The roasting of Howard Schultz
Howard Schultz's announcement that he's seriously considering running as an independent has received a pretty predictable range of responses spanning everything from mockery to white-hot rage. Like his signature coffee, he's been roasted to the point where almost nobody can sincerely say they really like him on the merits... but not enough people hate him, either.
I think 2020 can be the most interesting election in a generation, for an independent, and I honestly can't figure out what to expect if Schultz decides to run.
Who will he spoil?
Will he draw more voters from Trump or from the Democratic candidate, in key states?
Will his candidacy have an impact on who ultimately becomes the Democratic candidate?
Will it eg. shift the D primary voters leftwards, or persuade them to endorse a more centrist candidate?
Have voters ever been quite that tactical?
Shultz may be welcomed by Republicans who can't bring themselves to actively vote Trump out of office by voting for his Democratic opponent--but still want to make a "statement"--and veterans who appreciate his social business endeavours. I don't think he can draw a substantial number of D voters unless the party swerves sharply to the left.