What this election is about in Robbinsdale, South Dakota, and across the nation

"Champ, when you fall down, you get up."

The lies and character assassination politics of the last fifteen years will not stand.

Joe Biden thrilled me Thursday night. What he said is all about why our wonderful West River Democratic candidates (more Dem than Repub Legislative candidates in 2008!) and their supporters are working so hard, and why we will keep working through the 2010 election.

As Adlai Stevenson II said:

Let's talk sense to the American people! Let's tell them the truth, that there are no gains without pains, that we are now on the eve of great decisions.

I'm fans of all these brave and strong Democratic candidates, but one them that represents what we're about is Eric Abrahamson, who is running for South Dakota State House in District 32 (Robbinsdale's district). Eric is another local Democratic candidate that knows that politics although sometimes quite thrilling, is not a game to be won, he knows that it's about service to the community.

Eric and I shared a exultant high-five at the Dem HQ after hearing Biden's debate close last Thursday because it so well told the story of what we are about as Democrats: respect for our opponents, and respect the facts, framing a passion, excitement, optimism and vision for the future. Change is a given, it will happen as Democrats we believe we should be engaged and take part in it rather than succumb to fear and retreat when faced with its challenge.

Here's what Eric said a few weeks ago at the September First Friday Forum in Rapid City. I think it rocks:

We are the party of optimism and vision-- running against the party of cynicism and defeatism.