A Democratic Star is Born
27 August 2008 12:20 pm by Scott Hopkins
Reporting from Denver
No offense to Mark Warner, but this guy should have been the keynote speaker.
Montana Democrats no doubt will revel in Barack Obama’s appearance in Billings today, his last campaign stop before heading here. But they already had reason to be excited this morning — their folksy governor, Brain Schweitzer, was the surprise hit of the party’s national convention Tuesday night, garnering rave reviews for a rousing speech he delivered. Schweitzer, 52, was sandwiched on the program between keynote speaker Mark Warner and the evening’s much-anticipated climax, Hillary Clinton’s speech. The crowd was there to hear Clinton, and a parade of speakers preceding her had failed to grab its full attention (including Warner).
That is, until Schweitzer — clad in blazer, blue jeans, bolo tie and cowboy boots (his signature look) — strode unto the stage.
…and meanwhile, the networks either talked over this speech or went to a commercial break.
It’s a shame, because this is exactly the message that the Democrats need to get out there in 2008. The West can be won with more compelling leaders like him.
Here’s the full speech for anyone who missed it.
