Tom Steyer’s eleventh-hour presidential bid is confounding Dems. And some party officials are ready for him to butt out
Tom Steyer’s eleventh-hour presidential bid is confounding Democrats. And some party officials are ready for him to butt out.
Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio observed that Steyer is basically “another white guy in the race,” albeit a wealthy one who is “a major progressive player.” Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia was mostly perplexed by the wealthy Californian’s entry when asked about it: “I kind of wonder why?” And many lawmakers are familiar only with his ads demanding impeachment — or his visits to their congressional districts to pressure them with town halls pushing Donald Trump’s ouster.
“Whether it was pushing for Donald Trump’s impeachment, demanding a more robust plan to address climate change, or insisting that Democrats protect Dreamers, I’ve been willing to stand on principle even when it is at odds with my party," Steyer said in a statement for this story, vowing to help whoever wins the nomination but acknowledging: "I understand that our message makes some insiders uncomfortable.
“As a climate hawk, I think it’s good for climate. I don’t think Jay Inslee has got much traction,” argued Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse , referring to the Washington state governor. In an interview, Sen. Elizabeth Warren , a leading presidential candidate, took a shot at Steyer when asked about his candidacy.
Though Steyer may pose a short-term threat to some Democratic candidates, his overall effect on the race may be muted, according to interviews with more than a dozen prominent Democrats.
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