Democrats 2020: Who To Keep An Eye On

While America awaits a recount and final results from the 2018 midterm election, pundits are already pondering over potential Democrats 2020 and the ideal match-up to beat Donald Trump.  So, who should we expect out the starting gate in the coming months?

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Sure, there are old stalwarts like Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, however, their window of opportunity may have already come and gone.  Then there’s Hillary Clinton, who’s been hinting “Sure, I’d still love to be President,” but Democratic operatives are boldly telling her to let the pipe dream go.

What about Elizabeth Warren or Julian Castro, who have each all but announced their Democrats 2020 candidacies?  Although they may have the firepower to win the nomination, they likely lack the gusto to win the general election.

With that in mind, who can unify the Democratic Party as its new leader and ignite the nation to propel them to the Oval Office?  Let’s take a look at 2 very likely (and winning) political match-ups:

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HARRIS – MANCHIN

If the 2018 midterm election taught us anything, it’s that this is the era of the woman.  More importantly, the era of the minority woman.  Electoral wins from the first Muslim-American woman ever elected to Congress, the first Native American women ever elected to Congress, a Latina as the youngest person ever elected to Congress, and a host of wins by African-American women has recently paved a very interesting path for a potential presidential candidacy by Sen. Kamala Harris of California.

As the former California Attorney General, Sen. Harris placed her political chops on national display during the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings.  In addition, her prosecutorial experience has served her well in the US Senate and she’s already well-funded for a White House bid.  The fact that she’s African-American and Indian is just an added bonus.

So, who would match up well with a Kamala Harris for President candidacy?  Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, that’s who.

As one of the few Democrats who still has the ability to win among the rust belt states, Manchin would be an important asset to a potential Harris ticket for Democrats 2020.  He represents the blue-collar/coal miner type of so-called “forgotten American.”  He’s a conservative Democrat, which would appeal to other conservative and independent voters.  He’s also just a plain ol’ white guy, who could speak to the angry white men of America who see their country slipping away from them and have sought refuge amongst Donald Trump.  Plus, many White-Americans would probably feel more comfortable having the caucasian Joe Manchin in The White House to “keep an eye” on the black Kamala Harris (the same way Joe Biden was initially expected to keep an eye on Barack Obama).  Hmmm…

Nevertheless, imagine a Black and Indian female presidential candidate from the Democratic stronghold of California paired with a White male blue-collar vice-presidential candidate from the conservative coal miner State of West Virginia.  Harris – Manchin could be a match made in heaven.

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BROWN – O’ROURKE

While the State of Ohio has become more and more conservative and unpredictable of late, one thing has remained constant:  Sen. Sherrod Brown.

Last week, Brown won his 3rd consecutive term to represent Ohio in the US Senate, which is a rarity for a Midwestern Democrat.  His experience as the Ranking Democratic Member on the US Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs has prepared him well for a potential Democrats 2020 run for the presidency. He also has the type of personality that suggests he could very easily hold his own against the brash Donald Trump.  The only problem with Sen. Brown is, he’s boring.

Except, this is where Beto O’Rourke of Texas comes in.

Aside from coming thisclose to being the first Democrat in decades to win a national election in the State of Texas, no other Democratic candidate in 2018 captured the hearts and emotions of voters like Beto O’Rourke.  His years of congressional experience combined with his unmistakable passion for politics could make him a loveable Ying to Sherrod Brown’s Yang.  Or, in other words, he’d make a perfect vice-presidential candidate on a potential Brown – O’Rourke ticket.

Imagine a proven winner from the all-important State of Ohio combined with a “Barack Obama-esque” passionate politician from Texas.  If Brown – O’Rourke could deliver Ohio and Texas, the 2020 presidential race would be a slam dunk for Democrats and a pink slip for Trump – Pence.

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In less than 2 months, candidates from both political parties will begin announcing their intentions for The White House.  Without a legitimate leader headlining the party, Democrats need someone to jump out ahead of the pack with a quickness.  The party has already grown past the old-school choices of Biden or Sanders and this may not be the time for a Cory Booker or Julian Castro.

So, who has the power to trample all over Donald Trump and take Democrats back to the Oval Office?  Harris – Manchin?  Brown – O’Rourke?  Or some other combination?  Tell us what you think in the comments below!

OK WASSUP! discusses Politics:
Which combo of Democrats 2020 could beat Trump?