Bozeman rally unites Democrats and others against Trump

“I heard about a political rally, the center of the political universe, I wanted to be there. I wanted all of you to be there. The center of the God damn political universe, right here in the Rialto,” Busse told the crowd. “Also they’re having some kind of weirdo couch-surfing thing over here a couple blocks (away). Never heard of them.”

Busse took the stage downtown as prominent Republicans in Montana spoke in advance of former President Donald Trump’s large rally and speech at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse on Montana State University’s campus Friday night. And while it was impossible for the counter rallies held around town to compete in size, those who opposed Trump’s visit to Montana worked to make their presence known.

That included Busse’s event in coordination with the Montana Democratic Party, as well as a reproductive rights rally at the Bozeman Public Library and a protest to oppose Trump directly near his rally site on Montana State University’s campus.

While much of Busse’s remarks focused on his own race and highlighting his campaign’s criticisms of opponent Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte’s policies, the Democrat made a point of amping the crowd up for U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, a third-term Democrat seeking re-election against Republican political newcomer Tim Sheehy.

Trump’s rally in Bozeman was to support Sheehy, who recent polling showed is statistically tied with Tester. Trump is leading by about 15% points in Montana, and won here by large margins in both 2016 and 2020. Republicans see taking Tester’s seat as key to regaining control of the U.S. Senate.

“Tester is a damn good dude. He has fought for us for 18 years on public (lands) access,” Busse said.

Busse called Sheehy a “dude who is probably up there on stage right now sucking up to somebody, in that fieldhouse over there, this dude who is made of dollar bills and hair gel … Jon Tester is the real deal.”

Focusing on his own race, Busse repeatedly hammered Gianforte over the massive rise in property taxes most Montanans have seen over the last year, with an average increase of 21% statewide.

“It’s dangerous, it’s wrong, it’s taking people out of their homes,” Busse said.

Busse also criticized bills passed by Republican lawmakers and signed by Gianforte to limit access to abortion.

“​​We’re here for a freedom rally tonight. What could be more basic to the freedom that you enjoy and rely upon than the freedom over your own body?” Busse said.

Busse ended his remarks by calling for unity.

“It’s time to stand up and fight for this place. We can do it. We can cast off these ugly national politics. We can do it. Freedom, freedom, the very essence of the Montana freedom that we enjoy, it’s on the line,” Busse said.

In a statement, Montana Democratic Party’s Executive Director Sheila Hogan criticized Trump’s rally.

“Montanans believe our freedoms are worth protecting, and that no politician or government has the right to interfere in our own decisions about our lives or our health care. But that’s not what Tim Sheehy believes,” Hogan said. ” … While ultra-wealthy out-of-staters descend on Bozeman, Montanans who understand our state will come together to defend the values we believe in. Montanans will never let politicians interfere with our most personal decisions. That’s why Jon Tester will be re-elected — we trust Jon to always protect our freedoms.”

Cora Neumann, a Democrat running for the state legislature in Bozeman, told those who gathered at the Rialto rally that she was near campus during the lineup for the rally earlier.

“I was right next to MSU, so I got to see all the flags, all the Trump hats, I have to say I did not feel a lot of excited energy,” Neumann said.

Neumann said she was happy to see Democrats unifying behind Vice President Kamala Harris, citing polling recently showing she is ahead of Trump.

“Women (in) power, and women and men who support women in power,” Neumann said to applause.