Brian Schweitzer Might Run For President, Even Though He Thinks It Would Ruin His Life

[DonViejo]

TOM KLUDT – JANUARY 6, 2014, 8:56 AM EST

Former Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer might run for president, even if he's certain that doing so would have a pretty negative impact on his well-being.

Schweitzer was asked about his 2016 ambitions during an appearance Monday on "Morning Joe." "I haven't decided that," he said, prompting the show's panelists to encourage him to run.

"It would ruin my life," Schweitzer said, adding that he has a "great life in the private sector" as chairman of the board for a Montana-based mining company.

After passing on a run in Montana's open U.S. Senate race, Schweitzer has fueled speculation that he may seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016.

:::snip:::

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/brian-schweitzer-president-2016-ruin-my-life

[sharp_stick]

1. I'd like to see him run

even if he doesn't win the nomination I think he'd bring some really interesting ideas out into the open.

[Larkspur]

10. Me too!

[Laelth]

2. That was the wrong thing to say if he wants to run.

"It would ruin my life." Seriously?

It's a hard job, and I wouldn't want it personally, but that clip ... "It would ruin my life ..." will be played over and over if he runs. I can imagine the ads ... "Schweitzer wants to ruin his own life. Will you trust him with yours?"

It's not the end of the world, but if I were an adviser of his, I'd chew him out for some badly chosen words.

-Laelth

[earthside]

3. There will be a lot of that from Schweitzer.

He will be a breath of fresh air in presidential politics.

If I can't have Elizabeth Warren, Schweitzer is my next best.

If the Repuglicans run anybody more 'moderate' than Cruz or Santorum, in my estimation, Hillary would lose.

It is time --- it is time --- for a real progressive president or a genuine outsider like Brian Schweitzer!

[sendero]

4. I agree that those words ..

... sound ill-chosen but maybe the electorate is tired of having smoke blown up their asses 24/7. Most people understand what he meant, or at least I would think they would.

Some plain-spoken realistic talk might get some interest IMHO.

[Laelth]

6. Let us hope. n/t

-Laelth

[AZ Mike]

5. Not a big deal.

I mean, that's not to suggest the Reich Wingers wouldn't flog it to death ("Benghazi" anyone?), but it's an easy pivot to a populist appeal.

"Yes, I did in fact say that, but after some deep introspection I came to realize the issue was bigger that me or my personal life. The issues that matter are those that everyday Americans struggle with at the kitchen table. And I intend to bring solutions to bridge those struggles to a more prosperous America."

Or some other political boilerplate like that.

[Laelth]

7. That would be a good come-back. n/t

-Laelth

[Proud Public Servant]

8. It's not running that will ruin his life

It's what the Clinton machine will do to him if he dares to.

[Laelth]

9. Quite true if Hillary decides to run. n/t

-Laelth

[DFW]

13. Don't be too sure

IF Hillary and Schweitzer both enter the primaries, both are acutely aware of the unnecessary circus that was the 2008 primary. I think they'll both avoid the animosity, and it will be the most civil exchange of views of any primary in ages.


As for Schweitzer's statement, all he has to say is that he was referring to the primaries, and that he would relish the opportunity to make mincemeat out of any Republican foolish enough to run on their current platform-to the extent that their party can even be said to have one! In their current state, the Republican party as a whole has less coherence than the characters in a Marx Brothers movie. The money behind them will change that before the 2016 election. Count on it.

I was at the 2008 convention in Denver that nominated Obama. Hillary and Schweitzer and Hillary presented a united front there. Don't look for them to be at each other's throats in 2016.

[Laelth]

14. I hope you're right.

As you know, politics is a full-contact sport.

I appreciate your optimism though I remain skeptical.

-Laelth

[DFW]

16. Optimism without a healthy dosage of skepticism is unhealthy

So I remain wary, but cautiously optimistic all the same.

[polichick]

20. And what the ptb will do to him if he gets elected...

Is the president actually in charge anymore?


Edit: typo

[Whisp]

15. it could also be looked at as a great sacrifice for the good of the nation...

maybe.

[former9thward]

11. Schweitzer has an 'A' rating from the NRA.

I don't have a problem with that but many would.

http://www.nrapvf.org/news-alerts/2008/05/nra-pvf-endorses-montana-governor-brian-schweitzer-earns-a-rating-from-nra-pvf.aspx

[tarheelsunc]

12. Doesn't matter, they'll still run "Schweitzer will grab your guns " ads if he is the nominee. eom

[mikekohr]

17. Run Brian Run

for President. Then pick Warren as your VP.

[davidpdx]

18. I hope he considers it

I would like to see a western state candidate. He's probably right about it ruining his life given how vitriolic politics is.

[HappyMe]

19. I hope he seriously considers running.

[politicaljunkie41910]

21. He's definitely running. I saw him on two shows within two days and he had his talking points

down to a tee. I said when I saw the first interview, he's running for President in 2016. When I saw the second interview and he gave the exact same speech, and hit all the same points without taking a breath, I knew he was running.