Democrats likely to take on Trump in 2020 presidential election
The dust still hasn't settled on the 2016 election.
As Hillary Clinton supporters continue to wipe their tears, and Donald Trump supporters up their MAGA inventory, many are already counting down the days to the next presidential election. Democrats in particular have a huge task in front of them. Who will challenge Trump in 2020? Here are a few possible candidates that may run.
Populism seemed to be a crucial factor in the 2016 election. Donald Trump mobilized and garnered a considerable portion of his support through an anti-establishment message -- a message that Democratic nomniee Hillary Clinton was unable to overcome. Trump was as an outsider, Clinton viewed as a career politician. And while Clinton defeated the left's 2016 populist leader Bernie Sanders during the primary, there is some evidence suggesting that the Vermont senator may have had a proper chance at defeating Trump in the general election--to a certain extent due to his outsider appeal.
Sanders, who would be 79-years-old in 2020, seems at the very least to considering a future White House run. "We'll take one thing at a time, but I'm not ruling out anything," Sanders said when asked if he would consider challenging Trump. Trump will be 74-years-old during his reelection run, perhaps taking the issue of Sander's age off the table.
Click through our full list of possible 2020 Democratic candidates here:
Elizabeth Warren
In the early days of the 2016 election, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren was one of the top progressive names tossed around as a possible hopeful for the White House. Warren denied any interest in running time and time again, but many Democrats pushed for the former Harvard professor to run. The website ready4warren.com was even erected based on the prospects of a Warren candidacy. Warren's name was once again thrown around as a possible vice presidential pick once Clinton clinched the 2016 nomination.
Warren is also no stranger to going after Donald Trump. The Massachusetts Senator often takes a page out of the billionaire businessman's book--jumping on Twitter to fire off some sharp jabs, once calling out Trump for what she called "sexist tweets & disgusting lies."
And Warren may already be positioning herself as the Democratic champion in the face of Trump's America. Just days after Trump captured the presidency, the Mass. Senator issued a challenge to the future Republican president. "We will stand up to bigotry. No compromises ever on this one. We will fight back against attacks on Latinos, on African Americans, on women's, on Muslims, on immigrants, on disabled Americans, on anyone," said Warren.
Tim Kaine
In the days following the Democrat's devastating loss, news starting to swirl that vice presidential nomniee Tim Kaine might be in position to carry the party into the future. While Kaine's profile has no doubt risen after being named Clinton's VP nominee, others have been critical of the Virginia senator's ability to ignite excitement among the left.
Cory Booker
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker is a rising star in the Democratic party. He's already saved someone from a burning building so maybe he can do the same for Democratic Party? Well, people are already lining up behind Booker. A Facebook group named "Cory Booker for President in 2020" already has over 4,000 likes. However Booker, who is also a Rhodes Scholar and former mayor of Newark, has yet to comment on any future plans.
Kirsten Gillibrand
Hillary Clinton's replacement in the senate, Kirsten Gillibrand, is also rumored for a presidential run. A profile back in 2013 characterized Gillibrand as a "beloved by gay rights activists," calling her "a viable presidential candidate," long before Hillary Clinton annouced plans to run in 2016.
Al Franken
Perhaps an outside pick, but then again so was Donald Trump, Al Franken left his career in comedy behind to become a U.S. senator in 2009. Franken stayed out of the spotlight for much of his time in Congress, but lately has shown signs of letting his comedic flag fly once again. There's already a "Draft Al Franken 2020" super-PAC registered. Could Franken be the left's answer to Trump?
Michelle Obama
It's not happening. While the first lady's name was trending for hours on Twitter after Trump won the presidency, there is no indication Michelle Obama has any interest in running for office. In fact, she has made this very, very clear.
Tom Hanks or Oprah?:
Well, at least one person thinks Democrats should try running a celebrity presidential candidate.
