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Features

If Not Hillary, Then Who?

Nov 9, 2016

If Not Hillary, Then Who?

WORDS BY: ARIELA KOZIN

For many of us, the results of the 2016 election are heart-wrenching, but we must stop sulking. We need to come together and get to work immediately for 2020 and for our general future.

So who will we choose to mobilize behind now, in hopes of getting to the oval office in four years? Who will fight for the minorities and the progressive-minded Americans that feel forgotten?

And we hate to crush dreams, but Michelle Obama is not on this list since she has said repeatedly that she will never run for the presidency. Ever.

Anyway, we have a few (realistic) ideas for 2020:

1. Cory Booker 

He is only 47 and Cory is the hands-on politician we need. The Mayor of Newark and Rhodes Scholar was on Hillary’s short list for a running mate. He’s a reformer and actually rescued a woman from a burning building. Cory is also known for helping residents shovel their driveways following snow storms, so clearly he has some charm!

2. Kamala Harris 

Last year, the Washington Post asked, “Is Kamala Harris the next Barack Obama?” Kamala was just elected to the US Senate on Tuesday, following a position as California Attorney General, so we know she can rally voters. She is everything disappointed Democrats dream of for 2020 in that she is only 50, multi-racial, and a woman, which will hopefully appeal way more to younger voters. Kamala also isn’t far left enough to completely alienate Republicans—as much as she loves equal rights, she also wants to put a stop to crime.

3. Elizabeth Warren 

Of course. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren is likely what Trump would call a “nasty woman” because she never shies away from calling him out on his outlandish behavior. Besides her obvious hunger to get Trump far away from The White House, Elizabeth has tons of experience, is anti-Wall Street, and she has a true gift when it comes to collecting enthusiast support.

4. Andrew Cuomo

Governor of New York State Andrew Cuomo is a fighter. He lost his first attempt at office in 2002, but didn’t give up until he won in 2012. In his first year, he granted gay marriage and made gun laws far stricter. In his second term, Andrew is endorsing $15 minimum wage and a tax cut for the middle class, as well as a tax hike for the rich.

5. Kirsten Gillibrand

Kirsten succeeded Hillary as Secretary Of State, so should she succeed her as the Democratic party’s presidential nominee? Besides being for abortion rights, same-sex marriage, and health care reform with a public option, Kirsten is a calm force. For instance, the official stayed mum on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” for the first 18 months in Senate, but actually ended up playing a huge role in fighting for its repeal.