The 3 Democrats that Republican insiders fear most in 2020
Republican insiders think there are plenty of Democrats who President Trump could easily beat in 2020, while at least three could pose a serious threat.
Vanity Fair spoke with some of these Republicans on Friday, who seemed to agree that the biggest threat to Trump's presidency is former Vice President Joe Biden. In fact, these Republicans worry Biden could beat Trump fairly easily. As one strategist put it, that's partially because he "wreaks calmness and normalcy, which I feel like people crave over the chaos of the Trump administration."
Aside from Biden, Republicans also expressed concern about Rep. Beto O'Rourke (D-Texas). Even though O'Rourke lost his race against Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in November, Republican insiders were "taking notes" and treating him "far more seriously" than one might think. One insider noted he's "problematic" because he could put states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and North Carolina "in play."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Believe it or not, a third Democrat who strikes fear in GOP insiders is Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper. Republican strategists reportedly feel he could have a similarly broad appeal as Biden.
There are a few Democrats who Republicans definitely don't feel threatened by, though, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). The Republican operatives quoted by Vanity Fair feel that America is "still a center-right country" and thus they'd have an easier time running against a progressive. But if Democrats nominate a calm presence who is a bit closer to the center, they believe Trump could be in trouble.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
'The House under GOP rule has become a hostile workplace'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
The Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal is about more than bad bets
In The Spotlight The firestorm surrounding one of baseball's biggest stars threatens to upend a generational legacy and professional sports at large
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Feds raid Diddy homes in alleged sex trafficking case
Speed Read Homeland Security raided the properties of hip hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'The House under GOP rule has become a hostile workplace'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Trump gets $289M break, first criminal trial date
Speed Read The former president's fraud bond has been reduced to $175 million from $464 million
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US-Israel rift widens after UN cease-fire resolution
Speed Read The U.S. declined to veto a U.N. resolution calling for a two-week "immediate cease-fire" in Gaza
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
New Jersey first lady exits race to replace Menendez
Speed Read Tammy Murphy dropping out paves the way for Rep. Andy Kim to become the state's next senator
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Russia blames Ukraine for deadly ISIS Moscow attack
Speed Read Putin has ignored the Islamic State's claim of responsibility for the concert hall shooting
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'A "conservative voice" does not spread misinformation for political advantage'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Trump-RNC pact puts Trump legal bills ahead of GOP
Speed Read The former president has struck a deal with the Republican National Committee to put donations toward his legal bills
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'A wonky bureaucratic tweak has dramatically changed how Americans drive'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published