PERSPECTIVE FROM THE 19^TH HOLE: This is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus use an image from my favorite sport, golf. Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all of my professional positions, including as a Congressional press secretary in Washington, D.C., an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and a private sector lobbyist. This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.

The Wall Street Journal asks this good question in its editorial column this morning, then adds that many Democrats fear that Schultz’ ideas might create an actual policy debate.

I, for one, am not afraid of Schultz.

And, if his potential candidacy sparks good policy debates, I am on board.

It’s far too early in the 2020 sweepstakes to believe that Schultz, an independent, will do to Democrats what Ross Perot did to President George H. W. Bush – swing the election to Trump by taking votes away from the D nominee.

I suppose that could occur, which, if it does, would be bad if that gave Trump, the carnival barker, another four years in the White House. We might not survive those years.

But, for now, a potential Schultz candidacy strikes me as a good thing and, who knows, he might draw votes from both Democrats and Republicans, not just from one side.

Here’s why I like Schultz:

• Democrats might benefit from re-acquainting themselves with the private economy and wealth creation, which is damaged by punitive taxation, such as the 70 per cent tax on “rich people” that some Ds are proposing. Schultz could point this out in debates and note how the success of Starbucks allowed him to provide thousands of Americans with jobs, good health care, and the $30 million to help veterans navigate the workforce.
• Schultz has also dared to question the wisdom and affordability of Medicare for All, which would cost well north of $30 trillion over 10 years. Democrats don’t want to hear this, but voters might. Americans may balk when they learn that Medicare for All would eliminate all private insurance, which Schultz rightly says is “not American.”
• Or, take general economic issues. Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Kamala Harris, Senator Bernie Sanders and other Democrats want Americans to shut up and jump on their bullet train to Sanders’ proposed utopia, including free health care and free college for everyone. Actually, on policy, at least so far, Schultz is closer to a John F. Kennedy or Bill Clinton Democrat.
• Schultz, like many involved directly in business, looks at the bottom line: “If America was a company … we would be facing insolvency.”  He’s right. It’s good that Schultz raises questions about government spending. The deficit is growing beyond all bounds.

At a recent appearance in New York at a bookstore, those in attendance gave Schultz glowing reviews as a person. “I have great admiration for Howard, both as a human being and as a CEO,” said Lisa Brown, who works at what she describes as a commercial innovation firm. “In my opinion, he’s a true representation of the American Dream.”

But whether all that affection and fandom will transfer into votes is another question entirely.

The crowd also applauded when a Schultz questioner asked if his candidacy would ultimately serve as a spoiler, delivering another four years of Trump.

Schultz said no, he plans to appeal to slightly more than 40 per cent of the electorate, which identifies itself as independent.

I am within that 40 per cent. Both sides – Democrats and Republicans – are not able to get their act together in Washington, D. C. to produce solid results for America. Instead, we have juveniles in positions of power whose only goal appears to be to feather the nest of their base.

I welcome the potential Schultz candidacy because he is willing to spur policy debates and because his substantial and solid business experience would translate well to the different business of running government.

It’s time for an independent who can lead the nation to the smart middle.

Here’s the way opinion columnist Kathleen Parker put in a piece that ran in the Washington Post.

“He’s (Schultz) richer than Trump; as white as Trump; a man. You see the problem. But he does have anti-dotal qualities. He’s polite, smart, self-made, articulate, calm, rational — and a centrist, like millions of voters. Given that the two major political parties have been rendered ridiculous by their bases — and 56 per cent of Americans say they wouldn’t consider voting for Trump — why not a third way?”