Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer indicated today that he may consider a run in 2016 and I, for one, am thrilled:
Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer gave a shout-out to Iowa and New Hampshire in response to a question about 2016 Sunday.
"I have a warm regard for the people of Iowa and New Hampshire," Schweitzer said on CNN's "State of the Union."
"It's way to early to talk about 2016," he said. "I'm governor of Montana until January. At that point, I'll no longer have a governor's mansion, I won't have a driver, I won't have security. So I'll have a little time on my hands. I think I did mention that I have a warm regard for the people of Iowa and New Hampshire."
Um, hell yes. Schweitzer is more progressive than most progressives in the same state that elects Max 'I Kill Public Options' Baucus and, one would think, should only be electing asshole blue dogs like, well, Max. So, this guy shows that we can win with good ideas in the West.
And boy does he have good ideas -- as is the case in Vermont, Schweitzer would like to create a single-payer, Medicare-for-all-style program in his state, referring to the pharmaceutical industry's relationship with the federal government as a 'pack of crap' and suggesting that any public option would make for a pretty lonely operation over at Blue Cross Blue Shield:
Schweitzer said that under his ideal system patients can still buy private insurance if they want to, but that it’ll be a “lonely place over there at Blue Cross Blue Shield” due to the superior public health insurance he plans to provide.
That 'pack of crap' kind of rhetoric is exactly what Democrats will need if we have to face off against Governor Christie in 2016. You know the media will be going gagagagaga over Christie's 'Italian-uncle-plain-talking schtick' that he likes to pull, and will be casting our candidates as the antithesis.
Schweitzer gives us the policy we want and need, he gives us exposure in the Western mountain states that need reinforcing and tender loving care, and -- because of the way elections work, unfortunately, in 24/7 CNNMSNBCFOXNEWS America -- great personality and rhetoric.
Yes, yes, yes, yes, I know, I know -- it's early. And I respect other Kos members with different visions for 2016 -- and maybe my vision will evolve as well in two or three years. But, at the moment, I feel like I'm looking at a Western Howard Dean.
Anyone else with me?
And just for fun...
Mon Dec 03, 2012 at 5:58 AM PT: Standing up for the environment with his branding iron: