I Believe We Need a New Presidential Candidate in 2020.

[Jim Lane]

56. I wouldn't rule out Martin O'Malley as a rehash.

Yes, he ran in 2016, but only barely, because he saw the writing on the wall and exited so early.

In 2020 he'll turn 57. I don't see that as too old.

During all the Clinton versus Sanders bitterness on DU, there were several people in each camp who, after O'Malley's withdrawal, mentioned that they were impressed by him and hoped he'd run again.

Of course, the issue is whether, having done so badly last time, he could be taken seriously as a contender next time. My answer is that he'd have a chance. In the 2016 cycle, he faced an unusual situation in that (1) the party establishment was overwhelmingly behind one candidate, to a degree unprecedented for a nonincumbent; and (2) the voters inclined toward an insurgent had an alternative who was extraordinarily different from the usual run of candidates. That left no room for anyone else. I don't expect either Clinton or Sanders to run in 2020, so O'Malley won't have those problems.