Politics

Ex-Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz ends independent bid for president

Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz on Friday abandoned his quixotic bid for the White House as an independent.

“My belief in the need to reform our two-party system has not wavered, but I have concluded that an independent campaign for the White House is not how I can best serve our country at this time,” he said in a message posted on his website.

Schultz faced fierce resistance from Democratic activists who𝕴 feared an independent run would give President Trump an easier path to re-election.

The former CEO said not enough people are willing to back an independent because they fear doing so “might lead to re-electing a uniquely dangerous incumbent president.”

In June, the billionaire businessman announced that he was taking a “detour” from a possible independent 2020 bid, citing health concerns. He said at the time he’d revisit his presidential ambitions after Labor Day.

With Post wires