Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan has become the latest Democrat to enter the 2020 presidential race. Ryan, 45, in his 9th term as the Representative from Ohio's 13th District which covers much of Youngstown and Akron. These are areas that voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and Ryan naturally thinks he can get these blue collar voters back and for that matter in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Naturally, Ryan will face resistance. Unfortunately, in an era of identity politics, Ryan is perceived as "another white male". I mean if the openly gay Pete Buttigieg is getting the "white male" tag then what chance does Ryan stand? His challenge of Nancy Pelosi for the House Minority leadership following the 2016 won't earn him plaudits among progressives.
Of course, it could be the case that Ryan might not be the best candidate Democrats have to offer. If I am going to cast a ballot for Ryan he is going to have to earn my vote just like every other Democrat. With that said, I don't think a lot of Democrats are going to be open to hearing what he has to say especially if he's praising the free market. In which case, Democrats might very well give Tim Ryan the Paul Ryan treatment.
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