Many different Democrats are determined to topple President Trump, but that could prove to be more trouble than it’s worth. Without a primary strong candidate, division within the party could lead to President Trump winning his reelection campaign. Not unlike the 2016 election, division and unhappiness among the Democratic party and other undecided voters can make a huge difference, come the general election. Because that is still many months away, let’s take a look at some of the major and minor Democratic candidates who have announced their intention to run.
Elizabeth Warren:
A Massachusetts senator who was in the news recently for her feud with President Trump over her alleged Native American ancestry, Senator Warren is a vehement opponent of economic imbalance and is using her proposed “ultra-millionaire tax” as part her campaign’s foundation. She announced her campaign in front of Everett Mill, the historic place where workers went on strike for better working conditions. Many of her speeches and campaign promises focus on eliminating the “wealth and political power concentrated at the top” and diminishing the financial industry’s power in Washington.
Amy Klobuchar:
Amy Klobuchar is a three-time senator from Minnesota, with historically moderate views and bipartisanship that she hope will appeal to many this election season. Senator Klobuchar tries to bring her “‘Minnesota nice’” to politics, with her brand “being able to disagree without being disagreeable’”. With the strong views of other candidates, her bipartisanship and Missouri courtesy may make her a popular candidate among moderates, as well as some stronger Democrats.
Cory Booker:
Booker is a senator from New Jersey, and he is another stronger candidate in the Democratic field this election. His kickoff speech was supposed to be the opposite of President Trump’s, and he spoke of larger than life themes, like love and unity among the American people. Senator Booker is also closely involved with his constituents and interacts with them through Twitter. He even ended up running into a burning building to save a woman. His publicized stunts, like living in a tent to raise awareness for homelessness, garner him national attention.
Kamala Harris:
Kamala Harris, a senator from California, has been a forerunner in the Democratic candidates. She is one of the many women and nonwhite candidates that have started running because of the alienation President Trump has caused. She promises unity and to run for “the people”. She says that a leader should try their best to see the complexity in all of our lives and try to pay equal attention to our needs. Senator Harris tries to set herself apart by being a sharp interrogator on C
Julian Castro:
Castro was the former mayor of San Antonio and the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. So far, Mr. Castro has not won the support of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and as the only Latino candidate, it should have been a cinch. However, the CHC did release that it was not personal, they were only cautious of political parties and home state loyalties. To even have a chance at 2020, Castro needs to gain support from the CHC, other Latino and Latina voters, and get his name out there.
Tulsi Gabbard:
Elected back in 2012, Tulsi Gabbard is a Democratic senator from Hawaii. When she was first elected, she looked like a certain candidate for 2020, but she has made some monumental foreign policy decisions that alienated many of her supporters. After starting her time in office with more liberal foreign policy views, she surprised everyone when she took a few decisions that were a hard right from her campaign promises. To give herself a chance, she needs to separate herself from her earlier controversy.
John Delaney:
A former representative from Maryland’s 6th district, Delaney announced his run very early, back in July 2017. Though he’s technically been running for president for the last 2 years, he has not gained much of a following. His name is largely unknown, and his supporters are few and far between. While his campaign will probably be unsuccessful, his unique healthcare plan has gotten him lots of positive press. A former health care financier, he is very well educated in the subject and brings good ideas and a comprehensive plan to the table.
Andrew Yang:
The only person on this list that is not a former or current politician, Mr. Yang is an entrepreneur who founded Venture for America. Yang promises to “Put Humanity First” and give all adults a universal basic income of $1,000 a month. He also promises healthcare for all, and human-centered capitalism, all promises for the betterment of the people. Almost like a democratic President Trump, Yang wants to bring his business background into politics.
This article was written 2/15, and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) announced his intention to run on Tuesday, 2/19.