Many Democrats and liberals are understandably freaking out over reports that former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, a life-long Democrat, is considering an independent bid for the presidency in 2020. The fears are well-placed. The candidacy of an amply-funded, center-left Democrat might very well split the anti-Trump vote in a November 2020 election and help Trump win re-election in a race that he otherwise might lose. These are not the bed-wetting fears that partisans often have. …
But my guess is that Schultz will eventually come to the same conclusion that another bright, impressive, highly successful and well-intentioned guy with the resources to fund his campaign, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg will. An independent candidate for president can be a spoiler, but not a victor. CONT.
Charlie Cook