Why Two 2020 Democratic Candidates Left Their Party

The 2020 US presidential election cycle saw a notable departure for some prominent candidates from the Democratic Party, with certain controversies surrounding the reasons why. Two notable figures, Andrew Yang and Tulsi Gabbard, became central figures in discussions about party loyalty and the nuances of political allegiance.

Andrew Yang

Andrew Yang, who ran for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, faced a unique conundrum. He was an early opponent of spending excessive amounts of personal money on his campaign, a stance in line with his belief in fiscal responsibility. Running as an independent might have seemed ideal for someone who was uncomfortable with the financial implications of a standard Democratic primary. However, when it came to hedging his bets, Yang faced a difficult choice. Ultimately, Yang chose to stay within the Democratic party, as the benefits of a formal candidate status outweighed the potential concerns over independent running. But this decision is often juxtaposed with other instances of candidates leaving party ranks.

The Case of Tulsi Gabbard

Tulsi Gabbard, a democratic socialist and former U.S. Representative from Hawaii, faced a more tumultuous path. She was initially seen as a midpoint candidate between Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden, appealing to what some described as a moderate yet progressive base. However, Gabbard's position on several critical issues, including support for the Syrian government and her voting against sanctions against Russia, set her apart from traditional Democratic priorities. This divergence in views led to her never gaining significant traction within the party. More recently, Gabbard's alignment with neo-Nazi groups like David Duke and Richard Spencer severely damaged her political prospects. After losing her primary bid, she even declared her allegiance to a hard-right Russian base. The ultimate decision for Gabbard may have been between losing her own party and aligning with far-right groups. Thus, she may be considered a casualty of her deviations from party positions.

Party Alums and Their Complexities

The decisions made by Yang and Gabbard reflect a broader trend of party alums and the complex nature of party affiliation. While some, like Andrew Yang, may stay within the party framework, others, like Tulsi Gabbard, might find themselves outside it. The question becomes, did they leave the party, or did the party leave them? The answer can vary widely.

Michael Bloomberg

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire former mayor of New York, offers an interesting case. Bloomberg initially registered as a Democrat but ran as a Republican for mayor. Later, he re-registered as an independent before announcing his candidacy for the 2020 Democratic primary. Bloomberg's political affiliation changes can be attributed to pragmatic political positioning. His status as a Democrat in the early stages was likely for political convenience, and his conversion to independent and back to Democrat aligns with his focus on specific political goals rather than long-term party loyalty.

Michael Yang’s Journey

Michael Yang, another notable figure, also made headlines for his political shifts. He initially ran for New York mayor under the Democratic banner and was a long-time registered Democrat. After a disappointing campaign performance, he changed his party affiliation and is now working on forming a new political party. Yang’s criticism of the two-party system indicates a desire for a more diverse and dynamic political landscape. His future status as a Democrat remains uncertain, but he shows continued support for Democratic candidates, indicating a fluctuating allegiance.

Tulsi Gabbard and Her Diverging Paths

Tulsi Gabbard’s story is one of divergence and disillusionment. As a proud Democrat for years, she has found herself at odds with many of her party’s positions, particularly around investigations into the January 6 insurrection. Her alignment with far-right groups has further alienated her from Democratic leaders. If she ever seeks a future in politics, rejoining the Democratic Party could be a challenging endeavor, given the deep divisions within the party and the public’s perception of her actions and statements.

These cases highlight the complexities of party allegiance and the political climate in which candidates operate. They offer valuable insights into the nuances of party politics and the challenges faced by individuals navigating the political landscape.