WP: The top 15 Democratic presidential hopefuls for 2020, ranked

[NCTraveler]

15. Montana Gov. Steve Bullock
14. Oprah Winfrey
13. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu
12. Former U.S. attorney general Eric Holder
11. New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo
10. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown
9. Former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick
8. Former Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe
7. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy
6. New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
5. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker
4. California Sen. Kamala D. Harris
3. Former vice president Joe Biden
2. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren
1. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2018/03/23/the-top-15-democratic-presidential-candidates-for-2020-ranked-2/?utm_term=.84235126f82b

I think this is a solid list of names. I know there will be others we don't know about. Some of my favorites are here.

Three names don't excite me much. 1) Sanders - I have said before that I feel he walks away with it if the field is large. Please take your new found riches and retire. 2) Gillibrand - Love her. I make no secret about that. I think she would be a great voice for our side if she wouldn't have led the charge on our side to oust Franken. I don't personally hold it against her but fully understand why many do. That has made her to polarizing among Democrats. 3) Oprah - Nothing she has done has made me feel politics at this level is her thing. Of course I'm willing to listen but I was really put off by "she gave a good speech" followed by little else. Oprah is great in the private sector. Keep on keeping on.

One name I really like that I haven't thought much about is Holder. The guy is brilliant and is proving he can establish a team that can move mountains. Some things historically tell me he is a bit conservative for my tastes but I feel he would be willing to push an aggressive progressive agenda. I like seeing him work with fewer restraints. I think he might be a better President than he was at head of Justice(not saying he was bad). AG Holder had more to think about than just pushing and implementing an agenda. Unleash the beast.

Either way, add your favorite names or tell us who on the list is at the top of your list. Tell us who you would rather not see run.

In preparation for the most obvious question, I'm not aware if any of them travel with hot sauce. I know that would seal the deal for many of us.

[hlthe2b]

1. Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren intrigue me. Eric Holder, Biden (& others)...It is a good list

We will just have to see who emerges to the forefront.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. I hope Sanders doesn't run again.

I supported him in the primaries last time but he (or maybe some of the people around him) has become too divisive. Warren has insisted she won't run. I like Biden, and he certainly has name recognition and general popularity, but his age might count against him. I like Harris; Booker a bit less but he's OK, but I wouldn't piss on Gillibrand if she was on fire after what she did to Al Franken. I don't know enough about Murphy or Patrick to have much an opinion. Brown, maybe. Holder, maybe. Never heard of Bullock. McAuliffe, Cuomo and Landrieu, no; too conservative. Winfrey, no way in Hell.

What about Adam Schiff? He's been stellar in his work in the House Intelligence Committee.

[NCTraveler]

8. Some Adam Shiff Love!!!!

Now that Feinstein is running for re-election, that is not an option for him. I think he had his eyes on her Senate seat. I don't think it was worth it for him to enter the Governors race with all of the big names involved. I imagine he thought about it. I'm admittedly making that up. He would be a good voice in our primary. I do think it would be difficult for him to establish a rockstar team with all of the other names in the mix.

Go Schiff!!!

[PatSeg]

71. Adam Schiff would be on my short list

I really admire him. He is a calm, intelligent, reassuring voice. I also like Gavin Newsom. Mostly I'd like to see a bigger selection than last time, with various points of view. It is healthier for the party and keeps the candidates on their toes.

[Wwcd]

55. Schiff would make bernie irrelevant. Why is the Dem hateing Non-Dem on the list of

Dems for 2020?

He was a Dem for MONEY & MEDIA in 2016. His words, not mine!
What exactly is he at this point? Cuz he's not a Dem!

Time to stop using the Dem label.

Cross that #1 off the list.
Thre are some real lifelong solid Dem loyalists in that group that are far more deserving of the Party name. And they're proud to claim that Party label too.

Who did this poll & who did they ask?

This is a publicity joke right?

[leftstreet]

68. Voters might see him as an 'outsider,' as they did Trump

Just wondering if there will still be enough of that 'outsider' momentum the media have focused on post-Trump to propel Sanders in

Rhetorical. I don't know and you probably don't either

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

76. That's possible, but maybe that "outsider" cachet will have faded a bit

on account of Trump having demonstrated that being an outsider is not always a good thing. Of course, Trump was much farther "outside" than anyone else, ever. Outsiders still have to be experienced, knowledgeable and competent. Bernie is and Trump isn't, but still, I'm afraid Bernie or the people who claim to speak for him have pissed off too many people to be a viable candidate next time, regardless of how he characterizes his party affiliation.

[Wwcd]

103. Bernie, an outsider? No they'll see him as untrustable.

What Party hasn't he trashed?

That's like throwing coins in a pool & making a wish.

He has alienated himself to a small segment of society.
His choice.

[northoftheborder]

3. someone young but with some name recognition

My opinion of above list:

15. Montana Gov. Steve Bullock not familiar with him
14. Oprah Winfrey no
13. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu perhaps
12. Former U.S. attorney general Eric Holder strong
11. New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo no
10. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown strong
9. Former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick strong
8. Former Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe no
7. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy strong
6. New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand no
5. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker strong
4. California Sen. Kamala D. Harris strong
3. Former vice president Joe Biden no
2. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren no
1. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders no

[leftieNanner]

15. I totally agree with your list

Maybe add Julian Castro. We have captured these young voters' attention, now we need to be smart about who we run. Absolutely NO for either Bernie or Uncle Joe. Kamala Harris intrigues me.

[NewJeffCT]

37. Chris Murphy has been a passionate and forceful voice for gun control

since Newtown. That would likely get the attention of the March For Our Lives crowd and more.

That said, I know he had some old financial issues that came up when he first ran for US Senate against Linda McMahon (now Trump's Small Business Czar)

[leftieNanner]

46. I do like him.

I have seen him on MSNBC several times and he would be a good choice.

[phylny]

122. I pretty much agree with everything on your list.

Biden is wonderful - I love him - but we need younger candidates.

[still_one]

4. Where is Martin O'Malley?

[NCTraveler]

12. He is out and about.

He stated this on Sunday.

"I’m keeping an open heart and an open mind about possibly running again"

[Renew Deal]

16. Did he get above 2% anywhere in 2016?

I don't think he has much support.

[still_one]

17. How much support did any of the potential candidates listed in the OP have in 2016? That is not a

valid argument for why he should not be in the list

In fact I could put good arguments why some of those in that list would serve as divisive elements among Democrats which would make them a liability in 2020.

[Renew Deal]

73. It's a pretty valid argument if it's not a bottomless list.

He's not in the top 15, but he might be in the top 20, or 50. The only reason Bernie is #1 on that list is that he was the runner up in 2016. But in O'Malley's case, he hasn't shown that he will do any better in 2020 than he did in 2016.

Think about it this way. How does he compare to people on that list? He's not as obviously 'left" as Sanders and he's not as establishment as McAuliffe. He's not as compelling as Booker. He doesn't have as recent governing experience as several of them.

[still_one]

95. We are going to disagree on this Renew. Over half of those folks on the list were not on anyone's

radar for 2016, and for that matter still not for 2020

[Renew Deal]

107. I agree

There was a post earlier today saying that Biden is the frontrunner. I have my doubts. There is no clear frontrunner.

[still_one]

113. We definitely agree on that. Way too early

[DavidDvorkin]

18. He's being disappeared by the media again.

[still_one]

23. you have that one right

[Thirty by 30]

49. Exactly

[lunamagica]

25. He should be there

[still_one]

38. Yes he should if we are going to make a list like this, and I would argue that only those who

identify as Democrats should be on that list

[Wwcd]

59. Who keeps sneaking bernie's name into the list of Dems?

65 million Actual Dems despise him.

He's going nowhere. No matter how he's dressed up.
He's the only one on the list that consistantly demeans the Dem Party so maybe they should stop trying to tell us he's more relevant than our own loyal strong Democratic contenders.
They hold the Dem Party label & platform with pride.
Maybe he can find a Party he really likes cuz he sure doesn't like much about the Democratic Party.

In fact I can't recall when he's ever made a positive statement about the Party.
Anybody?

[Proud Liberal Dem]

96. I don't know why he keeps getting added to these lists either

He is NOT a Democrat and he has no desire to register as one. Hopefully, the DNC doesn't decide to let him run as one again.

[Wwcd]

98. I have no idea why he's given any seat at the Dem table.

He's nothing to offer this great Party of the people.

When was the last time he had a positive thing to say about the Dem Party?

Notice how I got crickets on that question?

He needs to find another table.
Yuk.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

100. He wants to be an Independent mavericky sort of politician, great

and he wants to be able to criticize both parties, fine.

But he shouldn't try to run for office on the ticket of a party he doesn't really like all that much.

[Wwcd]

102. Yup. He doesn't really seem to give a hoot about unifying anyone.

I haven't seen it at all.
"Money & Media", he said.
Appears he got what he came for.

I honestly don't even know what he stands for anymore.

I don't even recall the last time he said a positive word about the Dem Party.
How does one know what he really advocates when he speaks as he does, so ill, about our Party of Democrats.

[George II]

138. Well, I suspect by 2020 the DNC will require the release of five or more years of tax returns....

....(if not some State Democratic Parties) so he may decide not to run himself.

[Wwcd]

60. Agree on O'Malley. I liked him in the Primary & wish he would have stayed on.

O'Malley is a good Dem.

[SaschaHM]

94. The same place as Chafee, Webb, and Lessig.

I kind of think that O'Malley may have missed his window to be a viable top of the ticket candidate and needs something (Head of a big Dem. friendly organization, house/senate seat, cabinet appointment.) to regain momentum a la Joe Biden, who wouldn't be on this list if he hadn't rebound from his primary losses as VP.

I could be wrong though. Anything can happen. I just don't see resurgence happening given his relatively poor finish in 2016 and lack of a major position leading into 2020. He does fundraise/campaign for candidates though so that may boost his national profile if he isn't drowned out by visits from bigger names.

Imo, the smart move for him would be to stay out of the fray and present himself as a safe VP contender. Although, if Sherrod Brown coasts to reelection in the manner that early polling suggests (could change), then the male VP slot is more or less filled.

[cbdo2007]

5. Out if that group I would put my money on Biden/Booker

For most likely to win, which is what we need.

[exboyfil]

54. You need Florida

and one of Clinton's firewall states PA, WI, and MI to win. Does this ticket hep you do that?

[PatSeg]

74. If Biden did run,

I would put my money on a woman running mate.

[BannonsLiver]

90. No doubt about it

And from all indications, it looks like Joe is giving serious thought about running again.

[PatSeg]

106. It does appear so

My feelings are mixed about him running, but I will behind him 100% if he does. Some thought he was considering Warren back when he was on the fence about a presidential run in 2016.

[bigbrother05]

6. Where's Martin O'Malley

He's been quietly working his way around the country laying the foundations for 2020.

Think it will come down to him, Booker, and Harris.

[NCTraveler]

14. I'm not sure about "laying the foundation".

He is one of my favorites but I don't think he is running. I was hopeful not all that long ago.

He said this on Sunday.

"I’m keeping an open heart and an open mind about possibly running again"

I think his role will be filled, multiple times over.

[FSogol]

47. He is working on a foundation for Democratic wins. Info here:

He created and is running this PAC:

https://winbackyourstate.org/

Win Back Your State: New Leadership Starts At Home

Across America, Democrats are as energized as ever. Since the devastating election results in 2016, millions of us have taken to the streets in protest, called our legislators, and signed up to run for office in our hometowns and cities. New leaders have stepped up and led the way.

As someone who’s spent his career making a difference at the local level—as a City Councilman, Mayor and Governor—Martin O’Malley knows that real change first happens at the grassroots. That’s why he created Win Back Your State, a new PAC to support state and local Democratic candidates running in 2018.

With 36 Governors offices up for grabs in 2018, and the next Congressional redistricting in 2020, now is the time to paint a more positive American future. Help us win back our states, to win back our country.

Read more to learn about emerging leaders who are working hard to win back your state: https://medium.com/@winyourstate

[Sneederbunk]

7. Biden equals Stability

[DemocratSinceBirth]

9. Cory Booker

[Blue_Adept]

10. Please, nobody from new england for this cycle

Would be nice to go one more round without all the usual bashing that comes with us northeast liberals.

[NewJeffCT]

42. Because Republicans didn't bash Al Gore, Bill Clinton, Walter Mondale?

and other candidates from outside the northeast?

[Sherman A1]

11. Interesting, but way too early

We will see how it comes out.

[still_one]

19. You are absolutely right Sherman

[Renew Deal]

13. That list contains some interesting names.

Harris, Booker, Gillibrand, Murphy, Patrick, Brown, Holder are all interesting.

I don't really know Bullock or Landrieu.

Warren and Winfrey don't want to be president (and Oprah doesn't stand a chance). I'm not convinced Brown wants it either.

I'm not convinced Bernie will run and I think he will lose again if he tries. I like Biden, but I don't think he will win. McAuliffe isn't going anywhere. Cuomo will be interesting and controversial, but I don't think he will win.

From the top group I'd say Gillibrand, Murphy, and Brown would have the best shot.

[ooky]

50. Wonder who among those names would attract Trump voters

to flip their vote?

[Amishman]

84. Booker or Gillibrand, Harris would not go over well in the rust belt

Booker is well spoken, charismatic, and has a good chance of recapturing President Obama's magic.

Gillibrand is a bit vanilla but I can't think if many negatives other than that

Harris would have problems in the rust belt from some of her CA AG positions and being from CA in general. She also can come across as overly aggressive and a little abrasive. We (the party base) love it as she doesn't pull punches but I see it not going over as well outside the party base.

[ooky]

93. Of those three, offhand I think Booker brings the most to the table for the most

demographic groups. And one other thing I particularly like is that Republicans might not be as motivated to come out and vote against him, which is something I would fear with a candidate like Warren. I love Warren but am afraid she would be as polarizing as Hillary was as far as motivating Republicans.

[Renew Deal]

109. The thing to keep in mind with Warren is that she doesn't want to be president.

That always clarifies these discussions.

[Demsrule86]

20. I don't think this list is accurate. I do not believe sen. Sanders can win a primary...as for the

others I just don't see some of it as accurate either.

[smirkymonkey]

24. I agree with you.

[Demsrule86]

36. I have no idea who will run...hope it is decisive and we don't have a long primary.

[lunamagica]

21. I'd love to see Michelle obama run. I'd be behind her a 100%

Are people seriously considering Oprah? How is she qualified? Does anyone want a president who relies on and pushes "The Secret" to people?

[Jakes Progress]

69. I had hoped for a dynasty of women presidents.

Hillary. Then Michelle. Then Chelsea. Then Malia. Then Sasha.

[smirkymonkey]

22. You have got to be kidding me!

This list depresses me! Why can't we find better candidates. There are people on there that I like, but nobody on there really excites me that much as a presidential candidate.

Just No to Bernie for a number of reasons. And no to Warren (and she's my senator and I think she is doing a great job where she is) but she is an extremely unappealing presidential candidate. She barely won MA. She just has a very grating, school-marmish presence that will not go over well nationwide.

I like Biden, but I don't think he's who we should run - we need new blood. I like Kamala Harris and Cory Booker. I have issues w/ Kirsten. I like Chris Murphy, neutral on McAuliffe. I don't like the idea of Deval Patrick (funny how I am opposed to running people from my own state). The rest - Meh, but would definitely say no to Cuomo. I don't like the idea of running a celebrity, but it seems like they have a better chance with an ignorant public.

[NCTraveler]

32. "Either way, add your favorite names" nt

[lunamagica]

26. Not a single Hispanic name mentioned. Isn't anyone of Hispanic descent worth considering?

[bearsfootball516]

29. Julian Castro could make some noise, but most believe he needs a little more political seasoning.

[lunamagica]

31. Julian Castro, Xavier Becerra, Luis gutierrez

[FM123]

44. Excellent candidates!

[lunamagica]

57. I like them better than anyone mentioned on the WP list

[NCTraveler]

30. Great place to add a name on. Who is your leading choice? nt.

[lunamagica]

33. In no particular order...Xavier Becerra, Luis Gutierrez, Julian Castro, Millchelle Obama, Martin

O'Malley.

[NCTraveler]

39. Love all of them except for Obama.

She is going to have her hands full as a Supreme Court Justice in a couple of years.

I kid.

[lunamagica]

43. Hey, not a bad idea

[bearsfootball516]

27. I'm a big Cory Booker fan.

[leftofcool]

28. No to Sanders, Warren, Biden

Harris/Booker ticket or Murphy/Deval ticket

[still_one]

34. The Democratic party will lose in 2020 if they nominate someone who disassocates themselves with the

Democratic party throughout their entire political career.

That should be pretty obvious from differences expressed among progressives here and other sites.

We need candidates that were not a major part of 2016

[BlueStater]

35. Pretty lame so-called frontrunners.

Nobody born in the 1940s should still be considered a viable presidential candidate. Hard pass on Biden, Sanders, and Warren.

Gillibrand can go take a hike. Why is she always ranked so damn high on all these lists?

[NCTraveler]

41. "Why is she always ranked so damn high on all these lists?"

Because she is a proven political force. It's pretty obvious why she is included.

Don't worry, she isn't going to make it out of the primaries if she enters.

[Vinca]

40. I hadn't really thought about Eric Holder . . . that's intriguing.

I like Kamala Harris, too. Love Bernie, but we really do have to bring a younger generation up to bat. Every since Franken's demise I've been put off Gillibrand, but I'd vote for anyone to get Trump out of office.

[NewJeffCT]

45. I guess Kennedy's star has already faded?

after his response to Trump on the state of the union?

I wasn't a big fan - he's in a safe blue district, but only had a moderate voting record. Still, he had generated a lot of talk.

[IADEMO2004]

48. Joaqun Castro to flush the Trump stink

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joaqu%C3%ADn_Castro

[Thirty by 30]

51. I fully support Gillibrand

... She did not "oust Franken." It was Franken who ousted Franken.

[BannonsLiver]

91. She was at 1 percent in a poll posted here a month or two ago

Doubtful she ever gets much traction.

[USALiberal]

170. LOL, good one. LOL LOL LOL! nt

[Yavin4]

52. If that's our top 15, we're doomed.

None of those candidates will inspire turnout which is the ONLY way to beat the Republicans. Obama won on turnout. Hillary lost on turnout. Despite everything, Trump will get 44-47% of the vote simply because people vote party over all. The Democrat will get 45-48% of the vote. The key is where the votes are distributed. That's why you need turnout. You have to excite your base in the key states of PA, MI, OH, NC, and FLA. None of those 20 candidates can do that including Bernie.

Better to focus on the upcoming mid terms and state elections.

[NCTraveler]

53. Doomed!!!! Doomed!!!!

"Better to focus on the upcoming mid terms and state elections."

On it!

[exboyfil]

56. So is WI a lost cause?

NC and OH more likely?

[NewJeffCT]

58. I would think Harris or Booker

would drive up minority turnout overall and Harris with women.

I think putting somebody like Castro, Becerra or other Hispanic on the ticket as VP would help turn out Hispanic voters as well.

[bearsfootball516]

64. My ideal ticket is Booker/Castro

[KPN]

65. The only one who would inspire non-voter

or I turnout is Sanders. But he'd probably turn off all the Ds who think the D is the most important thing so he might have a difficult time getting through the primary -- unless the field is really large throughout a major share of it. I agree about all the others.

At this point, I'm not really excited. Hopefully it's just way too early to get excited and not that there's no on who can't be exciting ( besides Sanders).

[BannonsLiver]

92. So who is on your list then?

I suspect this will be the meme for a lot of people as 2020 unfolds.

[Yavin4]

134. I will tell you...

the day after the mid terms. Focus on the mid terms.

[Persondem]

61. My early money is on Jay Inslee, Gov of Washington.... fresh face, great experience plus he ...

is not afraid to take a stand.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Inslee

[jes06c]

62. My Top 3

Would be Sanders, Brown, and Warren.

I'm surprised O'Malley didn't make the list.

[NCTraveler]

63. Your top three made the list.

I don't think Warren will run.

[jes06c]

66. Right

I meant out of that list those are my top 3.

Now that I think of it, I'm surprised Warren was even included. Didn't she recently say that she doesn't intend to run?

[Jakes Progress]

67. Put me down for a Shiff/Warren ticket.

I would have gone for a Warren/Shiff ticket if she hadn't shown such lack of judgment by joining the lynch Franken movement.

[PatSeg]

72. That was disappointing about Franken

I really expected better from Warren. I agree though, a Schiff/Warren ticket sounds very appealing.

[Jakes Progress]

82. VP is about as far as I can go with the 30

involved in that fiasco. Breitbart is still laughing its ass off at how dumb Democrats were then.

We lost a very effective voice in the battle against trumpublicans.
We put a safe Senate seat in jeopardy.
We fell for a right wing con job.

And for no good reason. Actually for no reason at all. (Unless you figure some figures were trying to eliminate possible competition for the party leadership.) I can't respect the values or the judgement of those who climbed on that bandwagon. I think Senator Warren would have to apologize and say she understands how dumb that was in order to gain the full support of some of us.

[PatSeg]

105. I agree

I had hoped that she would apologize by now actually. Patrick Leahy expressed his regrets, realizing he with others had reacted too quickly, without knowing all the facts. I am really surprised more Democratic senators haven't done the same.

I am as angry now, as I was when it happened. The injustice is appalling and a truly good man's career was ruined, not to mention WE lost a valuable progressive voice.

[Goodheart]

70. As a New Orleanian I'd be thrilled to see Landrieu as the candidate

he's very level-headed, focused, and articulate.

I don't see it happening, though.

Either Landrieu or Sherrod Brown would make this country proud again.

[jmowreader]

75. Oh my.

1. Bernie Sanders. No. Get him off the list. The guy has all the warmth and charm of a drill sergeant. He is extremely divisive, and he can only win caucuses - where his fans go in and bully everyone else into supporting Sanders. Burlington College WILL become a Trump talking point. Plus, he's not a Democrat.

2. Biden and Warren don't want to run for president.

3. Gillibrand was one of the main players in the Al Franken expulsion, and many of us have not forgotten that.

4. Mitch Landrieu? Probably a good person, but his resume is a bit thin - lieutenant governor and mayor.

5. Oprah Winfrey. Her promotion of quacks like Mehmet Oz (who himself is a promoter of Deepak Chopra and Joseph Mercola) and Phil McGraw ALONE is enough to disqualify her from polite society, much less public office.

Now...add to this list:
New York AG Eric Schneiderman
Washington Governor Jay Inslee
Former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear
Former HUD Secretary Julian Castro
Oregon Governor Kate Brown
Senator Tammy Duckworth
Former Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer

Does anyone know David Ige (governor of Hawaii) or Ricky Rossello (governor of Puerto Rico)?

And if you want a mayor, how about Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti (LA has a population greater than the five smallest states combined, and LA County - city and county combined - if separated into its own state would have 19 electoral votes) or New York mayor Bill de Blasio (the population of NYC is roughly that of the nine smallest states combined, and if the five boroughs of NYC was its own state it would have 14 electoral votes)?

[NCTraveler]

80. One of the reasons I love DU and responses like this.

I just went and read a little about Kate Brown. Very interesting.

They would question her citizenship.



Seems like a very solid representative.

[Heartstrings]

77. Midterms!

Geesh people focus on midterms or there will be no 2020 for us!

[NCTraveler]

85. lol.

Do you see the irony?

[FarCenter]

78. No Hispanics or Asians on the list?

[NCTraveler]

81. "add your favorite names or tell us who on the list is at the top of your list. " nt

[Motley13]

79. add Jay Inslee gov of WA to the list

[RussBLib]

83. any of them would be better than a second Trump term

I hear that Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti wants to run.

[MyNameGoesHere]

86. Meh.

#1 would have to switch parties first, then I could hold my nose and vote. The rest just don't do anything for me on a national stage but at least #1 had some name recognition.
I hope we can find a hidden gem like 1992. I like Martin O'Malley. He's my goldilocks candidate. Just right for both sides and doesn't offend and talk over people. Has more than a one line message. We'll see.

[NightWatcher]

87. F'in Bernie? A. not a Democrat. B. is compromised C. Is how old? D. has the stink of failure on him

Before you alert on this response for "bashing a Democrat", I'd like to remind you that he's only a Democrat for a few months at the time when it benefits him.

Can we scrub the first three and start at number 4 please?

[JCanete]

97. Not a democrat ....who cares...he would run as a democrat and adhere to democratic prinicples. Is

compromised....what? Is old...definitely. Has the stink of failure on him...is that all you've got? I don't know what that one means either.

That said, it isn't even the midterms yet. A lot will change between now and then, and there's plenty to pay attention to now.

[BoneyardDem]

139. BWAHH HAA HAA.."he would run as a Democrat..."?

and you seem to think that's a viable option? Seriously it would make Bernie look even worse as a grifter.

[JCanete]

140. no it wouln't make him more of a grifter. That is udder horseshit, not even worth dissasembling.

You would have nothing good to say about him had he run third party, siphoning democratic votes, so either you don't know what you're saying, or you simply disparage those you don't like for running regardless of what avenue they use.

And, yes, of course t would be a viable option. My democratic leadership better not weigh in on who gets to run in the democratic primary. That's our job. You get the signatures you run. You get the votes you move on.

Do you have a different version of reality from that one?

[BoneyardDem]

141. It hilarious that you think Bernie making another temporary party switch

.....is a winning strategy. Dems are not falling for that shit again. That is the reality.

Fwiw I wouldn't be surprised if Bernie runs as an indie. He and his followers really don't care if Trump lands another term. Another reality.

[JCanete]

142. Speak for yourself. I am also a dem, and Sanders polls well. That said, I said nothing about him

winning the primary, nor did you originally insinuate that that was what you were even talking about. Are you saying that Sanders could not pull a significant amount of votes? Do you really believe it, or do you just say what you like to hear?

As to what you think Sanders cares about, put up or shut up. Make a case. Nonsense accusations with nothing to back them up has value I guess, if you just like to revel in your own fantasy. I suggest that you avoid impugning the motives of democratic allies here on DU, since whether or not you yourself trust them or think they are up to no good, they have supporters here who are fellow democrats, and I see no value in you alienating your allies just because you like to talk trash.

[Hortensis]

148. To me Sanders is another Nader, same as a 3rd party

candidate even if he did once schmooze the Democratic Party into letting him run on our ticket.

Btw, that will not happen twice. Most Democrats would not support that.

And, no, if he were to run as a third-party candidate in 2020 (where would the party come from?), I still would have little or nothing good to say about his ethics and character, effect of personality on intellect and political orientation, or his astonishingly low levels of knowledge and competence given his time in government.

But at least if he ran third-party, betrayal of Democratic voters would not be among the bad things I would have to say about him. Betrayal of avowed principles and failure to achieve them, though, would be expected as a continued manifestation of whatever's going on with him. Like Nader.

[Cary]

150. And he's boring

2016 is old news. The "revolution" was all words.

[Hortensis]

156. That too. :) I really suspect most determined defenders

are waiting to find out who they will next true-believe in.

Before 2020, Sanders will need to accept a senior statesman role. Don't expect that to quiet him having once been at the forefront, of course, and it'll be interesting to see if he manages to genuinely support whoever replaces him at the top.

It'd be out of character. Nader couldn't/wouldn't do it for Sanders. And in fact, Sanders wouldn't do it earlier for Nader. Principles failed or reigned proudly supreme, depending on how you look at it.

[Cary]

158. Radicals are subversive

They will seek new ways to subvert Democrats.

[Hortensis]

159. +1000. But if they try to do that third-party again,

they would also inevitably subvert themselves. Their parties always dissolve in dissention and never win.

It's just so unfortunate that their characteristic destructive squabbling doesn't always destroy them before they sabotage the goals they supposedly share with Democrats.

[Cary]

160. Radicals always subvert themselves

[Hortensis]

162. Yup. That always involves sabotaging their own goals.

The Democratic Party they work to subvert is the main army fighting for those goals.

We do progress, but mostly in spite of tail-biting radicals. Any study of history shows that again and again. Thomas Jefferson considered trying to discuss anything with those types worse than a waste of time. Of course, he was no radical by personality and too busy with real revolution.

[NurseJackie]

155. He'll run third party. That's my prediction.

[Hortensis]

157. You think he won't be able to stomach supporting

a replacement, then? He'll require top of the ticket? Or might he accept a VP role? I could see that if he didn't have the support for the top. It'd still allow him onto the national stage instead of just back in the senate.

[Cary]

149. Who cares that Sanders isn't a Democrat?

The vast majority of Democrats, who don't do cults of personality.

[NurseJackie]

154. That is historical fact.

[Hortensis]

161. Yes. We don't do authoritarian and we Believe In Progress.

That last is huge. We're not the dystopian people.

Sanders had a split message. He called more for progress very early on, but as his national personal developed that has taken a back seat to feeding his populist wing with the requisite resentment and claims of persecution by establishment foes rejecting the very possibility of progress under anyone but one man--him. And this is delivered in the authoritarian strong-man voice that works well for zealots, adorers, and populists alike.

[JCanete]

163. the vast majority don't care, otherwise his likeability would be far lower than it is. You don't get

to make shit up out of your own head and call it facts. I call bullshit that dems don't do cults of personality too. That is what people do. I certainly lament it where I see it, whether its the Sanders or the Clinton bandwagon.

That said, I myself could care less about Sanders personality. I care about what he's talking about, but you go ahead and keep making it about something else.

[Cary]

164. You don't care?

So why are you defensive?

[JCanete]

165. I don't know what you're referring to. What am I being defensive about?

[Cary]

167. IOW you're defensiveness is subconscious?

Why would you be asking me? A good self help book would do you more good.

[Cha]

120. Amen!

[Gothmog]

136. Great post

I love your item number 4

[kurtcagle]

88. Jay Inslee?

Washington Governor, progressive agenda, has actively been standing up to most of Trump's BS calls. He's also relatively young and personable. I'd also see him as a good VP candidate.

[Denis 11]

89. I like Elizabeth Warren.

I would support any Dem vs Trump.

[Adrahil]

99. No way Sanders wins

The bloom is off that rose.

[NCTraveler]

101. I think he wins easily in a large field.

I understand I’m in the minority around here with respect to that opinion.

[Adrahil]

121. The fuled would not be large for long...

And as in 2016, he gets pasted on Super Tuesday.

And if doesn’t release his taxes.....

[NCTraveler]

125. The field can go from eight to four pretty early on...

And he would still have a distict advantage, IMO.

A very sizable group was more than willing to vote for him without seeing his taxes. If he hold sixty plus percent of that group, which he has been working relentlessly to do, it’s over.

[Adrahil]

127. We shall see...

I went from kinda liking him to having no respect for him at the ned of the primary. Id vote for him in the GE for sure, but I do not see him as good for the Party. Not at all.

[Garrett78]

129. Sanders would need more than just a large field.

Sanders would need there to be more caucuses and fewer primaries. And he would need the PoC vote to be split among several challengers.

Contrary to what some claim, the 2016 Democratic primary was decided by the 2nd week in March. Sanders was a very distant 2nd.

Anyway, the field won't remain large for long. As crowded as the 2016 GOP clown car was, it was basically a 3-person race (with a clear front-runner) by late February.

[NCTraveler]

130. I dont think he would need for either of those things to occur.

Your second paragraph holds no weight. It was a two person field from the start.

I think we have a number of political heavyweights looking to run. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think it’s going to be a large field for long. I do think we will see at least three others stick around for some time. Exposure.

[Garrett78]

131. The point of the 2nd paragraph was that...

Sanders wasn't as close to winning in 2016 as some claim. He did poorly among key demographics. And caucuses are the only reason it seemed even remotely close.

A large field doesn't necessarily help Sanders. Another candidate (such as Chris Murphy) could capture the imagination of young white people (Bernie's base).

[Me.]

104. Sanders? No Way

I want a Dem

[ananda]

108. My first choice is Adam Schiff.

nt

[phylny]

124. I also think he's wonderful. n/t

[underthematrix]

110. This is so funny. The next president is not even on the list.

[NCTraveler]

111. Always a possibility.

Strong possibility. Do you have any names you think we should be looking at?

[underthematrix]

118. Rep Joe Kennedy III

How we get him to the altar I have no idea. But he's the one.

[pnwmom]

112. Where is Gov. Jay Inslee on that list? n/t

[NCTraveler]

114. You just added him.

He has been mentioned a couple of times.

As for your question, he isn’t on it.

[pnwmom]

116. It is a strange list that has Oprah and leaves out both Castro brothers.

Among others.

[NCTraveler]

117. I agree.

Then again, I don’t know why Oprah is mentioned at all.

You have listed three people not on the list who I would support over Oprah.

[LiberalFighter]

115. Geesh

15. Montana Gov. Steve Bullock -- WHO?
14. Oprah Winfrey -- NO
13. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu -- I know about him but others dont
12. Former U.S. attorney general Eric Holder -- Would love him - But not likely
11. New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo -- NO
10. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown -- Not likely
9. Former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick -- ??
8. Former Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe -- Hell No
7. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy -- Maybe
6. New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand -- Borderline
5. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker -- He seems to play both sides
4. California Sen. Kamala D. Harris -- Hell No
3. Former vice president Joe Biden -- Would support
2. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren -- Would support
1. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders --- HELL NO

[oasis]

119. "I'm opening my campaign run with the release of my tax returns"

Said the phantom candidate.

[herding cats]

123. Pete Buttigieg

He's running at least and some on that list have said they're not.

[TexasTowelie]

144. I hadn't read anything about him declaring for the race

the last time that I looked at Indiana News. However, there was a "Draft Pete" movement being established. I wold say that his lack of experience hurts him, but considering the low bar that needs to be exceeded compared to the current occupant Pete is up to the challenge.

[herding cats]

145. He hasn't yet, but he's laying the groundwork.

Buttigieg Gets Closer to a 2020 Campaign

The South Bend mayor has a PAC spending money in Iowa, is staffing up with presidential campaign vets and quietly building key relationships ahead of 2020.

https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/03/27/buttigieg-2020-president-off-message-217712

He at least wants to, and is trying to, unlike some on this list (Oprah?!) who have said they're not interested.

I'm not saying he'd win the primary but he does want to run.

[stevenleser]

168. He's the best choice.

He's dynamic, a great speaker, and:

1. Can win races in a red state
2. Has genuine progressive cred
3. Can bridge the gap between the progressive wing and establishment wings of the party.

[herding cats]

169. I agree...

But, I'm surprised anyone here agreed with me. This site isn't exactly cutting edge politically anymore. It's nice to see a kindred soul.

[guillaumeb]

126. Elizabeth Warren.

[Arazi]

128. I'd be all in for any on this list. I'd add Tammy Duckworth for consideration

She's got the right stuff

[Garrett78]

132. S. Brown would be a smart VP candidate.

Where candidates are from needs to be considered. A California/New England ticket is risky. But Harris-Brown could work.

[Lil Missy]

133. Cross off Sanders - he's not a Democrat. n/t

[flying-skeleton]

135. ADAM SHIFF!!!!!

[George II]

143. After reading through the article, this is based on the opinion of only one person.

But it's nice to see the list has five Blacks and four women.

By the way, being from New Orleans I'd think that Landrieu may have some hot sauce hidden somewhere!

[SunSeeker]

146. Landrieu has a decent chance, with or without Tabasco.

[Tracyjo]

147. Barbara Boxer

[NCTraveler]

152. One of my favorites of all time...

and one of the reasons I stay involved. I look up to her.

That said, I think she made a couple of decisions later in her career that hurt her chances for something like this. I would love it if she got in.

[IluvPitties]

151. I like Cuomo.

[Bayard]

153. Biden and Booker has a nice ring to it.

[highplainsdem]

166. Sherrod Brown (or Chris Murphy) and Kamala Harris