Some potential presidential contenders are getting more assertive in how they answer questions of whether they’ll run, a sign that the 2016 race is ready to move into a higher gear.
Though none of the Republican or Democratic contenders have actually announced a formal campaign, in recent days several have moved past the “time will tell” type of responses all candidates begin with.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, whose actions leave little doubt he’s been mulling a run for a while, gave only the usual non-response, but an adviser told National Journal that “it’s 90/10 he’s in.”
Ben Carson, a neurosurgeon who’s never held political office, told Hugh Hewitt “the likelihood is strong” the country will see him on the Republican ticket.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently said she would make a decision on a campaign “probably after the first of the year,” putting a definitive timeline on it.
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, whose term ends in January, has told Democratic fundraisers that he will run so that Clinton will “face at least some competition,” according to the Wall Street Journal.
None of the statements are definitive and all leave the candidates substantial wiggle room to change their minds down the road, but they are signs that the campaign is about to enter a much more active phase in the next few months.
