This quote from outgoing Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is sparking 2020 rumors

What’s going on?

After three decades of leadership at Starbucks, CEO Howard Schultz is stepping down. Schultz, who helmed the coffee chain as it grew from a local store to a global company, is being mentioned as a potential Democratic candidate.

What did he say?

“I want to be truthful with you without creating more speculative headlines,” Schultz told the New York Times when asked about his future plans. “For some time now, I have been deeply concerned about our country — the growing division at home and our standing in the world.”

After being asked directly if he planned to run for president, Schultz didn’t give a straight answer.

“I intend to think about a range of options, and that could include public service,” he said. "But I’m a long way from making any decisions about the future.”

Is this the first political buzz about Schultz?

No. Schultz was mentioned as a potential candidate in the last three presidential cycles and was considered as an option for vice president by the Hillary Clinton campaign, according to the Seattle Times.

Glenn’s take:

Glenn wasn’t surprised that Schultz’s name is being bandied about as a possibility for 2020.

“Howard Schultz took every chance to bring politics into your coffee cup,” Glenn said, listing Schultz’s decisions as CEO to hire refugees and shut down stores for "anti-bias training."

That being said, a recent quote from Schultz deserves a second look from conservatives. Schultz criticized Democrats for being too progressive, talking about leftist policies like single-payer health care and basic universal income and asking, “How are we going to pay for these things?”

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