When you're the president of the United States and you know that the biggest issue facing you is this cliff that we're about ready to head over if we don't get this spending and debt situation under control, it's very irresponsible not to take the action that is necessary to fix the problem.

He previously served as a United States Representative for South Dakota's at-large congressional district. S. Throughout September Daschle led Thune by margins of 2–5%; from October until the November 2 election most polls showed Thune and Daschle tied 49% to 49% among likely voters.

He previously served as a United States Representative for South Dakota's at-large congressional district.