Mondale: Obama’s doing well

Former Vice President Walter Mondale, in the Senate on Tuesday to attend Al Franken’s swearing-in ceremony, had nothing but praise for President Barack Obama’s job performance so far this year.

“I’m always amazed by the range of the challenges he’s faced, but he’s doing well,” Mondale said. “He’s over in Moscow right now, trying to make some progress. He’s got a lot of energy, he’s smart, and he’s trying to do the right thing. I feel good about him.”

Mondale succeeded former Vice President Hubert Humphrey into Minnesota’s Senate seat, serving in the chamber from 1965 to 1977. He served in the administration of President Jimmy Carter from 1978 to 1981, and ran unsuccessfully against President Ronald Reagan in 1984.

He was drafted to run against former Sen. Norm Coleman (R) in 2002 after the death of Sen. Paul Wellstone but lost the election.

Asked whether Coleman will or should run for Minnesota governor in 2010, as has been rumored, Mondale wouldn’t comment in depth.

“Let me just say that today is a wonderful day,” Mondale said with a laugh. “Beyond that, I don’t know.”

–J. Taylor Rushing