Thomas Daschle: “We spend a lot of time here in the Capitol talking about the abstract effects of policy. But when we go home, we see…”

“We spend a lot of time here in the Capitol talking about the abstract effects of policy. But when we go home, we see firsthand the challenges and pain so many of our constituents are facing. I spent the last week in South Dakota. We have a higher percentage of our National Guard and Reserve units activated than almost any other State. South Dakotans are united in our support for all the men and women who are risking their lives to defend our freedom. We are proud that America looks out for other nations. But we need to look out for people here at home, too. We need leadership that fights for American workers and families, not against them. That is what I heard, over and over again, from people in South Dakota. Last Tuesday, I held a town hall meeting in Spearfish, in the Black Hills. Among the people who came were a couple I have known for years. Donna Smith is a newspaper reporter for the Black Hills Pioneer. She is one of the best journalists in my State; I have tremendous respect for her skill and fairness. Over the years, I have seen Donna at many meetings. But this time was different. This time she was there not as a reporter but as an American who needs help.”