Daschle preparing national campaign?

[DeepModem Mom]

Daschle's Tinkering, but for What?


Speaking of 2008, former Senate minority leader Thomas A. Daschle (D-S.D.) has made several moves in recent days that have insiders wondering whether he is laying the groundwork for a national campaign.

First, the Iowa Democratic Party announced Tuesday that Daschle will be the guest speaker at the annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner on Nov. 5, a coveted slot for any 2008 aspirant.

Second, Daschle has re-formed his "Dedicated Americans in the Senate and the House" Political Action Committee (DASHPAC) as the "New Leadership for America" PAC, transferring $500,000 from the old account, according to PoliticalMoneyLine. Daschle has also established a "527" account under the same name.

Steve Hildebrand, a longtime Daschle adviser, said that the chance of Daschle running for president is "probably pretty low," but Hildebrand would not rule it out.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/20/AR2005092001523.html

[sui generis]

1. I used to really respect the guy

and he WAS full of fire and brimstone during the 2000 election, but then all of a sudden he just folded up and wilted away inexplicably.

I suspect he was worried about losing his more conservative democratic base so he toned down a lot -- too much. A pink-tinged democrat is always trumped by a blue-tinged republican in largely rural states when playing for the middle.

These guys need to remember that. And don't forget your freaking base! There are more people in your dark blue base than you could possible hope to steal from the light pink middle. Rally us by being a democrat and you'll see miracles. Turn us off by trying to out-republican the republicans, and we won't bother voting.

[SteppingRazor]

2. He's got about as much chance of winning a Dem. primary as my mom...

And she's a Republican.

[Larkspur]

3. Daschles ploy proves that being in Washington DC too long increases

delusions and hubris.

Get Daschle some anti-delusional drugs.

[KoKo]

4. Oh no...... Well.. I guess it's an open field.

He must have some ego... Remembering how he passed through every Bush appointment after Jeffords switched and we had a majority for the last time before mid-terms. Sad.

[iconoclastNYC]

5. What a pipe dream.

No support from the Netroots, no support from the establishment. He's dreaming!

[Tomee450]

6. I would never vote for

Dashle. The way he rolled over for the Republicans is emblazoned in my memory.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

7. 2006! Republicans Out! Don't let yourself be distracted. 2008 after 2006!