Tom Webb: Knight Ridder Election 2004

Norm on a mission

You've got to hand it to Sen. Norm Coleman. Minnesota's Republican senator was out partying with Rudy Giuliani until 2 a.m. Tuesday, then back at Madison Square Garden at 6:50 a.m. for a full slate of radio, TV, wire service and newspaper interviews.

True, he did look a little bleary-eyed early on (but hey, who didn't?), and he hadn't shaved, so an aide had to fetch a razor and some shaving cream. But after a quick shave and a few gulps of coffee, Coleman was his old gregarious self. In rapid succession, he deftly handled a dozen or so interviews, then set out for what promises to be a grueling day of forums, interviews, delegate meetings, TV appearances, and parties _ not to mention serving as emcee during tonight's roll-call.

This kind of energy and relentless drive is rare, except among a certain breed of high-level elected official. Paul Wellstone, Bill Clinton and Bob Dole all shared that hunger and drive, even if their political philosophies and personal motivations greatly differed. The party officials know this, and are watching Coleman at work. And for a hard-working political striver, the national convention may be the best platform on earth.

posted at # 10:10 AM