2020 Democratic Presidential Nominee Weekly Power Rankings - August 14, 2019

This list looks at who I believe currently has the best chance of winning the 2020 Democratic Party nomination for President. Only notable individuals who have announced they are running or have formed an exploratory committee are included. I am not a political expert, so don’t take this too seriously. Feel free to provide feedback.


Notes for This Week:

There are rumors that John Hickenlooper might drop out of the race and try to flip a Senate seat in Colorado. I think that's a smart choice, and I hope he makes it. Right now, nine candidates have qualified for the third debates in September, with two or three more likely to follow. With potentially twelve candidates, let's hope they still split the debate into two nights to give everyone more time to talk.

1. Joe Biden

Previous Ranking: 1 (-)
Credentials: Vice President of the United States (2009–2017); U.S. Senator from Delaware (1973–2009)
Notes: Biden has said that he's gaffe-prone, and last week he proved it when he said, "Poor kids are just as bright and just as talented, as white kids.” However, Biden has been able to withstand his gaffes without much damage. We'll see if he can continue as the campaign goes on.

2. Elizabeth Warren

Previous Ranking: 2 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from Massachusetts (2013–Current); Assistant to the President for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2010–2011); Congressional Oversight Panel Chair for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (2008–2010)

3. Bernie Sanders

Previous Ranking: 3 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from Vermont (2007–Current); U.S. Representative from Vermont (1991–2007); Mayor of Burlington, Vermont (1981–1989)

4. Kamala Harris

Previous Ranking: 4 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from California (2017–Current); Attorney General of California (2011–2017); District Attorney of San Francisco (2004–2011)

5. Pete Buttigieg

Previous Ranking: 5 (-)
Credentials: Mayor of South Bend, Indiana (2012 — Current)   

6. Cory Booker

Previous Ranking: 6 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from New Jersey (2013-Present); Mayor of Newark, NJ (2006-2013); Newark City Council (1998-2002)

7. Beto O'Rourke

Previous Ranking: 7 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Representative from Texas (2013–2019); El Paso City Council (2005-2011)
Notes: O'Rourke restarted his campaign this week after taking a hiatus in the wake of the El Paso mass shooting. However, some are calling for him to drop out and make another Senate run.

8. Julian Castro

Previous Ranking: 8 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (2014-2017); Mayor of San Antonio (2009-2014)
Notes: President Trump attacked Julian and his twin brother Joaquin on Twitter. In a clever stunt, Castro bought ad time on Fox News in order to talk back to Trump.

9. Amy Klobuchar

Previous Ranking: 9 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from Minnesota (2007-Present)

10. Andrew Yang

Previous Ranking: 10 (-)
Credentials: Entrepreneur
Notes: Yang appears to have been endorsed by Elon Musk.

Honorable Mentions

Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator from Colorado
Steve Bullock, Governor of Montana
Bill De Blasio, Mayor of New York
John Delaney, Former U.S. Representative from Maryland
Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. Representative from Hawaii
Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator from New York
John Hickenlooper, Former Governor of Colorado
Jay Inslee, Governor of Washington
Seth Moulton, U.S. Representative from Massachusetts
Tim Ryan, U.S. Representative from Ohio
Joe Sestak, Former U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania
Tom Steyer, Billionaire
Marianne Williamson, Motivational Speaker & Self Help Author

Let me know what you think about my rankings! Leave a comment below.