If Democrats in Maryland are smart they won't nominate Chelsea Manning as their candidate for the U.S. Senate this fall. Manning, who was pardoned by President Obama in the final days of his administration, plans to challenge two term Democratic Senator Benjamin Cardin.
Manning is a left-wing activist's dream candidate. She's got the identity politics down, she hates the military and she hates the police.
But if Manning unseats Cardin no one will happier than Republicans. Every time President Trump calls Haiti a shit hole, the GOP can point to Manning saying "fuck the police" on Police Appreciation Day. The last thing Democrats should want is to have a candidate who hates law enforcement and military. Not only would Manning's presence put Maryland in jeopardy, but she could be an albatross around the neck of every Democrat seeking re-election or seeking to unseat a Republican. The presence of Manning on the ballot might be enough to guarantee Republicans hold onto to the Senate. And if Manning somehow wins, she will vastly improve Trump's odds of being re-elected in 2020.
Admittedly, Cardin is the odds on favorite in this race and certainly has a campaign war chest. But we are in an age of populism and activism. A 30-year old transgendered so-called whistle blower is a lot more attractive to young political activists than a 75-year old Jewish career politician. Under the circumstances, it would be foolish to discount Manning's political ambitions.
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