Daschle Re-Enters Political Arena

[NNN0LHI]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBU66DYVDE.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - Former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle's interest in public office isn't necessarily latent: he has set up a new political action committee and plans a Jefferson-Jackson Day speech in the politically pivotal state of Iowa.

Daschle, who was considered a possible candidate for president in 2004, has quietly eschewed most publicity since his defeat to Republican John Thune last November. But Steve Hildebrand, director of the new committee and Daschle's former campaign manager, said the well-known Democrat from South Dakota "is not going to rule out opportunities to play important roles in public service."

"It could be president, it could be vice president, it could be something else," Hildebrand said. "It could be nothing."

He said Daschle's Iowa speech, scheduled for the state party's annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner Nov. 5, will probably be his most political since last year's election.

Oh no

[henslee]

1. No quiero "Senor Baggage".

[SammyBlue]

5. Here, here

No more riding the USS Pansycrat. . .we need him like we need more Joe Liebermans.

Stay home, Tom. . .you're useless and it's better without you pandering to the Republicans.

[henslee]

7. .......

[SammyBlue]

13. Caption for this picture:

Bush: Tommy-Boy, thanks for rolling over and letting me do whatever I want. Come here, you big lug!

Tom: Sir, you know I wouldn't stand in your way. The hug is great, but please get your hand off my ass!

Another caption:

All pretenses aside, Tom Dachsle and George Bush reveal their true colors and the true conflict: Keeping their relationship from Pickles and Condi Rice.

[marbuc]

2. I think he would make a great gubernatorial candidate

What is the status of that office in South Dakota? Who is the current governor and when is he/she up?

[SaveElmer]

3. I heard rumblings somewhere...

That some in Minnesota were trying to get him to move there and run against Kennedy for Dayton's open seat!

[gratuitous]

4. I know I always go make a speech in Iowa when I'm up to nothing

Hmmm. Yeah, unless Daschle has gotten a spine installed, I'd prefer he stay in South Dakota and work on his memoirs and collect his pension. We don't need any more accommodationists too scared of their own shadow to confront this bandit regime when it's killing people wholesale.

[confludemocrat]

6. This proves that "leading" Democrats just don't get it. Go away, stay away

The guy is still using a spokesman, can you believe that, what does he think he is?

[Cha]

8. NO Fucking WAy!

You had your chance to stand up to the bushwa, daschle!

As the DUer said..TOO MUCH BAD BAGGAGE!

[emulatorloo]

9. If Daschle was so "lackluster" why did the REPUGS DESTROY HIM

by pouring money into Thune's campaign?
paying the "independent" blogosphere to discredit him?
send Talon News Attack Marine Jeff Gannon to smear him?

Anyway I am not a big Daschle fan, but those things make me wonder.

Just one little example I got from a quick Google:

http://archives.cnn.com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/12/23/column.press/?related

Bill Press: Republicans aim to smear Tom Daschle

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Even in American politics, it's a new low. A full-page ad in South Dakota newspapers shows the face of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein with the caption: "Why is America buying 725,000 barrels of oil a day from this man?"

Alongside that photo appears the face of Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and the message: "Because this man won't let America drill for oil at home."

The politics of personal destruction are back. If you believe the ad, Tom Daschle is in bed with Saddam Hussein. But it's only one of many Scud missiles launched against Daschle by Republican party officials in the last few weeks.

Befuddled by Daschle, Republicans have come to the same conclusion they once reached about Bill Clinton. Unable to attack his policies because they're so popular, they've decided to attack him personally.

[NNN0LHI]

10. Why? Because he took a knife to a gun fight. Not very smart n/t

[WI_DEM]

11. I vote "nothing"

Harry Reid has provided the spine which I believe Daschle lacked as Minority/Majority Leader.

[Lefty48197]

12. Honest, intelligent, articulate man...

c'mon Tom, I love ya, but politics is no place for nice guys like you and I.