Colorado's colorful rising-star governor, the man some Davos elites say could lead Democrats in 2020

[FarCenter]

DAVOS, Switzerland — As some of the world's most influential people wrestled with the implications of President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum this past week, a new face in US politics grabbed their attention.

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper served as a representative of the Democratic Party's future here, just as outgoing Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry represented the past.

If this gathering is any indication, Hickenlooper may be on the verge of building buzz as a 2020 hopeful. Several attendees pointed to him as someone who could rescue the party after its disastrous 2016 losses.

One former Obama administration official suggested he could be a Democratic version of Trump — both because of his quirky, off-the-cuff nature (as seen in a campaign ad during which he takes a shower) and a laser focus on middle-class jobs and economic growth.

Hickenlooper has experience in both the private and the public sectors. He opened Colorado's first brewpub and served as a popular mayor of Denver, Colorado's largest city. As governor, he has overseen the state's challenge of federal law on the legalization of marijuana for recreational use (an initiative he was at first against but on which he has since changed his views) and spearheaded a push for significant gun reforms after the deadly 2012 mass shooting at a movie theater in Aurora.

http://www.businessinsider.com/colorado-gov-john-hickenlooper-interview-2017-1

[LongTomH]

1. If the Davos elites like him, I don't want him leading us!!!!

[hlthe2b]

2. I don't always agree with him (e.g., fracking) but I do like him

I hope he does continue in Dem politics.

[crazycatlady]

3. I like him for 2020

I believe he's termed out in 2018 so it's not like we're giving up a governor's seat. However, we need to hold the seat with whoever runs next.

I think if the Democrats want to shed their image as a regional party (northeast and west coast) then they need to nominate candidates for national office not from those areas. He fits the profile (I like Roy Cooper too but let's see what he does as governor first).

[OKNancy]

4. wish we could get someone under 65

I'm a senior myself, but I sure would like for two Californians think about it. Kamala Harris and/or Gavin Newsom

[CTyankee]

6. I really like Gavin Newsom. Good looking guy. Distinguished and handsome like Obama.

[Warren DeMontague]

7. I like Newsom, too.

I think getting someone from the west, who supports marijuana legalization, is a good idea for sure.

I like Hickenlooper, too. At least he's got a good, self-deprecating manner.

[msongs]

5. fine. what is he going to accomplish helping dems in 2018? nt