Tuesday, March 08, 2005

Schweitzer for President?

Kos is giving the early nod to Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer if he chooses to run for President. A Democrat who won in one of the reddest of red states, Schweitzer holds views that might be quite appealing to the persuadable red-staters. He's pro-gun, an old-school economic populist, and holds conservationist environmental views that resonate deeply with hunters and fishermen. The Washington Monthly did a whole cover story on his rise to political power, which is a great primer in how the Democrats can compete again outside their coastal base.

I obviously think its a bit early to be naming 2008 contenders, and "economic populism" always worries me. Still, it is very clear that Schweitzer is a savvy politician and someone to keep an eye on. Everytime I read about him, it seems like he's doing something sharp. Could he be the one in 2008?

1 comment:

Mark said...

Of course the other problem being that one might wonder how a candidate so idealogically estranged from the "base" will energize the party.