Of some twenty candidates currently striving to be the Democratic Party’s 2020 presidential nominee, who is best for our nation and world? A better question might be: “What combination of qualities (for our Party’s nominee and running mate) is most important?”
Foremost, as the Dem presidential ticket will need to go 15 exhausting rounds with a three-headed monster—the press, The Right, and Trump (or Trump’s replacement)—which of our candidates can best deflect or return such attacks?
Second, our nominee + running mate must be able to generate broad enthusiasm—from Alaska to Florida, Maine to Hawaii, and Texas to Minnesota; from the party’s left flank to Independents—and perhaps even some alienated Republicans; from all ethnicities and ages; from all genders and identities; from all religious backgrounds. In other words, who can unite and inspire the largest/broadest coalition of activists and actual voters?
Finally, more than ever, or nation needs a LEADER—a field general who can rally us with passion and inspiration to climb out of the trenches and overwhelm Republicans. Thus, we need a 2020 ticket which not only shepherds a blue tsunami from coast to coast, but also a team with the personality and political chops to keep ignorance, entitlement, and intolerance in permanent exile.
More so every day, that leader appears to be Beto. Meanwhile, his running mate options are terrific and vast: (alphabetically) Biden, Booker, Buttigieg, Castro, Harris, Sanders, Warren. Heck, if Steve Bullock and Jay Inslee didn’t already have other important roles to serve, I’d throw them in the mix, too. (For those here who don’t see O’Rourke as our nominee, please consider him for vp.)
Be sure that I’m not knocking any Dem presidential candidate (except for perhaps John Delaney); every one of them is contributing positively to our national dialogue. And, win or lose, each can continue playing a vastly important role; a president can only do so much without a great administration and Congress.
Yet, we need our president to have that something special, that je ne c’est quoi necessary to unite and mobilize all aspects of the Democratic Party—and keep us united and mobilized. As far as I can tell, that leader is the young(ish), tall drink of water from Texas.
I look forward to reading in the comments about what you think is the most important combination of qualities for our nominee/ running mate. Meanwhile, for anyone who hasn’t yet seen Beto’s 2018 town hall response to an NFL/anthem protest question, you’ll be blown away; his 4-minute answer is incredible!