Harriet Tubman and Ludacris Exert Their Influence on the Democratic National Convention
There is officially a new crazy Dem to watch[Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer]. Wearing a bolo tie and looking more like he might at any moment try to give you a good deal on a used Chevy, Schweitzer engaged the assembled delegates in a call-and-response driven speech worthy of the blackest of black preachers. "Can we afford four more years?" he asked ( NOOOOO they grumbled). "Is it time for a change?" he questioned (YEEEEEESSSSS they shouted). "Who wants no interest-payments for one year on all new cars?" his voice boomed (MEEEEEEEE they squealed).
Schweitzer lambasted Johnny M.C. for his energy policy, delivering the second best line of the convention so far by saying "we can't drill our way to energy independence even if you drilled in all of John McCain's backyards, even the ones he doesn't know he has." And after spending a few minutes ranting and raving about Petro Dictators (I think they're a rival dealership down the block), he concluded by invoking the words of that most sage bard LudacrisSTAND UP, Colorado! STAND UP, Florida! STAND UP, Pennsylvania! Get off your hind end (and show me what your workin' wit).
Beyond the obvious entertainment value Schweitzer offered the crowd, his speaking at the convention is a strong sign of both Team Obama and the Democratic National Party's intent to run a campaign that engages all 50 states. The governor was chosen to appeal to all of us who have ever lived in Austin, Atlanta, or any other bright island of liberal blue surrounded by a sea of conservative red and thought that our vote for a Democratic presidential candidate wouldn't matter. And yes, the electoral votes of Texas and Georgia will undoubtedly go to McCain but when you combine the excitement of young people, record breaking registration of African Americans voters, and the widespread discontent of white moderates, Obamers is betting that he'll make those races much more competitive than in the past several elections. The GOP knows this and will have to spend heavy ad dollars in states where they don't want to, thus potentially preventing Johnny from having enough cash to compete in the true battlegrounds of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio.
And in case you were wondering what the best line of the convention has been, [look no further than my girl, Ms. Rodham], who linked the historic nature of her campaign with that of Obama's by quoting the original Sistah in the Struggle, Harriet Tubman, "If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If they're shouting after you, keep going! If you want a taste of freedom, keep going!"