Convention Dispatch: Schweitzer Hits the National Stage

When I first went out to Montana in 2000, most people I knew in politics had no idea who Brian Schweitzer was, much less that he had a shot to win a statewide office in the then-red Rocky Mountain West. When I told my book publisher I was going to devote a whole chapter in my new book to my time working with Schweitzer, they were intruiged. Now, thanks to Schweitzer's Democratic convention speech last night, a lot of folks understand why I've always thought he was one of the most impressive progressive political leaders around.

You can watch Schweitzer's speech on energy here:

The Los Angeles Times said Schweitzer "was the surprise hit of the party's national convention" garnering "rave reviews for [the] rousing speech." Newsweek called him the "highlight" of the night. And the Denver Post reported that CNN's Jeffrey Toobin declared "Schweitzer the night's real winner, the Barack Obama of '08, for his impassioned speech."

With Barack Obama in Billings today for a campaign stop in Montana's now-competitive presidential contest, the Illinois senator would do well to take some populist tips from Big Sky country's governor. He might consider picking up this Washington Monthly piece I wrote about working on Schweitzer's 2004 political campaign, or checking out The Uprising, which includes a whole chapter on the governor. The kind of rural populism and left-right coalition building that Schweitzer is pioneering may have gotten some national attention last night, but it's been a powerful political force for a few years now.

Comments

[jeanrenoir]

I sure hope Schweitzer becomes one of Obama's central ambassadors to rural voters in all the key swing states. He's a great straw in the wind for American politics. The whole election will probably turn on whether uneducated rural voters wake up and vote their economic interest at last, instead of being bamboozled as usual with Republican "values" snake oil.

[robynuva]

I hoped he would be the VP.. Love Biden, have no problem with the ticket, but from far away in VA I have been watching Gov S. for awhile. What a great Democ!

[russpix]

The governor's speech was great, and it's a good thing you can watch it here, because it was talked over by MSNBC and CNN. In fact, Schweitzer's podium appearance, devoted largely to stinging attacks on McCain and Bush, served as near-silent, distant background as MSNBC talking heads - get this - wondered back and forth to each other why the Obama camp wasn't going after the opponent. Duh...

Seems this has become MSNBC's basic M.O. Earlier the same evening, the heads blabbed to and with each other about voters still not knowing who Obama was and what he stood for. The visual background for this? The convention podium, at which Obama's sister and then Jesse Jackson, Jr. each spoke eloquently and in detail about ... wait for it... who Obama was and what he stood for. If you switched to PBS or CSPAN, you caught all of each speech.

It occurred to me that this was like complaining that your town doesn't have an airport, but having to shout the complaint over the roar of jet engines. Yup, Schweitzer had some great things to say. But like many other detail-filled moments at this convention, Cable viewers didn't get to see or hear them.

[mandalaina]

I think Gov. Sweitzer gave one of the best (and my favorite so far besides Michelle's) speeches of the convention. He was having such a good time up there, and didn't seem to have one iota of hidden agenda. I'd like to see more of him on the national level, as I believe, from seeing and hearing him, that he's the real deal.

Way to go guy!!!!

[drkazmd65]

I was already a Gov. Sweitzer fan from one interview I heard him do a couple of years back on one of the AirAmerica radio shows (I think it was Randi Rhodes). Read up on him a bit after than on my own.

He is exactly what is right with a Democrat message for the rural and western regions of this country. He speaks the right language, talks the right game, and says what is on his mind.

He would make a great Senator for MT someday After he finishes his term(s) as Gov. Who knows,... maybe even a President come 2016 or longer.

[burndtdan]

schweitzer had an amusing yet pleasant mixture of sunday school teacher and used car salesman in his delivery.

if nothing else, he should become the party warm-up speaker. he really knows how to get a crowd energized.

[MPeter]

This guy is dynamite. How come we know so little about this guy? Wow. He knows how to work a crowd. This guy has a place in national politics. He is bigger than Montana now.

[Liberal2]

Because the corporate media is rethuglican. Look how Florida's Crist gets in the news with no effort at all.

[Pupadup4oBama]

I LOVED that guy...he was honest, and fun and you can tell he just loves life. I guess it's all that clean mountain air.

Good luck w/ the book!