Pollster Lee Miringoff said in an interview that aired Thursday on “Rising” that an independent run from former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz could damage Democrats in various swing states in 2020.
“Three percent in Florida is enough to tip it potentially, or Michigan or Wisconsin,” Miringoff, director of the Marist Poll, told Hill.TV’s Jamal Simmons on Wednesday.
“That’s where the damage is potentially from a Howard Schultz,” he continued.
“Michael Bloomberg didn’t want to run four years ago as an independent because he did not want to cost Hillary Clinton the election,” Miringoff said. “Right now, Howard Schultz is not at that point, but he may end up there.”
Schultz has made headlines since announcing on Sunday that he was contemplating a run as a centrist, independent.
Democrats, including 2020 hopeful Julián Castro, have voiced alarm at the idea, saying Schultz could split the ticket, and in turn hand President Trump a second term.
— Julia Manchester
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