

then after all that, Daschle says "well I cudda used different words than the PResident's plan has failed" ( WHAT A CHEAP, I"M SO PATRIOTIC TRICK!!!!! I'm laughing so damn hard I can hardly type!!!!!!)

Thune did not back down, even after that tearful, 'you should be ashamed of yourself for criticizing me" speech by Daschle.!!!

I"m done!!!