In Minnesota Race, Democrats Balance Both Grief and Power

The Wall Street Journal ^ | Monday, October 28, 2002 | TOM HAMBURGER and JACKIE CALMES

[TroutStalker]

MINNEAPOLIS -- In sneakers, khakis and an old sweater, 74-year-old Walter Mondale walked into the lobby of his downtown law office Saturday -- and back on to the center stage of American politics. The former vice president embraced David Wellstone, son of the late Minnesota senator, according to someone who was there.

[Cincinatus]

In Minnesota Race, Democrats Balance Both Grief and Power

Gee...I wonder which one will win out?

[freedomcrusader]

Are there any polls out yet - Mondale versus Coleman?

[d101302]

The Minneapolis Star Tribune ran an editorial cartoon Sunday showing Mr. Wellstone entering heaven in his trademark green school bus with welcoming angels saying that the "Big Guy" admired Wellstone's commitment to "the little guy."

Wasn't Wellstone an atheist?

[Queen of Excelsior]

It has been non-stop Wellstone coverage here in Minnesota and a lot of free air time for other Dem candidates such as Roger Moe (governor's race). What aggravates me is that the DFL website is up and running with a front page note about Paul Wellstone. The Republican website however is not accesible. All you get is a note of sympathy and a notice that the campaign has been suspended. Also, I typed in www.mondale.org and it appears the site is under construction, so they already have their candidate and they are using the next few days to get his campaign in place. The Dems have already moved on and the Republicans are getting snookered again.

[RushingWater]

In Minnesota Race, Democrats Balance Both Grief and Power

Correct Headline:
In Minnesota Race, Democrats Leverage Grief for Power

[ClearCase_guy]

"Saturation coverage lauding a populist Democrat this close to an election is the Republicans' worst nightmare," says Larry Jacobs, a political scientist at the University of Minnesota.

Under more normal circumstances, I believe the media makes some token effort to cover both major party candidates. True, it's often "brave Democratic proposal" vs "risky Republican scheme", but both are presented. But now, it can be different. Who cares what that Republican what's-his-name is saying? Let's talk about Wellstone! Then we'll talk about Mondale! Then we'll talk about Wellstone some more.

It's perfect cover for news coverage which is even more biased than usual. And it's national. Now, reporters in every state can subtly remind all voters of that highly principaled, very respected, deeply mourned DEMOCRAT and the importance of the upcoming election in which that-other-party may return to power.

[ffrancone]

LOL

[ffrancone]

THE ELECTION IS IN 8 DAYS
AND I CAN'T VOTE.

PLEASE, HELP TAKE BACK THE SENATE.
IT'S FOR THE PUPPIES!

TakeBackCongress.org

A resource for conservatives who want a Republican majority in the Senate

[Valin]

It has been non-stop Wellstone coverage here in Minnesota and a lot of free air time for other Dem candidates such as Roger Moe (governor's race).

This MAY backfire on the DFL.
Yesterday I had a couple of people say to me "Hey did you hear Paul Wellstone is (still) dead!

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

the only greif dems have are when they are out of power

[yoe]

Walter Mondale is a nice enough fellow, far better than Lautenburg of New Jersey. Never the less, a hard leftist and socialist. His record on raising taxes for all social programs is no less significant that that of Byrd of West Virginia. Mondale is the protégé of Hubert Humphrey and ‘yes’ man to the weak kneed Jimmy Carter. A true socialist who never respected the Republic or those principals, he believes in big and bigger government. His Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act has grown into an enormous Industry crippled by more corruption than Health Care. Mr. Mondale’s spots have not changed over the years, except perhaps when he bills for his law firm.

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

greif = grief

[js1138]

Republicans should make sure in the coming week that Mondale is firmly associated with Jimmy Carter. Nothing negative -- just mention Carter at every opportunity.

[Between the Lines]

The crash that killed Mr. Wellstone, his wife and daughter, and five others evoked memories of the similar accident that took the lives of Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan and his son Randy two years ago.

This is beginning to sound like a campaign strategy. Could this be the work of the DNC? And could this explain Torricelli's fear of small aircraft before pulling out of the NJ race?

[coder2]

Maybe I'm being insensitive (dumb question because I'm a conservative)... But does anyone else find it funny, that after losing his father, mother and sister, that David Wellstone's priority if finding someone to beat Coleman ??? It sure seems a little cold to me.

Heck, if it were me, and I had just lost 3 people near and dear to my heart, the last place I would be found is in a politicians office !!!

[coder2]

One more thing I wanted to add... I have lost loved ones tragically before... My dad, my fiance (years ago) and a beloved brother-in-law.

Politics was the last thing on my mind !

[coder2]

The irony here (which will never dawn on the dems) is that if Wellstone had died 6 years earlier (prior to the '96 election), I would bet the Norm Coleman would have been on the dems lists of potentials to replace Wellstone.. Probably would have gotten a personal visit from david wellstone...

So what is different now ??? Just the "R" --- that's it... One letter change moved Coleman from the "much loved" democrat to the "EVIL" republican.

[Mollygal]

Great Campaign Slogan for Mondale...

THE MONDALE RETURNS...



perfect timing for Halloween...