Like it or not, the 2020 election cycle is already underway.
And with dozens of Democrats set to announce their Presidential run for next year, battle lines are being drawn.
And two top Democrats leading in the nomination battle are gearing up to take each other down.
Joe Biden has a Beto problem.
The former Senator and Vice President under Barack Obama is considered by some to be a shoo-in for the Democratic nomination for President in 2020.
But the man who became famous for losing to Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) in 2018, Beto O’Rourke, is now giving Biden a run for his money.
Robert “Beto” O’Rourke, an Irishman who faked being Hispanic and parlayed “viral” social media videos into becoming a political phenomenon, is quickly emerging as Biden’s greatest threat for the Democrat nomination.
The winner of the 2020 primary will face up against President Trump as he seeks a second term.
While the 2020 election campaign is still in its infancy, O’Rourke is increasingly looking like a serious candidate for the Democratic nomination, despite losing to Ted Cruz in the 2018 midterms.
The Hill reports, “O’Rourke appeals to former President Obama’s network of former aides and donors, who are searching for a candidate to back for the first time in more than a decade.”
Former Obama officials appear to be lining up to support O’Rourke should he jump into the race.
“I have never seen a Senate candidate — including Obama in 2004 — inspire the sort of enthusiasm that Beto did in this race,” said Dan Pfeiffer, a former Obama senior advisor.
And the rivalry between Biden and O’Rourke appears to be heating up.
Barrack Obama met with O’Rourke last month, suggesting he may break ranks with his ex-VP and back the Texas Congressman.
However, Biden continues to lead in most early polls, thanks to holding the office of Vice President for eight years.
Although, O’Rourke appears to be hot on his heels, polling a strong second place in the latest Des Moines Register poll of Iowa Democrats.
But having Biden and O’Rourke as the top leading candidates for the Democratic nomination could spell trouble for Democrats.
The Democrat Party has increasingly placed gender and race as key issues, using identity politics as a major party platform.
Biden and O’Rourke are both white males, which could disappoint some of the more identity politics-driven members of the party.
Both also have their own political drawbacks for the general election.
Biden is known for making public gaffes, and his age would eliminate one issue the Democrats could use against President Trump in 2020.
O’Rourke meanwhile lost the midterm election to Senator Ted Cruz, which many critics claim would set a terrible precedent for the Democrat Party should they nominate him in 2020.
Are you surprised Joe Biden and Robert O’Rourke are leading the Democratic primary field? Do you think either could defeat President Trump in 2020?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
