U.S. Senator Max Baucus, D-Mont., is kicking off a listening session tour in Montana to discuss health care.

In a Billings Gazette article, Baucus was quoted as saying, “We need a new approach to health care so more Montana families can get access to quality, affordable care.”

While some may appreciate Max’s actions, why has it taken him 30 years to do something about it? It does not seem any of the reporters covering this story asked that question. Maybe someone attending these meetings will.

In the article, it is also reported that Baucus chairs the “influential” Senate Finance Committee. Is the new strategy for friendly reporters to drop the word “powerful” and insert influential? “Powerful” was getting a little old.

Baucus will hold these sessions in 10 cities across the state from today until October 28. I imagine there will be fundraisers and campaigning after the sessions. Some may even say the whole tour is a campaign tactic. This is election season and although Baucus has plenty of money and little competition, you can be sure he will be out and about helping his fellow democrats in and around these 10 cities.

Sadly, that’s politics in 2008.