Deval Patrick, Ex-Governor of Massachusetts, Is Considering White House Bid

[BeyondGeography]

Former Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts has told Democratic officials that he is considering making a last-minute entry into the 2020 presidential race, according to two Democrats with knowledge of the conversations, the latest evidence of how unsettled the party’s presidential primary is less than three months before the Iowa caucuses.

Mr. Patrick told party leaders he doesn’t think that any of the candidates running have established political momentum and that he thinks there is an opening for somebody who can unite both liberals and moderate Democrats, according to Democrats who have spoken to him.

At the same time, Massachusetts Democrats close to Mr. Patrick have started to reach out to prominent party leaders in early nominating states to alert them that he may run, according to one Democrat who has received an inquiry.

Mr. Patrick’s 11th-hour consideration comes as former New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg moves toward his own late entry into a Democratic primary that appears increasingly fractured. A pair of moderate candidates — former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Mayor Pete Buttigieg — and two progressives — Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders — are now dividing the vote in Iowa and New Hampshire, according to recent polls. But none of them has been able to pull away...

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/11/us/politics/deval-patrick-2020-president.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

[evertonfc]

1. There is nervousness

in the party we don't have a Bill Clinton or Obama that can unite liberals, moderates and excite young people. We have an old field of Washington insiders. Deval better get ready for the Sanders and Warren side to take him to task because we works for a corporation.

[BeyondGeography]

2. This is a lot more significant than Bloomberg

If it happens, of course.

[Skya Rhen]

3. Why? He's a capitalist like Bloomberg so he'll split his votes & Biden has the AA votes locked in.

[BeyondGeography]

4. Ok

[Drunken Irishman]

5. We don't have a Clinton or Obama...

But that's okay. They were once in a generation level politicians. They rarely ever come around consistently. The GOP has been trying to find its Reagan since the 80s and they've utterly failed - yet have been able to win the White House three times despite Reagan's shadow (without the coalition that gave us Reagan, BTW).

The reality is that the Democrats can't bank on the idea that the only way they'll ever win the White House is if they have that type of candidate. It seems, unfortunately, at least since JFK, that's exactly what our mindset has become - and it hurts us for it because it sends out this message that we'll only be motivated to vote by that specific candidate.

I mentioned the GOP wanting a Reagan again but the fact is, they don't let it deter them from voting.

H.W. Bush wasn't Reagan and they still voted for him.

Bush wasn't Reagan and they still voted for him.

Trump is certainly not Reagan and they still voted for him.

The only two Democrats to win the presidency, though? They were JFK incarnate. Bill Clinton was the Southern JFK. Obama was the Black JFK. Even though both were far more than just that ... but they were idolized as such. It feels like, with so many Democrats and liberals, it's an all or nothing approach when voting in the presidential election. We saw it in 2016 when a lot of liberals voted third party or stayed home - and I hope to god we don't see it in again in 2020.

The next nominee is going to have to build their own coalition. But liberals need to be on board and they shouldn't only be prodded to do so by making history or voting for someone who's insanely charismatic. We're not that superficial are we?

[CentralMass]

6. Its too late in the process IMO but I do like Deval Patrick..

I've heard him speak and met him afterwards. He is a very intelligent guy and was a very hands on Governor who put time and passion into the job. He wouldn't be my primary pick but i have a favorable opinion of him.