Poll: Dems May Be Right to Fear Schultz Splitting 2020 Vote

Democrats may be right to be concerned about ex-Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz's potential run for the presidency in 2020, as a new poll shows Democrats and voters who oppose President Donald Trump may be open to supporting an independent candidate.

According to a Politico/Morning Consult Poll released Monday, 41 percent of anti-Trump voters would consider voting for a third-party candidate, compared to 26 percent who approve of him.

In addition, 31 percent of Democrats said they'd consider a third-party candidate, compared to 25 percent of Republicans.

That may not mean Schultz could win, but rather that he'd be a spoiler for Democrats, the numbers suggest:

• 35 percent said they'd consider a third-party candidate;
• 12 percent said they'd be very likely to look outside the major parties.
• As for voters who are open to supporting a third-party candidacy:
• 49 percent of independents very or somewhat likely;
• 42 percent of moderates are likely to consider an outside candidate;
• Younger voters are more expected to vote for a third-party candidate.

Third-party candidates generally don't do well in presidential elections, but Texas billionaire Ross Perot, who spent $64 billion of his own money in 1992, got 18.9 percent of the vote, effectively splitting the ballot.

Schultz has said if he runs, it would be as a centrist independent, as he believes the Democratic party has moved too far left.