2020 Dems line up for Maddow primary

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

The path to the Democratic presidential nomination begins in Iowa and New Hampshire — but these days it also includes a preliminary stop in Studio 3A at NBC News headquarters in New York’s Rockefeller Center.

That’s the studio from which Rachel Maddow broadcasts her eponymous MSNBC show — the highest-rated on the liberal-leaning network — five nights a week.

An in-person interview at Maddow’s desk has become a rite of passage for many of the Democrats seeking to oust President Trump next year.

Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas) was the latest to make the trek on Monday evening as he sought to reset a campaign that has been lackluster so far.

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He is the latest in a long line of candidates to avail themselves of the platform offered by Maddow’s prime-time show.

In January, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) gave her first major interview after announcing her candidacy to Maddow.

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D) are among the other candidates who have taken their seats since then.

One aspect of Maddow’s appeal for candidates is obvious. She draws a big crowd — something that is increasingly rare and valuable in the fragmented media environment.

https://thehill.com/homenews/the-memo/443737-2020-dems-line-up-for-maddow-primary