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It is only February 2019 and the Democratic party already has nine contenders for the 2020 presidential nomination. There are an additional 13 on the list; one all but certain, three likely, and nine who might run, according to The New York Times.
Those who have announced they are definitely running are Cory Booker, Pete Buttigieg, Julián Castro, John Delaney, Tulsi Gabbard, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, and Andrew Yang.
John Hickenlooper is almost certain to throw his hat into the presidential hopefuls ring. Joseph R. Biden Jr., Steve Bullock, Bernie Sanders are likely candidates.
Less Likely and Even Lesser Likely Presidential Candidates
The nine who have either stated there was a desire to run or have thought about it aloud are Michael R. Bloomberg, Sherrod Brown, Jay Inslee, Amy Klobuchar, Mitch Landrieu, Terry McAuliffe, Jeff Merkley, Beto O’Rourke, and Howard Schultz.
Interestingly, The New York Times added two seemingly absurd lists; unlikely to run and those not running. Included in those lists are Hillary Clinton and Oprah Winfrey.
Clinton refuses to publically refute the possibility of a third presidential bid. Whereas, Winfrey says, “I would not be able to do it. It’s not a clean business. It would kill me,” although a year ago she told CNN it was an active possibility.
Since Donald Trump won the presidency in 2016, numerous celebrities have claimed they should begin a presidential campaign. The list’s most recent update on Dec. 31, 2018, includes Cher, Kanye West, Alec Baldwin, Duane “The Rock” Johnson, Kevin Hart, Katy Perry, Chris Rock, Ron Perlman, Will Smith, Roseanne Barr, and Winfrey.
Presidential Competition Overload Repeat
Democrats should carefully evaluate how closely this scenario resembles the Republican candidacy list in 2016. There were so many candidates that the most outrageous personalities overpowered the group until the pool shrank. Nonetheless, the question loomed over the remaining candidates’ ability to do the job. How did American voters really know since those forced out might not have been heard over the roar?
Among the current 2020 Democratic Presidential contenders are overbearing “in-your-face” types with extreme ideas. Because of their personas, they could dominate the field thereby reducing more qualified candidates’ press time. That is, unless, the DNC figures out how to give equal air time to everyone, not only the front-runners.
The media also must take responsibility to limit the reports of excentricities while highlighting the more reserved but quiet well-qualified candidates.
Characteristics the DNC Needs In a Presidential Candidate
Anti-Trump rhetoric is not going to be enough of an incentive to win votes from soft-Republicans and uncommitted Independents. The Democratic party needs to have a plan in place to unify the nation. Therefore, the extreme-left mantras of free college and healthcare must be tempered with logic. Americans are already angered about finding funding for illogical projects like the border wall.
Fifty-four percent of registered Democrats polled indicated the Democratic Party needs to be more moderate, according to Pew Research polling completed Jan. 9-14, 2019.
#NoMoreBillionaires is a clear warning to both parties that voters will not accept candidates out of touch with the average American.
As one Republican voter posted on Twitter: “Democrats, you have one chance. Get it right!” Even Republicans are anxious to rid the country of the problem that is labeled President Trump.
Here is what the DNC needs to do. Weed out the extreme leftist candidates. Refrain from trying to push a woman or minority on the American people. Support the candidate who exhibits calm intelligence with the ability to debate rationally. Make certain that person’s ability to remain calm under pressure. He must be able to let Trump’s cynical criticism slide off his back without playing into Trump’s hand.
Opinion by Cathy Milne-Ware
Sources:
The New York Times: Who’s Running for President in 2020? (Updated Feb. 1, 2019)
New York AM: Celebrities who may run for president in 2020: Kanye West, Katy Perry, more
Pew Research Center: Public’s 2019 Priorities: Economy, Healthcare, Education, and Security All At The Top Of The List [PDF]
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Oliver Willis’ Flickr Page – Creative Commons License