Howard Dean: Older Dems need 'to get the hell out of the way' in 2020

Howard Dean says older members of the Democratic Party need “to get the hell out of the way and have somebody who is 50 running the country.”

Click Here: New Zealand rugby store

“I don’t think [Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE] is going to be the next nominee. But he could be. But I’m very much for somebody who is younger,” said Dean, a former Democratic National Committee chairman and MSNBC contributor on “Morning Joe” Thursday.

“Morning Joe” guest co-host Willie Geist noted that meant big party names such as former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE, who has hinted at running, as well as Sanders, who has strong grassroots support from the party’s left after his run against Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonWhite House accuses Biden of pushing ‘conspiracy theories’ with Trump election claim Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness Trayvon Martin’s mother Sybrina Fulton qualifies to run for county commissioner in Florida MORE, would be out. Biden is 75 and Sanders is 76.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I think my generation needs to get the hell out of politics. Start coaching and start moving up this next generation who are more … fiscally sane,” Dean continued. “Neither Republicans or Democrats can claim they are fiscally responsible anymore.

“This young generation is going to pay for that if we don’t get the hell out of the way and have somebody who is 50 running the country.”

He also highlighted some potential younger contenders.

“I’m going to support someone who is young and in the next generation,” said Dean, naming Sens. Chris MurphyChristopher (Chris) Scott MurphyState, city education officials press Congress for more COVID-19 funds The Hill’s 12:30 Report: Trump takes victory lap in morning news conference Pelosi demands Trump clarify deployment of unidentified law enforcement in DC MORE (D-Conn.), Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook McEnany says Juneteenth is a very ‘meaningful’ day to Trump MORE (D-Calif.), and Kirsten GillibrandKirsten GillibrandWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Warren, Pressley introduce bill to make it a crime for police officers to deny medical care to people in custody Senate Dems press DOJ over coronavirus safety precautions in juvenile detention centers MORE (D-N.Y.) as well as Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, the son of former L.A. district attorney Gil Garcetti, as possible contenders.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if 17 people run,” Dean said.

“Like the Republican primary the last time around,” Geist said.

“Hopefully there won’t be people in it for the fun of it,” Dean added.

“And end up winning it anyway,” joked panelist Sam Stein, in a shot at President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE.

Dean also said he thinks “progressives are in the process of informally taking over the Democratic party” and that “the country has moved to the left.”

Dean, 69, led the field at one point during the 2004 Democratic presidential primary.

His comments come as cable news programs have run segments previewing the upcoming midterm elections and also the 2020 presidential race.