Who, outside of Montana and maybe WY, knows Brian Schweitzer?

[kid a]

Not sure if I want to give up my governor after the first term.
Not sure if he would help the ticket.
He would definitely help win MT for Obama, but is that all?

http://brianschweitzer.com/



Background Information

Party: Democrat
Residence: Whitefish
Marital Status: Married (Nancy Hupp)
Prev. Occupation: Farmer, Rancher
Prev. Political Exp.: no prior elected office
Education: BS CO St. Univ., 1978; MS MT St. Univ., 1980
Birthdate: 09/05/1955
Birthplace: Havre, MT
Religion: Catholic
Other Information
Term: 1st
First Elected: 2004
Percentage in Last Election: 50%
Major Opponent: Bob Brown

[Eurobabe]

1. I know of him, someone on another thread said

that Gov. Schweitzer doesn't want to leave Montana. Can't say as I blame him. :shrug:

[VeraAgnes]

2. I have heard of him....

but I vacation at Great Falls and go to Glacier National Park yearly. O8)

He is fantastic!

[kid a]

3. I'm glad you don't spend your "whole" vacation in Great Falls!!

:evilgrin:
Nothing against Great Falls - just glad you added the Glacier part!
It is beautiful!

[VeraAgnes]

6. I love

Apgar Village!


I took this picture too!

[flygal]

10. I am from GF and go there and Glacier every summer too!

This year in August - and we'll camp at Two Medicine. Love Glacier but yeah, GF is stagnant. Hope they try to make it bit more walkable.

[flygal]

11. I am from GF and go there and Glacier every summer too!

This year in August - and we'll camp at Two Medicine. Love Glacier but yeah, GF is stagnant. Hope they try to make it bit more walkable.

[VeraAgnes]

18. I see more bear at Two Medicine.

The trails are sensational too.

[On the Road]

4. He's from Whitefish?

Holy shit -- I have a cousin who moved there from the East Coast.

I think a lot has to do with his demeanor. The VP should complement Obama -- being smooth, Obama would be good to choose someone tough. Don't know how that applies to Schweitzer.

[underpants]

5. 18 months ago who. outside of pol watchers, had heard of Barack Obama?

Schweitzer would help in the "battleground" Mountain West--the last two primaries and the convention in Denver is no accident

[BeyondGeography]

7. That could be a bonus

and maybe there's not all that much to know outside of the facts of his life (which are very impressive).

I hope he winds up on the short list.

[Skwmom]

8. An Obama/Schweitzer ticket would overpower any GOP ticket.

Schweitzer would make Romney look like a plastic politician and he would overpower Hucklebee's awe shucks routine.

I am from the WV/OH/PA area, have talked to friends and relatives, (sent them articles and youtube clips) and they are very excited about Schweitzer. Schweitzer on the campaign trail with his dog Jag would deliver the vote for Obama.

I think Obama is the ONLY politician who could tap Schweitzer as VP b/c Obama is such a powerful individual in his own right. This pair would be like a breath of fresh air. It would reinforce the change and judgment messages. Plus, looking at Schweitzer you feel confident that he would be able to keep this nation safe.

Obama/Schweitzer would be such a wonderful narrative that all of the other garbage would take second seat.

[gateley]

9. He's been my fave for VP since I started learning about him.

Some of the reasons:

He doesn't take crap from Bushco - will stand up for the people. Told the Fed Gov to go to hell regarding the National ID card.

He lived in Saudi Arabia for 7 years - speaks the language fluently and UNDERSTANDS the culture.

He's a Montanan - he has GUNS! He would appeal to those who fear a "liberal" would curtail their gun rights.

He works across the aisle - has a co-website with the Republican Lt. Governor, and they work together for their citizens.

He has that 'je ne se quois' - a very appealing personality and persona. People would LIKE him. (VERY important!)

He's a down-to-earth jeans-wearing guy. About as far from ELITE as you can get. A very comfortable feeling guy.

We're not taking a much-needed Senator away from the Congress.


I can not think of any negatives about him for this position -- all positives.

And I heard the other day the first rule is the VP can't over-shadow the Pres - I feel he would be able to fit into that position without taking the limelight away from Obama.

I SO hope they are considering him.

And thank you for sharing him! :-)

[Skwmom]

15. Plus Schweitzer will help to POSITIVELY define Obama. The likability factor

for an Obama/Schweitzer ticket would be off the charts.

I don't think Schweitzer would overshadow Obama. It think he would further elevate Obama. I think many people who might be a little leary of Obama will think, if Schweitzer vouches for the guy that's good enough for me.

[anonymous171]

22. It's unity. City and Country.

[gateley]

23. The more I think of it, the more perfect he seems as a running-mate.

I was just reading a comment from Webb. I like him a lot, but I think Schweitzer has moor oomph. He would catch the publics' attention and as you say, the likability factor would be amazing.

[progdog]

12. Even Testor suggested Schweitzer

the other night on MSNBC. He can appeal to the rural vote. The everyman.

[kid a]

16. That was a great interview! Tester is awesome!!

[WA98296]

13. self delete, my mistake

[izzybeans]

14. When I first heard his name I thought he was the old Dallas Cowboys coach.

But who outside of Illinois new Barack Obama a few years ago?

[Tippy]

17. Hey...I like this guy and hardly know him

But I see he was a farmer/rancher...I understand why you relly don't want to lose him as your Governor....Farmers/ranchers are the hardest working people in our country...bar none. great managers, good with people, honest, I realize this does not hold for every farmer but most..We need a farmer, not one of these week-end farmers but the real thing on the ticket.....I know I would vote for a farmer before anyone else....Congratulations on having a great Gov.

[gcomeau]

19. You don't pick a VP based on name recognition.

They GET name recognition from being picked VP.

[riverwalker]

20. we know him in Minnesota

especially upstate rural.
Environment. Second Amendment.
They love him up north.

[ingac70]

21. Doesn't really matter who knows him...

having the handful of delegates from just one red state makes all the difference.

[dave29]

24. I know him, and want to steal him from you

sorry :)

[EFerrari]

25. Get in lne!

:)

[eissa]

26. He sounds great, but

he's a first-term governor. I think Obama will already be under attack for his "lack of experience." He may need someone a little stronger in that area. I still say Gov. Tom Kaine of Virginia, or former senator Sam Nunn of Georgia.