Despite 4% Approval Rating, 'CloverSha' Gains NYT Support... 'Strongest(?) Competitiveness in the General Election'

NYT, Shared Support with Senator Warren
"A Figure Who Can Defeat Trump"
High Praise for Bipartisan Actions

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Amy Klobuchar, a mid-tier candidate and U.S. Senator, has drawn attention as she was selected alongside leading presidential contender Senator Elizabeth Warren as a New York Times (NYT) endorsed candidate. Since 1860, starting with Abraham Lincoln, the NYT has announced one endorsed candidate in each presidential election, many of whom have gone on to win their party’s nomination and enter the White House, demonstrating significant influence. Former President Barack Obama also received NYT’s endorsement ahead of the 2007 election. How did Senator Klobuchar, with only 4% support, become an NYT endorsed candidate?

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Klobuchar’s presence is weak when looking at the Democratic primary landscape. Former Vice President Joe Biden leads with 26% in recent polls, followed by Senator Bernie Sanders at 19% and Senator Elizabeth Warren at 16%. Klobuchar, trailing far behind the frontrunners, ranks only 6th among the 12 Democratic presidential candidates. She is 7th in media attention and 6th in fundraising.

Despite her low support, the NYT focused on Klobuchar’s potential to effectively challenge President Donald Trump. NYT columnist David Leonhardt introduced Klobuchar earlier this year as a candidate capable of defeating the incumbent Trump. Leonhardt highlighted Klobuchar’s strength in understanding the key points needed to beat Trump. Her outstanding election results in the swing state of Minnesota, where the race has been closely contested, were also cited as a strong point.

Although she has lived in urban areas, Klobuchar’s extensive travels throughout Minnesota have given her a strong understanding of agricultural policies. She is also praised for her clear and easy-to-understand campaign style, with a talent for explaining issues with vivid examples.

Leonhardt said, "If it were an era when party elites selected presidential candidates, Senator Klobuchar would have been chosen," emphasizing her strong competitiveness in the general election.

Another strength is that she symbolizes the American Dream favored by many Americans. Raised in a difficult family environment with an alcoholic father and divorced parents, she grew up to become a prosecutor and lawyer. Additionally, her family background as the granddaughter of a miner and daughter of a journalist and teacher resonates positively with middle-class voters.

In the recent midterm elections, Klobuchar emphasized approaching issues from the perspective of everyday life concerns like bread and butter, rather than partisan topics like Medicare. Thanks to the election strategies she advocated, the Democrats won key battleground states and secured a House majority.

The NYT introduced her by saying, "Her legislative work and bipartisan approach in the Senate have made her a problem solver who can unify the Democratic Party," adding, "She might even be able to unify America itself."

The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 15th that "Klobuchar could be a wildcard in next month’s Iowa caucus," suggesting her support in Iowa could expand from 6% to 30%. This implies that with luck and opportunity, a mid-tier candidate’s uprising could be expected.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.