Analysis · Floor speech · beta

John Thune

Republican on Recognizing the 125th Anniversary of Artas, South Dakota 2026-07-13

149 words · 9 sentences · 12 clauses

Statement grade

B–

Average 74 / 100

A score under 50 is red. Choose a measurement to see where it lost points and why; choose it again to clear.

Greeting 19%Claims 49%Positioning 32%

This view breaks the statement into its steps and names what each one does.

Mr. President, Greeting · 5 wordstoday I recognize Artas, SD.Greeting Claims · 73 wordsThe town of Artas celebrated its quasquicentennial July 11, 2026.¹ Artas hosted quasquicentennial events, including live music, reunions, and much more. Artas is located in Campbell County, situated along South Dakota’s northern border and among the vast rolling prairies and open farmland.² This community began when the Soo Line Railroad expanded into northern South Dakota.³ Artas became a central, rural town for surrounding farms, fostering a spirit of hard work, strength, and resilience. Positioning · 48 wordsThough small in size, Artas reflects the enduring spirit of rural South Dakota, where neighbors know each other and a strong sense of community thrives. Since its beginning 125 years ago, the community of Artas continues to serve as a strong example of South Dakota values and traditions.⁴Positioning Greeting · 23 wordsI offer my congratulations to the citizens of Artas on their town’s quasquicentennial and wish them continued prosperity in the years to come.Greeting

At a glance

Lost points for

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 47

5 of 5 deductions are Signal

Signal checks whether every part makes a point, gives a reason, or asks for action. A low score means the speaker filled time with fluff, pleasantries, or attacks.

Greetings and pleasantries.What the tags mean “today I recognize Artas, SD.”A greeting: no claim, reason or ask.
Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “Though small in size, Artas reflects the enduring spirit of rural South Dakota,”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.
Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “where neighbors know each other and a strong sense of community thrives.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.
Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “Since its beginning 125 years ago, the community of Artas continues to serve as a strong example of South Dakota values and traditions.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.
Greetings and pleasantries.What the tags mean “I offer my congratulations to the citizens of Artas on their town’s quasquicentennial and wish them continued prosperity in the years to come.”A greeting: no claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · no score

Not applicable: nothing to answer. Excluded from the average.

Relevance checks whether the speaker stays on topic and answers the question asked. A low score means the speaker dodged the issue.

Respect · no score

Not checked: graded before this measurement existed. Excluded from the average.

Respect checks whether the speaker argued with people’s positions and records rather than attacking the people: insults, mockery, or bad motives assigned to them. Criticism of what someone did, however strong, is not marked.

Clarity · 100

0 of 5 deductions are Clarity

Clarity checks for plain speaking, clear ownership of actions, and honest limits on certainty. A low score means vague promises or evasive language.

Nothing lost points.

Claims · 4

This list shows the factual statements you can check for yourself: the words as said, and the claim restated to stand on its own.

1“celebrated its quasquicentennial July 11, 2026”The town of Artas, South Dakota, celebrated its 125th anniversary (quasquicentennial) on July 11, 2026.search
2“Artas is located in Campbell County”Artas, South Dakota, is located in Campbell County, which lies along South Dakota’s northern border.search
3“the Soo Line Railroad expanded into northern South Dakota”The community of Artas began when the Soo Line Railroad expanded into northern South Dakota.search
4“Since its beginning 125 years ago”Artas, South Dakota, was founded approximately 125 years ago (around 1901).search

Analyzed on 2026-09-15