John Delaney's staff is reportedly urging him to drop out of the 2020 race
The second round of Democratic presidential debates could be former congressman John Delaney's swan song, as if his team get its way, he'll drop out of the race not long after.
The 2020 Democrat's staffers recommended on July 9 that he drop out of the 2020 race by mid-August after thinking he "flopped" during the first Democratic debate and is virtually assured of being shut out of third one in September, Axios reports. Delaney, who has been polling at less than one percent, did qualify for the second round of Democratic debates later this month, but the threshold is being raised starting in September, and Delaney is one of a number of candidates expected to not meet the new requirements.
According to this report, Delaney "seemed open" to dropping out this summer during a recent meeting with his staffers, although he still wanted to hang in there long enough to attend the second debate. He's set to participate in the second round's first night, debating alongside Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on a separate night than former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.).
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
If Delaney, who sources close to the campaign complained about to Axios by saying that "every other day he would have a different position," does leave the race soon, he could be the second major 2020 dropout after Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.). Then again, with reports of turmoil within the campaign of former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, the question of which 2020 candidate named John will next drop out on the advice of their frustrated staffers may be a real nail-biter.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
The history of Donald Trump's election conspiracy theories
The Explainer How the 2024 Republican nominee has consistently stoked baseless fears of a stolen election
By David Faris Published
-
Two ancient cities have been discovered along the Silk Road
Under the radar The discovery changed what was known about the old trade route
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
'People shouldn't have to share the road with impaired drivers'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published