Beto O'Rourke and Bernie Sanders. Photo: Getty Images
In the initial phase of the Dems' 2020 race, "two straight white men [Bernie Sanders and Beto O'Rourke] have emerged as the fastest fundraisers, and another [Joe Biden] has jumped to a lead in recent polls, before even announcing his candidacy," the WashPost's Sean Sullivan and Dave Weigel write.
Why it matters: Their rise "in a field with historic diversity has caused dismay among some Democrats, particularly African Americans and women hoping for a mold-breaking nominee."
What's new: "That has led the current white male candidates ... to seek out black voters with some urgency," per The Post.
- "They are opening the door to reparations, speaking openly about the legacy of slavery and offering blunt talk on racial injustice."
The bottom line: "Black voters, particularly black women, have the potential to play a decisive role in the Democratic Party’s attempt to defeat President Trump."