Update: Schultz tweeted that he is”seriously considering” a presidential bid.
I love our country, and I am seriously considering running for president as a centrist independent.
— Howard Schultz (@HowardSchultz) January 28, 2019
This moment is like no other. Our two parties are more divided than ever. Let’s discuss how we can come together to create opportunities for more people. #ReimagineUS https://t.co/9UY46OTO0I
— Howard Schultz (@HowardSchultz) January 28, 2019
A potential Howard Schultz presidential run is inching closer to reality, and some Democrats aren’t thrilled about it.
The former Starbucks chief sat down with 60 Minutes, which will air the interview Sunday evening. The Atlantic reported that Schultz said he is seriously considering running as an independent in 2020. 60 Minutes teased the interview this week:
Schultz also sent what appears to be his first tweet ever on Sunday afternoon:
It feels good to be here. My hope is to share my truth, listen to yours, build trust, and focus on things that can make us better.
— Howard Schultz (@HowardSchultz) January 27, 2019
As news of Schultz’s potential independent bid spread this week, many Democrats voiced their concern about how it could help Donald Trump get reelected.
The best thing that Howard Schultz can do for the country is invest in education, voting rights, civil rights, and climate advocacy. There is zero appetite for this, and there is an urgent need for the Democratic candidate to win in 2020.
— Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) January 26, 2019
If Howard Schultz goes through with this half-baked idea, he will pose an existential threat to a Democrat in what will likely be 2020 race decided by a few votes in a handful of states https://t.co/AblXaqoewJ
— Dan Pfeiffer (@danpfeiffer) January 26, 2019
— WA Democrats (@washdems) January 26, 2019
Schultz’s presidential bid has been rumored for months. Politico reported this past summer that the bid would also pose a risk to Starbucks, where Schultz was CEO from 1986-to-2000 and 2008-to-2017. The 65-year-old has a net worth of $3.4 billion, according to Forbes.