Of course the big unknown is how Trump does but pretend he's about as popular as he is now, which isn't very popular but considering how hard core his base is and considering how the electoral college works he stay may be able to win in 2020.
Okay, so him aside, what way will the Dems go and more crucially will there be a 3rd party candidate? If there is a 3rd party candidate then I think that would increase Trumps chances greatly, which mitigates against an anti-Trump candidate going 3rd party. OTOH there is such dissatisfaction with both parties it will be tempting for someone to try to buck the system and go 3rd party. And as hard as it is for 3rd party candidates in this country, if there was a time when one might have a chance it could be in 2020 if Trump is still seen as clownish and if the Dems are seen too far left.
Which brings up the point, what kind of Dem will get the nomination? In addition to the GOP infighting, there is Dem infighting. Which wing of the party gets to nominate the candidate? That may be determined by the number and kind of candidates. If there are more candidates from one wing they may split the voting, leading to the nomination of a candidate from the other wing.
And on top of all this, if Trump isn't popular it's not out of the question for a Republican to run against him.
It will be interesting. I think if our political system was more accomodating to 3rd parties we'd have four or so decent sized parties by now. Aside from the Dems and the GOP we'd have Trump's party and Bernie's party.
Okay, so him aside, what way will the Dems go and more crucially will there be a 3rd party candidate? If there is a 3rd party candidate then I think that would increase Trumps chances greatly, which mitigates against an anti-Trump candidate going 3rd party. OTOH there is such dissatisfaction with both parties it will be tempting for someone to try to buck the system and go 3rd party. And as hard as it is for 3rd party candidates in this country, if there was a time when one might have a chance it could be in 2020 if Trump is still seen as clownish and if the Dems are seen too far left.
Which brings up the point, what kind of Dem will get the nomination? In addition to the GOP infighting, there is Dem infighting. Which wing of the party gets to nominate the candidate? That may be determined by the number and kind of candidates. If there are more candidates from one wing they may split the voting, leading to the nomination of a candidate from the other wing.
And on top of all this, if Trump isn't popular it's not out of the question for a Republican to run against him.
It will be interesting. I think if our political system was more accomodating to 3rd parties we'd have four or so decent sized parties by now. Aside from the Dems and the GOP we'd have Trump's party and Bernie's party.