Longtime observers of the political scene are concerned that a new scandal could derail a bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination by former Vice President Walter Mondale.
Many see Walter Mondale, an experienced 88-year old progressive with a solid resume as a refreshing antidote to other likely Dem candidates, including young kids like Biden and Sanders who aren't even 80. Rising support is reportedly building for a Mondale bid in certain circles in Minnesota.
While Walter Mondale did lose every single state to Reagan during his previous bid, except Minnesota, and the top Google autofill entry for Mondale is "Is Walter Mondale Still Alive", many believe that he could inspire a new generation with his enthusiasm for political change.
Unfortunately there is growing concern that the Vikings scandal could change all that.
The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority has bowed to public pressure from getting free luxury suite access for friends and family, drafting a policy to restrict such uses.
Bowing to public pressure created when it was learned that top officials of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority were bringing friends and family to the two 18-person complimentary suites for Minnesota Vikings games at U.S. Bank Stadium, the MSFA issued a new draft policy change stating that family and friends of MSFA would no longer have access to free tickets in the suites.
The saga brought MSFA Chair Michele Kelm-Helgen and Executive Director Ted Mondale into the eye of the storm after bringing into question improper benefits being received by public officials. Kelm-Helgen and Mondale have both defended their access to the luxury suites, claiming that having the ability to bring heavy hitters into the suites helps show off the facility for potentially booking it for future events – both in the sports realm and concert/entertainment events.
Ted Mondale is the son of Walter Mondale.
A proposal posted Monday calls on the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority to identify visitors to the U.S. Bank Stadium suites and explain why they're using the agency's premium seats. Friends and family of agency executives will no longer be allowed.
The five-member panel was created by the state to own and operate the new $1.1 billion stadium. But the presence of officials including Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges, stadium CEO Ted Mondale's father Walter and Minnesota Finance Commissioner Myron Franz raised concerns about how the MSFA distributes its free tickets and space in one of the most well-appointed facilities in the NFL.
And sad to say, the scandal has touched Walt.
The MSFA has released the guest lists from the suites during events that were held at the stadium. Many of them have reimbursed the MSFA for the cost of the tickets, as well as amenities like complimentary food and drinks in the suite. Some of the reimbursement payments came months after the events took place, including Mondale’s father – former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale.
If Walter Mondale really wants to run for president in 2020, he must come clean about his role in this scandal. A Democrat presidential must be free of even the taint of scandal to be able to enjoy the trust of the nation.
As a senior statesman who vowed to raise taxes, Walter Mondale has much to offer us. But he must also offer us the truth.