John Hickenlooper aims at President Trump during first campaign rally
John Hickenlooper launched his 2020 White House campaign right from where he’s boasted consistent wins since 2003.
The man who had never run for a political office until the age of 49, now 16 years later, wants to occupy the highest office in the land.
And he came out swinging, aiming straight at President Trump.
“It feels like we’re living in a heaving crisis, years on the making, spawned by dysfunctional politics, defined above all by this President. Donald Trump is alienating our allies, ripping away our healthcare, endangering our planet and destroying our democracy,” said Hickenlooper, to an ecstatic crowd of thousands. “He closed down the government. Hate crimes are up, he’s forcefully taking kids from their parents. Out here in Colorado, we call that kidnapping.”
He enters an already-crowded field of Democratic opponents–before he even faces President Trump. Hickenlooper is the 14th to declare his bid, with many others tossing around the idea.
Hickenlooper is no Washington insider — which could both work for and against his favor. He will poise himself as the more moderate, centrist candidate, something that could resonate with voters.
“I think if you get too far to the left wing, you can alienate a lot of people. I don’t think Hickenlooper will do that,” said Steve Healy, who was there to support Hickenlooper.
The lack of name recognition, however, will be his biggest hurdle on the national stage.
“I understand clearly that I’m not the first person in the race, or the most most well-known person in the race, but let me tell you: with four syllables, and twelve letters Hickenlooper is now the biggest name in the race,” said the presidential candidate.
Multiple protestors lined the park, and also from above. A plane, flew a banner that read, “Big Hickup for 2020: Jetgate Scandal.” It was a reference to the investigation by the Independent Ethics Commission into allegations Hickenlooper illegally accepted flights to international destinations.
Hickelooper has maintained his innocence.
Thursday night, his platform became clear: push for universal healthcare, rejoin the Paris Climate Accord, close tax loopholes for corporations, and tax the wealthy.
He is scheduled to make multiple campaign stops this weekend in Iowa.
