Now that Clinton has lost the race to Donald Trump, we cannot help but reflect on what might’ve been had Bernie Sanders become the Democratic nominee. And one way that people are reflecting is to look forward and wonder if there is any way that the progressive champion might run for president in 2020.
During an interview on Thursday with the Associated press, when the Senator put forth his endorsement of Minnesota congressman Keith Ellison, he was also asked about 2020. Rather than saying “no,” or referrig to his advanced age, Sanders merely said that it was too far in the future to speculate on.
“Four years is a long time from now. We’ll take one thing at a time, but I’m not ruling out anything.”
Of course the most important factor in the way for this is Sanders age. At age 74, Sanders would have become the oldest president by far, but four years from now, it seems far less possible still.
Sanders would continue to face an uphill battle if he were to try again for the White House, especially if he became the Democratic nominee. Sanders was spared the intense vetting and destruction of character one expects of a general election race. Sanders’ Democratic Socialist label would be twisted and misconstrued so that likely, no self-respecting Republican would support him.
Despite the challenges, Sanders still enjoys the support of millions of Americas, and without Hillary Clinton as an opponent, the Senator might make inroads in winning the minority vote as well.
it’s a long shot – and we know that. But if Bernie won’t rule it out, then how can we?
Nevertheless, while we face an incredibly difficult four years under a Donald Trump presidency, progressives have to have something to fight for. And if we can believe that our ideal candidate is waiting at the end of the tunnel? Even better.
