WASHINGTON ― An independent presidential bid by former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz wouldn’t only threaten Democrats by siphoning anti-Trump votes, it could also hurt the party’s messaging on critical issues like health care, taxes and spending. With a third-party candidate on the ballot who echoes their rhetoric, the GOP would have more room to argue that their ideas are sensible and middle-of-the-road. “The fact that Schultz is even considering a candidacy speaks to how far left the Democratic Party has gone,” said Matt Gorman, the former communications director for the National Republican Congressional Committee. and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), who are mounting a presidential bid, as well as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), the Democrats’ newest star in Congress. They’re happy to point to Schultz’s criticisms as yet more evidence that Democrats are wrong about the direction they want to take the country in as the 2020 presidential campaign ramps up.

Source: Huffington Post January 31, 2019 01:29 UTC