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Cheers to fun, quirky and genuine political ads
New York state Rep. Zohran Mamdani has been cranking out amusing online spots in his campaign for New York City mayor. The genre all but started in Minnesota with “Fast-paced Paul‚” the homespun, energetic 1990 ad that boosted the prospects of insurgent U.S. Senate candidate Paul Wellstone and made a household name of advertising guy Bill Hillsman. It’s easier than ever for candidates to speak directly to voters with low-budget clips filmed on their cell phones. I realized just how lacking current efforts lack in humor or creativity when I tumbled into an amusing clip from Second Congressional District candidate, former state senator Matt Little. Check out Little’s get-ready-with-me bathing TikTok and don’t worry, his bathing mercifully avoids not-safe-for-work territory. To wit: “Most voters don’t really like smelly candidates,” he says as a hand reaches to turn on the shower. He then proceeds to try on outfits from “tech bro” to “yeehaw.” An extra cheer for that sweet vintage Ford station wagon. More of this, please.
Jeers to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey
... who spoke at a ribbon-cutting Monday with Gov. Tim Walz for the reopening of the Stone Arch Bridge across the Mississippi River but then bolted before taking questions about his DFL endorsement loss less than 36 hours prior. Frey, once a national-class distance runner, spoke of how he loves running across the bridge with the sweeping view of downtown. He joined other officials in wielding a giant pair of scissors to cut the ceremonial ribbon. He smiled for group photos, and then he left. Reporters attend these ceremonial events in order to ask prominent leaders an array of questions on other topics. On Monday, Walz took all queries, but not the fleet-footed mayor. He scampered off the bridge without taking a single question. The official reason for Frey’s speedy departure: The impending birth of his second child. That’s legitimate. But as of Thursday morning, Frey’s wife remains pregnant. The hasty mayoral retreat looked like a false start.
Cheers and rest in peace
... to the late Sen. Bruce Anderson for a lifetime of public service in two branches of the military and in the state Legislature since 1995. Anderson died unexpectedly Monday at 75. In the Senate where a handful of politicians tend to do far too much of the talking, Anderson was a taciturn leader but a reliable Republican vote. He was an unfailingly calm presence who offered a gentle smile no matter what was swirling around him. Of his colleagues from both parties, Anderson would regularly inquire about their families. His steadiness and commitment to service above self will be sorely missed.
Jeers to U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach
... for voting against the release of the files related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. Fischbach, who represents Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional district, sits on the House Rules Committee, where she voted no on a Democratic motion to compel the Department of Justice to release all files related to Epstein’s case. The Epstein matter has divided House Republicans and ground their work to a halt with Fischbach siding with GOP leadership and President Donald Trump. Now comes word that state Sen. Eric Pratt, R-Prior Lake, is entering the race for the open seat in the Second Congressional District and pledging unfailing fealty to keep the momentum going for Trump. As if Trump needed a fifth automatic Republican vote from Minnesota. Is there a more independent Republican out there willing to end the ceaseless acquiescence?
Cheers to Gov. Tim Walz and Explore Minnesota Executive Director Lauren Bennett McGinty
... for demonstrating how to talk to Canadians by unfurling the welcome mat and inviting them for a visit rather than blaming them for wildfires and haze. Walz noted that Canadians and Minnesotans share a “bold winter spirit” as well as an affinity for hockey, fishing and buffalo plaid. Bennett McGinty touted Minnesota’s tax-free shopping and vibrant culture. Canadians account for more than half of Minnesota’s international visitors and we like to head up there as well, which is all the more reason to keep relations warm with our northern neighbors.
Jeers to U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D.
... for voting to cut $1.1 billion from public broadcasting. Rounds initially had concerns that President Donald Trump’s cuts would gut Native American tribal radio and television stations in South Dakota that provide important news and information to areas lacking reliable internet. The senator changed course and voted for the bill after receiving vague assurances from the Trump administration that the stations would continue to receive repurposed Department of Interior funding for a year. No surprise, but that funding’s now in doubt as Loris Taylor, the president of Native Public Media, told the New York Times there’s no clear path to redirecting funds to the network of 57 radio and four television stations.
