Todd Epp, a.k.a. “Token Liberal” of the Greg Belfrage show is chiming in about yesterday’s dueling events, where he sees the SDGOP coming out on top, and the SDDP taking a major hit in how people view them:
When I look at our Republican brothers and sisters, they have had great leaders as chairpeople. Craig Lawrence and Joel Rosenthal especially come to mind, but also people like Pam Roberts and Dan Lederman. While we may disagree with their positions on the issues, they knew or know how to lead. For example, Lederman holding the rally at the same venue as the Democrats’ McGovern Day was diabolically brilliant. It took attention away from the Democrats, who also shot themselves in the feet but not opening our event to the media.
With yesterday’s events, not only do we still have a poor leader in charge of our party, but a mortally wounded one going into the 2018 election. I’m not sure how things could get any worse but we are set up for such an eventuality. To wait for Trump to implode is not a strategy but a wish. Politics is an elbows out sport and hard work that depends on planning and money. Until we Democrats figure that out, we will continue to bleed market share–i.e. voters, to the Republicans and Independents. And even fewer Democrats in Pierre.
Maybe it is time for a new party. I’m not sure this one is salvageable. We can’t even stage a propper (sic) revolt.
This comment comes under a post at Cory Heidelberger’s Dakota Free Press, where Heidelberger fanned the flames and promoted the revolt against Tornberg, but didn’t bother to drive to Sioux Falls to participate nor cover the vote to replace Tornberg or to attend Democrat’s big annual dinner. (Al Novstrup was at the GOP event, BTW).
It was a good event for Lederman, who despite having no major statewide candidates or officeholders who were available to attend, managed to pack the place with activists who were willing to take the fight to the doorstep of Democrats.
And as Epp notes, “not only do we still have a poor leader in charge of our party, but a mortally wounded one going into the 2018 election. I’m not sure how things could get any worse but we are set up for such an eventuality.”
As I’ve said, Dems, just keep doing your thing.
Keep up the good work Dan!
There are so many things “wrong” with the entire “event.” Yes, it includes what Todd says but here is the absolute worst: In confirms the worst perception- The Democrats have nothing going for them.
Not only can’t they pull off a coup, I’m guessing they don’t have the firepower to shoot the opposition or to kiss and make up. They just left town breathing and they consider that a success.
Troy
Have you asked Cory of he endorses or condemns masked thugs disrupting and attacking peaceful rallies for Trump or conservative causes? The hate and low tolerance demonstrated by the hard left faction of the SDDP would make South Dakota fertile ground for these thugs to show up. Those thugs would make a grave mistake of attacking armed South Dakotans. Outcome would not be good.
Horowitz waa best speaker GOP has had to-date!
Al Unruh was the highlight of the evening for me.
He was great!
Are all chiropractors nuts or just the GOP quacks?
Thanks to everyone who came to our rally!
Did anybody find out if Ellison even showed up? I thought there might be something on the Democrats’ Facebook page but there’s nothing there about it except an announcement
Found out from a friend that it looks like he missed their VIP event, but showed up to speak.
It doesn’t look like too many people are talking about the event.