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Ex-Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz hires political PR powerhouse amid rumors of 2020 presidential run
Rumors are still flying that former Starbucks President and CEO Howard Schultz could consider at 2020 presidential run. (JASON REDMOND/AFP/Getty Images)

Ex-Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz hires political PR powerhouse amid rumors of 2020 presidential run

Once again, it appears former Starbucks Chairman and CEO Howard Schultz could be considering a presidential run in 2020.

The former coffee executive has hired Steve Schmidt, a former vice chairman with the public relations powerhouse firm, Edelman. The firm managed the late Republican Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign in 2008, according to CNBC.

The move comes as Schultz prepares for the release of a new book and continues to mull an entry into politics.

What's the story?

Schultz is viewed by some a potential candidate to challenge Trump’s re-election bid in two years. Earlier this year, Schultz was mentioned as a potential Democratic candidate. At the time, he expressed concern about "the growing division at home and our standing in the world."

If Schultz ran, he’d likely need experienced people like Schmidt on his team, analysts said.

Schmidt knows Schultz from Edelman’s work with Starbucks, CNBC reported. The two have reportedly remained in contact, and Schmidt is doing private consulting for Schultz on his upcoming book tour and other issues.

Schmidt, a political analyst for MSNBC, is also a harsh critic of President Donald Trump.

What are people saying?

Political analysts told CNBC they believe Schultz could well be assembling a team that could help guide him in politics.

"I certainly believe in the abstract people coming from the business into politics, particularly a run for president, they need someone around them. They need to have people familiar to them to help them," said Thomas Rath, a New Hampshire Republican operative and a former aide to Republican Ohio Gov. John Kasich when he ran for president in 2016.

Hank Sheinkopf, a Democratic political strategist, said Schultz is showing that he knows how to  quickly put together a team.

"He wants to show people he can put together a team quickly and the best presidential campaigns have people from multidisciplinary sectors, from the private sector to those in political work,” Sheinkopf said. “It's smart. The Clinton's first campaign had film makers. So did Ronald Reagan. Bringing all different types of people into the operation shows you know what you're doing and it’s a warning to other candidates."

Schultz reportedly did not respond to a request to comment on CNBC's story.

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