Democrats see a place for Abrams in crowded presidential field

Democrats say there is room in their crowded presidential field for another high-profile candidate: Stacey Abrams.

The Georgia Democrat, who became a national name when she ran for governorship last year, wonders if she should run for the White House – or the Senate, where Democratic Leader Chuck SchumerCharles (Chuck) Ellis SchumerBorder Dems presents his resolution condemning the threats of closure of Trump Schumer responds to Biden's allegation: "Voters will weigh pros and cons" The mentality of "dog-with-a-bone" will not help Democrats in 2020 MORE (N.Y.) would like to have him against Senator David Perdue (R-Ga.).

When the name of Abrams was presented as a potential choice of vice president for Joe BidenJoseph Smerconish (Joe) Robinette BidenCNN defends Biden: "He literally touched tens of thousands of men and women" Former US Senator Ernest "Fritz" Hollings dies at 97 Bill Maher defends Biden: "It's not Harvey Weinstein or R. Kelly" PLUS, who has not yet taken part in the race, fans were offended because they considered her as the politician who should be at the top of the list.

Some Democrats say that it would add some diversity to a race that, at the top, seems to be cluttered with white men.

"Frankly, like many of us, she looks at four white men – one who lost a race in the Senate, a newcomer in national politics, one who refuses to register as a democrat and one who is not even not in the race – make headlines and raise money, "said Democratic strategist Basil Smikle, former executive director of the Democratic New York Party.

Smikle was referring to former representative Beto O'Rourke (D), who lost a race in the Senate in Texas last year; South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete ButtigiegPeter (Pete) Paul ButtigiegThe Morning & # 39; s Morning Report – Trump spends more time on Mexico and China Despite calls for the demolition of the Electoral College, it may not be that bad for Dems Buttigieg to say that he stopped using the phrase "all lives matter"who has won tons of advertising in recent weeks; Sen. Bernie SandersBernard (Bernie) Sanders – Night Defense: Lawmakers urge Trump not to veto Yemen resolution | Pentagon recognizes for the first time the deaths of civilians in Somalia | Pompeo "confident" for the third summit of North Korea in 2020, candidates will have to reduce the age difference between Dem voters, said analyst Sanders favorable to the bill on the creation of A study commission on repairs PLUS (I-Vt.), Who can be the favorite of the Democratic primary as such; and Biden.

"Abrams has been great for shaking expectations as to who can win." Smikle said. "If she were to come in, most of the candidates would have to rethink their strategy."

If she succeeds, Abrams would not be the only woman of the race or the only woman of color.

She would face fierce competition from Sen. Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisThe White House Road Always Passes Through Ohio Kamala Harris Goes Too Far In Its Plan To Improve Public Education Sanders Supports Bill On Creating A Commission Of Study of repairs PLUS (D-Calif.) Who, with these four white men, is clearly the first candidate. Harris raised $ 12 million in the first quarter.

But the top of the race was dominated by white men more than expected. And this can be an opening for Abrams.

People close to her camp say that she carefully weighs her options.

Abrams is expected to make a decision on whether to stand in the Senate by the end of the month, sources said. In discussing this race, she hears a growing number of voices suggesting that she aim higher.

After Abrams delivered the democratic response to President TrumpDonald John TrumpChelsea Handler says that she followed a therapy after Trump's victory. Do we still need more deaths or disasters in Washington to fix immigration and border security? Conspiracy theorists keep alive their death claims in Ginsburg MOREIn his State of the Union address earlier this year, Dan Pfeiffer, senior adviser to President Obama and co-organizer of the popular podcast Pod Save America, tweeted "Stacey Abrams should run for president."

At this week's National Action Network convention, she was greeted with slogans of "Run Stacey Run".

Mika Brzezinski, co-host of the evening, also spoke at an interview with MSNBC on MSNBC on Thursday. "You should jump in," she told Abrams.

Democratic strategist Eddie Vale said there was momentum around a potential bid for Abrams.

"I think there is really a lot of support from the grassroots and donors for Abrams," Vale said. "I think it's both motivated by his qualifications – a long history and a record in the Legislature and the excitement of … having another African-American woman in the race."

Abrams said at the end of last month that "you would not run for second place" during an appearance on "The View" on ABC, planning to put cold water on the idea of ​​joining the team Biden.

She added that if she participated in the race, she would be at the top of the ticket.

Not all Democrats are eager to see Abrams join the race.

Some say the same criticism she made to O'Rourke: she lost the race in Georgia and the Democrats should focus on those who won the election.

"It becomes the theater of the absurd," said a prominent Democratic strategist. "She could not win a race for the governor but we think she can win the White House?"

"We have now adopted the Trump standard: experience and track record do not matter as much as you think you can win," said the strategist. "You're supposed to earn the right to run, you're supposed to be qualified for it, and, by the way, it's not because a person is more progressive that they will be a better president."

But with a Democrat group that already has 18 candidates and is growing day by day, Vale said it was possible for Abrams to join the fray.

"I think there is definitely room, with so many people already running, why the hell not?" He said. "Allows the WWE Royal to rumor and see who ranks top of the best and strongest candidates."