HERSETH REFUSED HISTORIC DEBATE OPPORTUNITY AT OGLALA NATION POW WOW

(Report received via e-mail from Whalen campaign.)

After marching in the Oglala Nation Pow Wow Grand Entry Sunday afternoon with Ms. Herseth, Mr. Whalen met her with the Pow Wow Committee in the Announcer’s booth and cordially shook her hand.

While shaking hands with Ms. Herseth he turned to the announcer and suggested to him, “Ms. Herseth and I could have a debate in front of pow wow attendees since we are both immediately present. I then turned back to Ms. Herseth and challenged her to a debate in front of pow wow attendees since there may never be a more opportune time or place for Indian people to see a Congressional debate”. Mr. Whalen suggested to Ms. Herseth that we could express our opinions “right here and right now” so these people know where we stand on issues of local concern.

Before the pow wow announcer could offer a reply Ms. Herseth sharply declined by responding, “No, I told you we will debate later in the fall” before promptly exiting the building. “Prior to Sunday, I had not personally discussed a debate schedule with Ms. Herseth. Had she accepted my challenge it would have been a historical event to debate before the people of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.” Voter registration of Shannon County, where the Pine Ridge Village rests, is primarily with the Democratic Party. It seems that Ms. Herseth was not inclined to share her opinions with her party members.

The Chief would like to see open, mano-a-mano Lincoln-Douglas style debates. Forget all the controlled format MSM “moderated format” weasel crap.