Listening to Brian Schweitzer hold forth at the Democratic National Convention in Denver last August, the following thought went through my head: Brian Schweitzer 2016! Hearing some of the courageous things he continues to say, and watching some of the great work he continues to do as Governor of Montana, I can't say I feel much differently today than I felt eight months ago.

Acknowledging the successful recent push in several states for legalizing same-sex marriage, Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D-MT), chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, observed today that those seeking to make an issue of gay marriage during the next cycle of gubernatorial contests are ill-advised.

"I think that the gay marriage issue is losing some punch," Schweitzer said during a phone interview with Hotline editors. " ... The demographic trends are working against those who are a little bit homophobic in this country."

Coming from a traditionally red state like Montana (albeit one that is becoming more and more blue), Schweitzer could stay away from talking about social issues perceived inside the Beltway to be too controversial or divisive. He could also address them, but in an anodyne way. But that's not Brian Schweitzer, a man who says what he means and means what he says. I might not have worded it exactly the same, but Schweitzer isn't wrong to say that the "demographic trends are working against those who are a little bit homophobic in this country." But to hear him put it that way is pretty noteworthy.

And for those who would like to get their Schweitzer fix this Easter Sunday afternoon, here is the Governor's rousing address from the DNC: