I’m not optimistic about this debate; every candidate is a staunch supporter of President Trump and his policies. Dusty has voted for every Trump policy from the OBBB to an incoherent tariff policy that has tanked SD’s agriculture markets. The others all promise the same rubber stamp. Sure Doeden will talk about eliminating property taxes and supporting the little guy, but that’s likely too out there for most Republicans in SD (never say never though, who doesn’t want to not pay property tax . . . except of course those that don’t own property). The real entertainment would come from a debate with a Democratic candidate—I know, only one has declared so far, but some others will no doubt emerge. Yes, a long uphill climb when you don’t have millions of dollars like Dusty and Doeden or the exposure as Speaker of the House like Hansen or as Governor like Rhoden, but after the primaries, I’ll be waiting to see who is willing to debate.
1. “Voters will hear from candidates in one of the most consequential and historic elections in South Dakota history." Joe, I think this is a real stretch. After four years of the next Republican governor's term, I doubt we would know who had been the governor.
2. “Debates between political candidates, under questioning by professional journalists, give voters the information they need to help make decisions." That's not necessarily the case. But let's hope the journalists persist in getting honest answers to their questions and retain control of the proceedings. Otherwise we end up with a Noem-type circus.
I hope you will also hold a debate after primaries and invite the GOP nominee as well as any democratic or independent.
I’m not optimistic about this debate; every candidate is a staunch supporter of President Trump and his policies. Dusty has voted for every Trump policy from the OBBB to an incoherent tariff policy that has tanked SD’s agriculture markets. The others all promise the same rubber stamp. Sure Doeden will talk about eliminating property taxes and supporting the little guy, but that’s likely too out there for most Republicans in SD (never say never though, who doesn’t want to not pay property tax . . . except of course those that don’t own property). The real entertainment would come from a debate with a Democratic candidate—I know, only one has declared so far, but some others will no doubt emerge. Yes, a long uphill climb when you don’t have millions of dollars like Dusty and Doeden or the exposure as Speaker of the House like Hansen or as Governor like Rhoden, but after the primaries, I’ll be waiting to see who is willing to debate.
1. “Voters will hear from candidates in one of the most consequential and historic elections in South Dakota history." Joe, I think this is a real stretch. After four years of the next Republican governor's term, I doubt we would know who had been the governor.
2. “Debates between political candidates, under questioning by professional journalists, give voters the information they need to help make decisions." That's not necessarily the case. But let's hope the journalists persist in getting honest answers to their questions and retain control of the proceedings. Otherwise we end up with a Noem-type circus.