Pundits: Dems need fresh face for chance at toppling Trump
Speculation that Hillary Clinton could be toying with a third run for the Oval Office sent social media posters into overdrive — and political watchers predicting “Clinton fatigue” will ultimately send her back into retirement.
Clinton’s stepped-up attacks on President Trump and pitches for donations to her super PAC sparked the rumor mill, especially following a column in the New York Post this past weekend.
But does she really have a chance in 2020?
“If we did a poll today, she’d jump to the top of the Democratic field because of name recognition,” pollster John Zogby told the Herald last night. “But it’s similar to Ted Kennedy and Gary Hart … they were known but it didn’t last.”
Zogby said Clinton has her weaknesses, especially in three key areas:
• Her trustworthiness never topped 37 percent, and that’s not likely to improve.
• President Trump beat her by running an anti-establishment campaign. He’s sure to do it again.
• “Clinton fatigue” combined with the #MeToo movement (aimed at Bill Clinton) will hurt her chances even more.
Even some Democrats agree she’s damaged goods.
“The energy in the Democratic party is with younger candidates,” said Kevin Franck, a Democratic consultant and Herald contributor. “It’s probably best for her to step aside and mentor a younger candidate.”
Bay State U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former Vice President Joe Biden, Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, Oprah Winfrey, New Jersey U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and New York U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand are all possible 2020 Trump rivals.
Hillary Clinton would need to get past all of them.
“There was a collective giggle from both Republicans and Democrats when that rumor broke yesterday,” said New Hampshire’s Mike Dennehy, a former campaign consultant for U.S. Sen. John McCain. “The Clinton era is long gone. It’s time to move on.”
‘It’s probably best for (Clinton) to step aside and mentor a younger candidate.’ — KEVIN FRANCK Democratic consultant