GOP demands equal time; Wellstone aide apologizes; Ventura upset

Minneapolis Start Tribune ^ | 10/31/02 | Rochelle Olson and Bob von Sternberg

[randita]

As the uproar intensified Wednesday over a pointedly partisan speech at Sen. Paul Wellstone's memorial service the previous night, the late senator's campaign manager apologized and said it hadn't been planned.

Gov. Jesse Ventura's ire about the speech prompted him to say he might appoint an independent, instead of a Democrat, to temporarily fill Wellstone's seat. "I'm leaning toward appointing a regular citizen, someone you don't even know," Ventura said.

[jmstein7]

Geez -- Colmes just looks scary in that pic. Chilling.

[alloysteel]

And I hope that Jesse follows up on his statement that he would appoint a non-Democrat independent to fill Paul Wellstone's seat until the new Senate session opens in January. That would throw open a lot of critical issues in the rump session after election. Talk about limping ducks....

[NittanyLion]

In other words, exploiting the dead just came naturally and spontaneously to them.

That would seem to be the implication. This is a no-win situation for the Dems, and the fact that the participants so enthusiastically supported the event in realtime negates any handwringing after the fact.

[Fudd]

In organizing the event, family members of those being honored were asked to put forward speakers who would "come up and speak from the heart," Blodgett said.

Evidently, they only wanted democrats to speak, as Cheney was asked not to come.

Republicans need to milk this. Walter Mondale is a retread, whose so-called "glory" days in the '70's gave us the oil crisis, hyperinflation, hostages, and malaise.

[AmericanInTokyo]

In high school yearbooks, there are always a couple of 'geek' photos that we'd enjoy spotting and making fun of. Always good for a chuckle or two.

Wonder if Alan Colmes' picture there came from his high school days.... ;-)

[scan58]

As the uproar intensified Wednesday over a pointedly partisan speech at Sen. Paul Wellstone's memorial service the previous night, the late senator's campaign manager apologized and said it hadn't been planned.

It wasn't just "the speech" that was partisan...the whole damn thing was partisan from start to finish. Not planned??? And so it was "not planned" to uninvite Cheney, too???
An apology is in order, yes, but it makes little difference. The damage has been done. Luckily, much of the damage has been done to their own side...stupid rats.

[SirFishalot]

Wellstone would not have approved of the booing of others that went on there no matter what the Dems say.

The onlything missing was the ballon, confetti, and streamer drops.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

The wave of criticism also flowed to the University of Minnesota. "The political overtones were surprising to me and everyone else," said Sandra Gardebring, vice president of university relations. "I thought it was inappropriate; that's the mildest word I can use."

She said university offices had logged about two dozen phone calls from people who complained about the event.

---------------------------------------------------------

OK so here goes. Let's call or e-mail Ms. Gardebring or the University Relations dept. Seems she could hear from a few more of us. This was the first thing I thought of, quite frankly, as to why the University was being "used" (and in the worst sense of the word) for a blatantly political event of any kind.

PHONE: 612.624.2855
E-MAIL: Ms. Gardebring, Univ. Relations Dept.

The best thing to do at this point is not to RANT at these people but let them know that you KNOW they wouldn't have allowed this if they'd not been duped about the event in the first place.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

If you've watched as much 20th century footage of old newsreels as I have, this event may have given you the feeling of a Nuremburg-style rally. It was certainly no "memorial service" as had been "advertised". And it's very clear that a LOT of people were duped but didn't know how to make a "graceful exit", including the University administration AND the news media:

TV News Anchors: "We Were "Hoodwinked and Embarrassed" by Phony Wellstoned "Memorial"

[Tuscaloosa Goldfinch]

The wave of criticism also flowed to the University of Minnesota. "The political overtones were surprising to me and everyone else," said Sandra Gardebring, vice president of university relations. "I thought it was inappropriate; that's the mildest word I can use."

She said university offices had logged about two dozen phone calls from people who complained about the event.

Only two dozen? Shouldn't there be MORE?????? (hint hint -- what's the number????)

[Salvation]

GOP demands equal time; Wellstone aide apologizes; Ventura upset; Republicans win

My editing! LOL!

[Tuscaloosa Goldfinch]

oops, already done!

[Sloth]

Daschle dismissed reports that Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., left because the memorial turned political. "It had nothing to do with it," said Daschle. "He made a point of emphasizing that to me before he left." Daschle said Lott had a flight to catch, which was confirmed by a Lott aide Wednesday.

As I suspected... Lott hasn't got any balls.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

Great! Excellent effort! What was the gist of what you said and how did they respond?

[MsLady]

That was exactly how I felt. Thought it was just me. I will be more suprised then anyone if bill clintoon isn't the anti-christ. clintoon is campiganing all over the world as if he were running for President of the world. And you know what, the euro's love him.

[Zack Nguyen]

Several Freepers made very astute comments after this memorial service/Huzzahs for Wellstone rally. Many said the same thing - the larger point to be taken from this is that for the radical left, nothing is too sacred for use in support of the party and agenda. The tragic death of a Senator, his family and campaign workers is to be immediately utilized for a temporary bump in the polls to possibly win one election. After that it is to be forgotten and they will look for somewhere else to sink in their claws.

Quite simply, politics is God to the leftist.

[Pagey]

"I deeply regret if anyone took offense or was taken by surprise by some of the content of one of the addresses last night," Wellstone campaign manager Jeff Blodgett said. "It certainly was not an orchestrated or scripted event as some have suggested."

In true #42, and Leftist Manipulative fashion,Minnesota DemoncRATS knew they could say and do anything they want, because there is always room for a false 'Apology' after whatever action a Leftward Leaning Socialist commits.

[BJungNan]

A couple other good links on this issue.

Used and Violated in Minnesota What happens if election in Minnesota is disputed and court resolution drags out.
Ventura may appoint independent to serve as interim senator

I think this is an under reported issue. Ventura's appointment could be the tie vote on many issues held up in the Senate and could end up serving much longer than people are now thinking.

[Pagey]

Because they are 'Sooooooooooooooo Sorry' of a group of humans.