Former Governor Bill Weld challenges Trump in 2020 Run

Written by: Devin Burrow, senior editor

New Hampshire — Former Governor of Massachusetts Bill Weld (R) announced on February 15 his plan to challenge President Donald Trump for the presidential seat in 2020.

“I think the Republicans in Washington want to have no election, basically. I don’t think that would be very good for the country,” Weld said on Sunday to ABC host Martha Raddatz.

Weld made his announcement with intent to challenge Trump due to the President’s methods of running the government. “He thinks he has to humiliate whoever he’s dealing with, or else he’s half a man,” Weld said.

“They’re spending a trillion dollars a year. They don’t have that. It’s going to crush Generation X-ers and millennials in this country,” Weld said.  He plans to woo voters in part by arguing that Trump is “reckless in spending.”

Weld may not be up for the challenge though.

A Washington Post-ABC News poll released last month showed that 78 percent of Republicans approve of the way Trump is handling his job as president. This could prove to be too much for Weld as, historically, party members have never earned the nomination over an incumbent runner.

Weld served as the 68th governor for the state of Massachusetts from 1991-1997. He was also the libertarian vice president candidate for the 2016 election, sharing a ticket with governor of New Mexico, Gary Johnson.

While this time running as a Republican, Weld is known to switch partisan sides with his ideas on policy. The former governor left Massachusetts to unsuccessfully run for governor. He also endorsed Senator Barack Obama over Senator John McCain in the 2012 presidential race. And most recently, he publicly endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Presidential race.

Weld’s history of reaching across the political aisle would explain his demeanor when challenging Trump.

President Trump has not responded to Bill Weld’s announcement.

 

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Devin Burrow is the senior editor for the Bryan Triangle. He is a junior communications major with an emphasis in digital media. Devin serves as a resident assistant at Bryan College.