Why Howard Schultz Isn't Running for President as a Democrat
Howard Schultz, the controversial and influential former CEO of Starbucks, has been the subject of much speculation regarding his potential run for the U.S. presidency. However, the likelihood of him becoming the Democratic nominee is highly improbable, and his motivations for running as an independent or a Democrat are questionable at best.
Why He Wouldn’t Succeed as a Democrat
Many political analysts and voters alike are skeptical about Schultz’s ability to secure the Democratic nomination. According to Schultz himself, he is not in sync with the current direction of the Democratic party, and this dissonance makes it almost impossible for him to be a viable candidate. He would most likely win at most a primary caucus, if that, and it is highly unlikely that he would win a primary.
Furthermore, Schultz is seen by many as an outsider and a billionaire, which does not align well with current voter sentiment. The party is likely to favor candidates who have government experience and whose policies resonate with the majority of the electorate. Without strict party loyalty, Schultz would find it hard to gain traction in a competitive primary field.
Alternate Motivations and Possibilities
The question then arises: what drives Schultz's ambitions? There are several possibilities, each less favorable than the other. Charitably, it could be a publicity stunt for his memoir tour, aimed at generating interest and promoting his book. Uncharitably, it could be a strategic move to either split the Democratic vote and aid the re-election of former President Donald Trump, or to run as an independent third-party candidate. The latter option is seen as overwhelmingly unlikely, given the historical absence of third-party candidates winning or even coming close to winning the presidency.
From a political standpoint, Schultz's platform lacks the social spending programs and progressive policies that Democrats are typically known to champion. His focus on fiscal conservatism and finding common ground between the two parties might work on paper but carries significant risks. For example, Ross Perot, another independent candidate in 1992, focused on paying down the national debt, which did not resonate well with voters. Schultz's intention to increase tax revenues to fund healthcare and education, while not impossible, faces significant challenges given the current and historical lack of success with such policies.
Appraising Schultz's Personality and Ambitions
Regardless of the reasons behind Schultz's potential run, his personality and ambitions might undermine his chances. Perceptions of arrogance, narcissism, and an expansive ego are prevalent among his detractors. Many people believe that Schultz is more interested in personal gain and media attention than in meaningful policy change. CNN's decision to give him a televised town hall event, which many believe he doesn't deserve, is often cited as an example of the privilege and entitlement that some wealthy individuals enjoy in the political arena.
The presidency is a position of immense responsibility and requires a candidate whose ideas and policy proposals are both credible and reflective of the needs of the American people. Schultz’s platform, while potentially pragmatic, lacks the necessary grand vision that most voters look for in a presidential candidate.
In conclusion, the likelihood of Howard Schultz becoming the Democratic nominee for the U.S. presidency is low, and any alternative intentions would be viewed with skepticism. The challenge for him lies not only in the political landscape but also in his own public image and the trust he needs to earn from voters.