Eight People Who Could Wipe That Smug Grin Off Trump in 2020 (TWEETS)

The hopes and dreams of millions of free-thinking Americans have been scattered to the ashes. We were beaten, but we were not defeated; we will rise again, phoenix-like from the ashes. Our minds are focused on what 2017 will bring, the despondency is hard to shake off, and our imagination is taking us to dark places. Perhaps it’s for the best. A little self-reflection never hurt anyone.

But it will only take us so far. Because 2019 will see the onset of another primary season, another chance for liberals to select a person who represents our values, who will embody the best America has to offer. Three years is not such a long time, not really.

So here’s a list of the men and women who might wipe that smug grin off Trump’s face for us. It’s not a complete list; how could it be? The list of potentials is a long one and many people deserving mention have been omitted. Nobody will be thrilled by every single name on this list but one thing is clear: infighting and recriminations will not help us now. Whoever we select to lead the fight back will be a person that we must all get behind.

Bernie Sanders

Senator Bernie Sanders, the longest-serving independent senator in U.S. history surprised everyone earlier this year when he won 21 states during the Democratic primaries. He popularized ideas previously dismissed as being too progressive for American tastes. He started a movement.

The Senator’s age might be something of an issue — he will be 79 in 2020 — but then again at 74, Donald Trump will hardly be a spring chicken himself. At any rate, early signs are encouraging. His Our Revolution organizations have pledged to reclaim democracy for the working people of America and he has vowed to stand up to Trump. Even more exciting for Bernie-lovers, he has already indicated that he might run again in 2020.

If Donald Trump takes people's anger and turns it against Muslims, Hispanics, African Americans and women, we will be his worst nightmare.

— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) November 10, 2016

Elizabeth Warren

Hillary Clinton gave what might have been the best speech of her political career when she noted that the Presidency remains an all-boys club. She said:

“Now, I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but some day someone will—and hopefully sooner than we might think right now.”

Senator Warren might just be the person to finally break that cycle. Touted early on as a potential running mate for Hillary Clinton, her progressive ideology mirrors that of Bernie Sanders. With many liberals still smarting over having once again won the popular vote yet lost the White House, Warren’s stance on electoral reform and robust opposition to all things Trump could form the backbone of a robust 2020 campaign.

Al Franken

Senator Al Franken was better known for political comedy than political action but his victory in the 2008 Minnesota senate race changed all that. Since then he has worked tirelessly, standing up for the people he represents whilst remaining true to his core values. Franken was also considered as a potential Vice President pick for Hillary Clinton and there is little question that his political career is in ascendance.

Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew Cuomo — the 56th governor of New York — might be something of a controversial figure on this list if only because ‘establishment’ figures did not fare so well in 2016. Nevertheless he remains a likely contender.

Two major barriers to a 2020 presidential bid might get in his way. To begin with he has to consider whether or not to run for the governorship again in 2018. A victory would take him out of the running whilst a loss would set alarm bells ringing in the heads of liberals all over the country.

To make matters worse, the corruption scandal involving two former aides, Joseph Percoco and Todd Howe is exactly the kind of thing that Trump excels at using against people. Asked on NY1 on Wednesday about a possible role in the 2020 presidential race, Cuomo declined to take the bite saying only:

“I see a role for myself as governor of New York.”

Tim Kaine

Senator Tim Kaine might seem to be an odd choice for 2020 but as with Governor Cuomo he has the advantage — from the point of view of the DNC — of being an establishment figure. Picked as Hillary Clinton’s 2016 running mate, he was seen as something of a safe choice, a moderate who could help gather support from conservative-leaning, anti-Trump voters. In political terms he also cuts a more youthful figure than some of the names on this list. In 2020 he will be just 62 years old.

Joe Biden

Vice president Joe Biden remains a much-loved figure in the Democratic party. There was speculation that he might enter the primary race against Hillary Clinton but such musings ultimately came to naught. Devastated by the death of his son, Biden’s future political ambitions remain unclear. He might just want to enjoy a retirement that few would argue he hasn’t earned.

Michelle Obama

As the most popular first lady of all time it’s hard to imagine anyone wanting to stand against Michelle Obama. If she chose to run in 2020 that is.

Although she has been quite open in her distaste for Trump, she has been equally vocal on the matter of running for office. She simply doesn’t want the job. Still, with Americans turning to her in their hour of need, the old adage of never say never may apply. Clinton’s comments relating to the shattering of a certain glass ceiling might be a nod towards a possible bid.

I feel so fortunate to have gotten to live as an adult American woman in a time when Michelle Obama @FLOTUS was first lady.

— Amandaaahhh! Die! Bert! ???☕️???‍♀️??‍♀️? (@amandadeibert) October 28, 2016

https://twitter.com/PearlThusi/status/796284042324967424

Hillary Clinton

The idea of a Hillary Clinton redux might not be as crazy as it sounds. Her concession speech, brilliant though it was, certainly had a ring of finality to it. It is possible however, that sympathy for Clinton’s genuine attempt at becoming the first female president might do much. With years of Trump ahead of us a safe, experienced, pair of hands, might be appealing to the American electorate.

Certainly more than the tiny tangerine digits of a rank amateur poseur.

Featured Image via Pixabay