Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York has said that she's worried about a lack of diversity among top 2020 presidential candidates after a new poll found the top three Democratic frontrunners to be white men.
The poll, released by CNN this week, saw former Vice President Joe Biden, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Texas Representative Beto O'Rourke named as the top three picks for president so far.
Read more: Joe Biden advisers float Beto O'Rourke as running mate For 2020 election
Asked by CNN's Van Jones in an interview whether it worries her to see "the top three being white guys," Gillibrand said "yes."
"I aspire for our country to recognize the beauty of our diversity at some point in the future and I hope someday we have a woman president," Gillibrand said.
The Democrat also said that she hoped to see more people of color win the presidency in the future.
"I love the fact that Barack Obama was our president for eight years," she continued. "I hope more people of color not only aspire [but] win the presidency, because that's what makes America so extraordinary, that we are all of that, we are everything, and I think a more inclusive America is a stronger America."
After Biden, Sanders and O'Rourke, New Jersey senator Cory Booker was named as the fourth pick in CNN's poll, with California Senator Kamala Harris and former Secretary of State John Kerry following behind.
Gillibrand herself also appears on the list, with the New York senator coming in 11th place.
Asked about whether she plans to throw her hat in the ring, Gillibrand said: "I'm definitely thinking about it, of course."
She said she would be taking time "over the holidays" to weigh her options with her husband and children. "And I will make a decision soon," she said.
If she does decide to run, Gillibrand will likely be entering a crowded race, with a number of Democrats weighing the same decision.
It is also possible that Democrats could see a Biden-O'Rourke ticket for the 2020 presidential election, with the Associated Press reporting that current and former advisers to the former vice president have discussed the possibility of O'Rourke joining Biden for the campaign.
Speaking to the Associated Press under the condition of anonymity, sources said that discussions had been underway about the possibility of O'Rourke running alongside Biden.
They said that having a younger running mate would likely bolster Biden's candidacy and quell concerns about his age.
If elected in November 2020, Biden would be 77-years-old, which would make him the oldest candidate to be elected president.
Currently, that titled is held by former President Ronald Reagan, who was elected for his second term at 73, while President Donald Trump was elected at age 70.
Uncommon Knowledge
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