Citing 'cruelty of our elections process,' Patrick officially backs out of 2020 bid

[DonViejo]

By STEPHANIE MURRAY 12/06/2018 07:49 AM EST

Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick's decision to skip a 2020 presidential run came down to the impact the "cruelty of our elections process" would have on the people close to him, he said in a statement published Thursday morning.

"I’ve been overwhelmed by advice and encouragement from people from all over the country, known and unknown. Humbled, in fact," Patrick said in a statement posted to Facebook. "But knowing that the cruelty of our elections process would ultimately splash back on people whom Diane and I love, but who hadn’t signed up for the journey, was more than I could ask."

Some close to former President Barack Obama had urged Patrick to run for president in 2020, seeing him as capable of running an inspirational campaign as a Washington outsider with business and legal experience. Patrick had been open about considering a presidential run, and was among the potential candidates who met with Obama earlier this year.

Patrick informed close allies of his decision not to seek the presidency on Tuesday. In his statement released on Thursday, the former governor said Democrats have a "clear chance" to win the respect and help of voters across the country with values that have "roots in the founding aspirations of America."

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https://www.politico.com/story/2018/12/06/deval-patrick-2020-president-race-1046437

[EffieBlack]

1. I'm disappointed. He would have been a great candidate.