Rahm Emanuel says Democrats would be wise to notice the “flashing yellow light” in front them as the 2020 election cycle speeds up: low primary participation.
The former Chicago mayor — and former President Obama’s onetime chief of staff — stopped by CNN this week to analyze the state of the Democratic Party as its leaders aim to thwart President Trump’s reelection bid.
“One of the things I’m concerned about right now is that while viewership in the debates are up, 2018 big turnout, 2019 big turnout, participation in our primaries is barely surpassing 2016, and that’s a flashing yellow light,” Mr. Emanuel said.
The conservative website Townhall concurred with his assessment.
Writer Cortney O’Brien spotlighted the 176,000 people who participated in Iowa’s primary; the state’s organizers prepared for up to 300,000.
“I am concerned,” Mr. Emanuel added as the party’s South Carolina primary on Saturday nears. “It’s only been three — but that’s a concern.”
Former Obama White House Chief of Staff on the state of the Democrat primary
— Francis Brennan (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@FrancisBrennan) February 27, 2020
“One of the things I’m concerned about right now…participation in our primaries is barely surpassing 2016, and that’s a flashing yellow light..But that’s a concern.” pic.twitter.com/V6TL3nBFzo
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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