This group of men was nothing special, there are groups of them in every small town cafe in South Dakota. Baxter Black calls is "coffee shop communion" Retired farmers gather and discuss politics, history, the price of tea in China, and anything else they care to talk about. What Ms. Noem was doing there is easy to see, she wants to hear what the possible voters have to say. Each of those men are very likely to vote. They may vote for her, or they may not, but they will vote unless death or taxes prevent that from happening.

It was a well balanced group of men. I never took a count but there were at least 5 of them. I I remember 2 Republicans, 2 Democrats, and this guy that was easily the oldest man on the panel who was literally in the middle of the discussion. Things got heated at times, but always respectful. They ripped on Obama, W, and even Bill Clinton took some lumps, but they never got personal with each other. A sign of true wisdom indeed. One guy said he thought the media was trying to tear down America's confidence in the President, another said the President was a Muslim fundamentalist that was trying to turn America into a Third World country. Neither one could convince the other that his viewpoint was right, but they sure gave it a try. The best part is, they didn't let their difference of opinion mar the free exchange of thoughts and ideals. This is what the First Amendment.

After Ms. Noem left, the discussion kept going. The first thing they all wanted to know was if any of the others were going to give her any money. There was also speculation on when or if Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin was going to show up and if she would be driving a Caddilac if in fact she did show up.

One of the group was disappointed that his question wasn't answered, that being "What is it going to take to get us out of this mess?" At that time, I spoke up, "$14 trillion for a start". They asked me what my impression was, i said I'd have to study on this further.I also told the group that I was glad I didn't Go to Hardee's for breakfast. My one big regret was that I had left both JTV and my soundbiter in the car. I plan on going back tomorrow, just to see if anything happens worth writing about.