McCaskill ‘not sure’ Sanders, Harris, Warren can win Missouri in 2020

Outgoing Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) says that she’s unsure whether a prominent Democrat from the party’s progressive wing would have a chance at winning her state in 2020, while calling for the next nominee to inspire Americans and convince them that change is possible.

In an interview with MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” McCaskill was asked by co-host Joe Scarborough whether Sens. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) or Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) could win Missouri in 2020.

{mosads}”I’m not sure about that,” McCaskill responded. “I do think that what as a party we need to do is make sure that we are nominating someone who is inspirational, and who can convince the American people that they can make things change.”

“And it’s very hard to make things change when you’re hanging out at the ends of the spectrum. If you’re on opposite sides of the room,” the senator continued. “And saying things that you know will never get 60 votes in the Senate. So I think, what I hope, is there’s some authenticity with the candidate who will convince independent voters in my state and other states like mine that they have an equation where they can bring people together.”

McCaskill, who endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2016’s Democratic primary, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch earlier this week that she has no plans to re-enter public office but said she plans to continue aiding the Democratic Party.

“I am not going to disappear,” McCaskill said Wednesday. “I am going to help and I think I can help in terms of the party recruiting good candidates, being prepared. I envision trying to help teach candidates some of the basics.”

McCaskill was defeated by 6 points in last month’s midterm elections by Sen.-elect Josh Hawley (R) in a state where President Trump defeated Clinton by roughly 18 points in 2016.