by Jake Levy-Pollans

A new video is starting to gain some traction online of Van Jones, President Obama's former Green Jobs Czar, accepting the President's Award at this year's NAACP Image Awards. Jones left his post at the White House after facing vicious attacks from conservative commentators like Glenn Beck. To be clear, I do not agree with every statement Van Jones has ever made or written (I'm sure Van Jones doesn't agree with every public statement Van Jones has ever made.) This video is probably going viral because of Jones' tongue-and-cheek response to the controversy towards the end of his speech.

But what didn't get noticed that should have is the first part of the video where Van Jones' describes his audacious vision for our country's clean energy future. I couldn't help but listen to Jones and hear an overlap with Matt's bold vision for our state's future. Our state is in a tough spot economically and our global climate is rapidly changing. It is going to take visionary leadership to help solve our challenges. Matt is the only candidate in the race with a real vision for building a clean energy economy. It's why I am working for Matt and it's a big reason why I hope folks will consider supporting him.

From Van Jones:

"We have people in every community in America, right now watching this program, who don't have jobs, who are suffering...let them make the wind turbines and the smart batteries and the solar panels to repower this country. Let them work! Give them hope. Give them the opportunity."

From Matt Enteza :

"When I travel the state, I tell people Minnesota can be the Silicon Valley of clean energy and clean technology. What I mean is that we can lead a revolution even more profound than what began in California nearly 40 years ago. This time, there's more at stake: our economic future and the health of our planet."

Watch the video and enjoy a laugh from Van Jones' knock on Glenn Beck, but also take a moment to think about Jones' remarks on growing the clean energy economy and consider which candidate for governor shares Jones' vision. Join Matt's campaign and let's get to work repowering Minnesota's economy.