Michael Bennet

Gee, when Joe Biden finally announced, I figured that was the end of the parade of Democratic presidential candidates. But no, Colorado Senator Michael Bennet has joined the fracas.

Bennet is a somewhat unlikely candidate. He was a surprise choice to take the seat vacated by Ken Salazar. Bennet wasn't really a politician--he was supervisor of Denver's schools. He was elected twice in his own right, but was still something of a back-bencher. Only recently, in a blistering tirade against Ted Cruz, has he gained any notoriety.

Bennet is classified as a "Populist-Leaning Liberal." His only areas of possible attack by the left flank may be his C+ rating from the NRA, and his calls to expand the military (it's not big enough?). I don't see any set of circumstances that could lead him to the nomination--he's another white guy, and that is being fought over by Buttigieg, O'Rourke, and Inslee.

Bennet's addition to the race creates a problem for the DNC. They have set up a two-day debate, with a cap on 20 candidates. Bennet is the 21st (this includes fringe candidates like Andrew Yang and Marianne Williamson). If there are 21 candidates, somebody will be left out. Candidates must meet certain requirements, such as amount of donors and poll numbers. I imagine, that if this stays at 21, the one left out will be at peak embarrassment. The cheese stands alone.

Bennet might be an attractive VP candidate for a woman, such as Kamala Harris or Elizabeth Warren. He's bland and reassuring enough to counter their strong personalities.