DEMS/ELECTION/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “Stacey Abrams and Andrew Gillum — two of the Democratic Party’s breakout candidates of 2018, despite losing their elections for governor of Georgia and Florida, respectively — are looking to parlay their near success into the defeat of Donald Trump in 2020. The pair of young, progressive African-American pols amassed so much political fame that they’re a must-call for the growing roster of likely Democratic presidential contenders. They’re also on some early and unofficial lists as possible running mates. White House hopefuls don’t just crave an endorsement from Abrams or Gillum. Each boasts valuable donor and volunteer lists, in the Southeast’s two most populous states, which, if won next year, would almost guarantee a Democratic White House. The attention Abrams and Gillum are receiving from presidential hopefuls is an indication of the growing pull of the party’s progressive base and highlights the role each could play as gatekeepers for African-American and liberal voters. In a crowded Democratic primary, that could make them kingmakers or queenmakers for a candidate lucky enough to score an endorsement or it could at least anchor the candidates to a liberal agenda.”
–Marc Caputo and Daniel Strauss, “Abrams and Gillum are likely 2020 kingmakers,” Politico, January 16, 2019 5:02 am