[GeorgeBerryman]

He's presidential timber after a little more seasoning.

Indeed. The man is as sharp as a needle. I watched him in that last debate against Daschle. He stuck to message, he never stumbled, he was clear, articulate, confident, determined and was armed with facts the way an Apache helicopter carries Hellfire anti-tank missiles. Thune's going to go far, methinks, and I'd love to see him run for President at some point.

[onyx]

Yep.
I watched both debates (assuming the MTP
match-up with Dashole can be called a debate
as it was billed)and both times, Thune trounced
Dashole with facts and charm.

He's worth watching, if only to be awed.

[GSlob]

As there is a curse on the Senators running for Presidency, he'll have to switch to being a governor after senatorial term(s).

[getitright]

Thune's future- Let's look at it this way. The Dems have high hopes for Obama. I think this is because he can do ANYTHING and still get re-elected in Illinois. If Daschle could take re-election for granted in a state that votes against his party 60-40, how solid and safe is Thune?

I agree that Thune is a rising star. I too was amazed at the way that Thune very carefully, wisely, reasonably, but RUTHLESSLY destroyed Daschle any time the two of them apperaed together. Thune was phenomenal to watch. He dismanteled a veteran Senator. Not something easlily done. The boy has a future.