Another Massachusetts Presidential Nominee? Not So Fast

elizabeth warren joe kennedy III democratic national convention 2016 congress

Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Joe Kennedy III embrace at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. (Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images)

BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- We are a bit more than two years away from the New Hampshire primary. And no one has the slightest idea what the issues or mood of the voters will be by then.

But that doesn’t stop the media and political junkies from speculating about who might run in 2020. The Globe was at it yesterday, citing five – count ‘em, five – potential candidates from Massachusetts.

I get it, we are condemned to seeing this phenomenon every four years. Our proximity to New Hampshire gives a local candidate an early edge. There are plenty of rich donors around here waiting to be milked.

And ever since John F. Kennedy pulled it off 58 years ago, every Massachusetts politician from governor to dog catcher has been raised to consider themselves potential presidential material.

Nonetheless, most of the alleged early crop of local hopefuls could use a reality check, and it’s both my business and pleasure to provide one.

We talked about former Gov. Deval Patrick’s many potential flaws a few weeks ago, and I still think he is unlikely to run.

Of the two congressmen mentioned, Joe Kennedy will be 39 by primary day; Seth Moulton will be 41. Something tells me voters may be looking for someone a little older and more experienced.

Former Senator and Secretary of State John Kerry? I doubt it.

And if the Democrats regain control of the Senate, I’m betting Elizabeth Warren would rather get something done there then spend two years in the mud pit.

So if you’re craving another local-pol candidacy for president, I’m afraid you may be disappointed.

Then again, I wonder why that is something anyone would crave?

You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. Listen to his previous podcasts on iHeartRadio. 

Listen to Jon's commentary below


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