Starbucks’ Howard Schultz ‘seriously considering’ independent bid for president

The lifelong Democrat’s tweets Sunday, his first mark on the social media platform, coincided with a prerecorded interview on CBS News’ “60 Minutes.” During the appearance, Schultz swatted back criticism that his third party bid may hand the 2020 election to President Trump should his campaign siphon votes away from the official Democratic nominee. Democrats, including presidential contender Julian Castro and Center for American Progress president Neera Tanden, have voiced their concerns over the spoiler effect Schultz could have on the race.

“I look at both parties. We see extremes on both sides. Well, we are sitting today with approximately $21.5 trillion of debt, which is a reckless example, not only of Republicans, but of Democrats as well, as a reckless failure of their constitutional responsibility,” Schultz said. “I want to see the American people win. I want to see America win. I don’t care if you’re a Democrat, independent, libertarian, Republican. Bring me your ideas. And I will be an independent person who will embrace those ideas. Because I am not, in any way, in bed with a party.”

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Schultz, who bought Starbucks in Seattle in 1987, is estimated to have a net worth close to $3.5 billion, a far cry from his childhood spent in New York’s public housing. He told “60 Minutes” he would be willing to disclose his tax returns, unlike Trump, and that there would be a “complete separation” between himself and the company he stepped down from in June last year. While his prospective campaign platform seems to align with Democrats on immigration, tax cuts, and climate change, his position on healthcare diverges from a primary field that has shifted to the Left on the political spectrum.

“Every American deserves the right to have access to quality healthcare. But what the Democrats are proposing is something that is as false as the wall. And that is free healthcare for all, which the country cannot afford,” Schultz said, referring to Trump’s demands for a southern border wall.

Schultz, who would be the first Jewish president if elected, was optimistic regarding his chances, despite history not being favorable toward independent hopefuls. He would also have to overcome criticism over his rollout of compulsory racial bias training for all Starbucks staff last May after a manager called the police on a pair of black customers who were in a Philadelphia store for two minutes.

“What we know, factually, is that over 40 percent of the electorate is either a registered independent or currently affiliates themselves as an independent,” he said. “The American people are exhausted. Their trust has been broken. And they are looking for a better choice.”

Schultz’s announcement on Sunday was met with a swift backlash online. Many Twitter users were quick to point out his tweets received more comments rather than “likes” or retweets, a phenomenon known as being “ratio-ed.”

Schultz will embark on a national book tour on Monday to promote his memoir “From the Ground Up: A Journey to Reimagine the Promise of America,” ahead of its release on Jan. 28.