Like anyone else who cares about the future of our country, I eagerly tuned in to watch the Iowa caucus results last night. And it was nice to see that, regardless of "equal time" rules, the Democrats easily stole the show where charisma and excitement are concerned.

More impressive than that, however, was the feeling the night's events gave me that I haven't felt in a long time: Pride. Pride in my country, in its people, and in the leaders that it wants to choose.

First diary! Anyway...

I got home from work today about 3:30PM Mountain time, having been on edge all morning about what was happening in the Senate. (I saw Frist kick off the debate, but then I didn't catch much more on the radio in the car.)

So, after turning on C-SPAN 2, it was nice to see that I would be able to watch the Dems' speeches until 5:15. And the first one I caught was that of Mark Dayton from Minnesota.

I noticed early on that, to his enduring credit, he touched on most - if not all - of the major issues and terms that we've been bandying about on this site for a while (at least, as long as I've been here). It's a powerful statement of exactly what's going on in the Senate.

The transcript has just been posted to his web site, and I'll relay it to you with some comments of my own.

More follows...obviously...