New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, a new entrant in the Democratic presidential fray, on Friday cast doubt on former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz’s chances in the 2020 field, saying independent candidates “don’t win” presidential races.
“I’m obviously not happy — we know the history of what independents do,” Booker told radio host Joe Madison Friday morning after announcing his 2020 bid. “They don’t win, and they end up often tearing down the progressive candidate, the Democratic candidate.”
Booker added, “It’s a free country, man. Do what you want.” He continued, “I’m not running to beat an independent. I’m not running to beat a Republican. I’m running to unite all Americans.”
Schultz has earned progressives’ ire since his “60 Minutes” appearance last Sunday. Democratic regulars fear the self-proclaimed centrist independent could siphon off votes from their party’s eventual nominee and help President Trump win re-election.
[Read more: Democrats threaten Starbucks boycott until former CEO Howard Schultz abandons 2020]
Booker, meanwhile, announced his 2020 campaign Friday with an early morning launch video. He’s recently courted members of the Congressional Black Caucus to support his presidential campaign, over the likes of Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., who is in the race, and former Vice President Joe Biden, who is considering jumping in.
Booker joins an ever-growing field of Democrats vying to take on Trump next November. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., are in the growing field, among others.
