I sent the following email to fellow Democratic and Progressive bloggers and members of the SDMSM.  If anyone else has any thoughts on this, let me know:

Dear Democratic and or Progressive S.D. Bloggers (and those who love and or tolerate them):

I was inspired today by Dave Kranz’s column (and who isn’t inspired by Dave on a semi-weekly basis?) about the importance South Dakota’s Democratic Presidential Primary may hold. 

As some of you old timers might remember, Back In The Day—1992 to be exact—I was the producer for South Dakota Public TV’s debate with the Democratic candidates for President.  I think that was the last presidential debate held on South Dakota soil.  And our next President, Bill Clinton, participated in the debate.  The state Democratic Party, then run by the Two Steves (Hildebrand and Erpenbach) invoked the spirit of George McGovern and somehow got eight candidates to come to Sioux Falls in the dead of winter.  I think they have both been sainted because of this miracle.

So, fast forward 16 years.  (Dang, I’m getting old!)  South Dakota may be last on the primary calendar but first in the hearts of our countrymen and women this June.  Our 23 delegates could be an important factor in whether Hillary or Barack wins the nomination.  At least that’s what Kranz says, and who am I to doubt him?

I have no delusions that either U.S. Senator might actually appear in South Dakota for a debate.  Maybe.  But like the “Six Million Dollar Man,” we have the technology.  What if we Democratic and Progressive bloggers (with the help of our MSM buddies) figured out a way to have Clinton and Obama virtually debate here in South Dakota?  What was interesting about the 1992 debate I produced (had I mentioned that?), we asked questions that the national debates and press never touched on.  Issues like federal-state-tribal relations, CRP, the Farm Bill, rural economic development, funding water projects, saving our small towns, etc.  Issues that are unique to us here in South Dakota and the Northern Plains.

So, there are a lot of smart and well-connected people on this email.  If the Two Steves could get eight candidates to Sioux Falls, I’m guessing the One Rick (Hauffe) should be able to swing two candidates participating remotely or via chat room or something in our little debate.  And better yet, let the bloggers ask the questions or at least some of them.  And the peeps too via YouTube or KELOLAND or whatever.

Yeah you’re probably right, to quote “Animal House,” “I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody’s part. And we’re just the guys (and gals) to do it.”

But why not think big?

Give it some thought and get back to me and the rest of the crew on this email.  We actually have a month or so to pull it off.  And think of all the advertising you/we/us could sell!?

Seriously.

Best regards,

Todd Epp 

Photo Illustration by Mike Licht, used under Creative Commons License.

Technorati Tags: debate, 2008 election, presidential election, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton