Booker 2020 and Gabbard 2020 — Two Young Rising Presidential Hopefuls
How could you be talking about the 2020 Presidential election? 2016 was just yesterday it seems like! Well, in the world of Washington, it’s never too soon to consider your future. And for the concerned and active citizen, you just might enjoy learning about two young up and comers. Keep these names in mind because you may be voting for them in a few years
Cory Booker (born April 27, 1969)
Senator from New Jersey
Background:
Senator Booker is a rising star in the Democrat party. He is currently one of two Senators given the honor of representing his state in Washington D.C. Booker was elected to this position in 2013. This was not his first foray into politics. He was the mayor of Newark, NJ from 2006 to 2013.
Booker — an African-American — is a fresh young face for the party. He graduated from the prestigious University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. He also received his JD from Yale Law starting his interest in policy.
He was a Newark city councilor from 1998 to 2002 for his first election. Heading to the White House doesn’t seem like such a far off idea. Obama’s path was very similar.
Politics:
Booker is not your run of the mill Democrat. He is happy to wear the progressive label, but is not afraid to work with Republicans and Democrats alike. He is famous for having pledged to meet with each of his Republican colleagues in the Senate.
He is a cosponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and Respect for Marriage Act — both landmark liberal bills. Recently he has worked with Ted Cruz and Rand Paul, both conservative or libertarian leaning politicians.
For the 2016 race Booker endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination.
Why Booker 2020:
For a party desperate to turn the tides of the Trump administration, Cory Booker is a smart choice. His younger age would and penchant for the camera would be a media dream come true. He brings a fresh face of diversity to recall the halcyon Obama days for progressives. His ability to work both sides of the aisle would help block many partisan obstacles and would garner him allies all across Washington.
Tulsi Gabbard (born April 12, 1981)
United States Representative for Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district
Background:
Representative Gabbard is a rising star for the young Democrats. Throwing off many of the old notions about what the party means, she has risen to political fame at a young age. She is the first American Samoan and the first Hindu member of the United States Congress too, as well as being a veteran of the Iraq war.
She has served in the House since 2013. Prior to that, she was a Hawaii congresswoman from 2002–2004.
Politics:
Gabbard calls for the restoration of the Glass-Steagall Act and breaking up the big banks. Breaking with the party, she opposes the TPP. She supports strong Iran sanctions. But she is not a warhawk — she thinks the Iraq war was a mistake and does not want any more troops there. She is also opposed to arms deal with Saudi Arabia.
Gabbard was the second Democrat to meet with the new President Trump. Like Booker, she is known for working with both sides.
Why Gabbard 2020:
For Democrats who want to see a woman as President, or for those wanting a young and energetic candidate, Gabbard makes sense. Her military service and political background are a unique combination. Combine that with her ability to see past partisan differences would make for interesting debates and a bright future.
