Andrea Mitchell to Kirsten Gillibrand: ‘White, male candidates’ poll better than Democrat women

Andrea Mitchell wants to know why “white, male candidates” are faring so well among the Democrats’ 2020 contenders, given their female competition.

The polling performance of former Vice President Joe Biden, along with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders — who gave Hillary Clinton a run for her money in 2016 — appeared to flummox the MSNBC anchor on Tuesday.

Ms. Mitchell asked Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand how it was possible that “white” men could command a polling lead.

“Early polls are misleading, obviously, but right now Bernie Sanders first in New Hampshire — in a new poll today — Pete Buttigieg moving up,” she said. “Joe Biden has name recognition, those are the top three. … Why do you think white, male candidates are doing better than any of the women candidates?”

The New York Democrat balked at the question.

“I don’t know,” Ms. Gillibrand said. “This is a marathon and not a sprint. And I know that I have a vision for this country and the experience to actually get it done and a plan to get it done.”

NATIONAL POLL: Dems’ early #2020 preference:

27% @JoeBiden (28% in March)
20% @BernieSanders (25%)
8% @PeteButtigieg (<1%)
8% @KamalaHarris (10%)
6% @EWarren (8%)
4% @BetoORourke (6%)
2% @CoryBooker (5%)
2% @Hickenlooper (1%)https://t.co/49qP66q5fX

— MonmouthPoll (@MonmouthPoll) April 23, 2019

A Monmouth University poll released Tuesday has Messrs. Biden and Sanders polling at 27% and 20% respectively among a crowded field.

Ms. Gillibrand’s campaign is failing to crack 1%, although Sen. Kamala Harris’ and Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s campaigns have some traction.

The New York and Massachusetts Democrats tally 8% and 6% among Democrats and Democratic-leaning voters.

“Diversity may be the byword for the 2020 field of Democrats, but it does not appear to be a priority in choosing a challenger to Trump,” the Monmouth University Polling Institute reported Tuesday. “Most Democratic voters say race and gender are not factors in determining who should be the party’s presidential nominee. There have been some shifts in the current beauty contest — with a noted surge by a small city mayor — but the front-runner spot has held steady as former Vice President Joe Biden reportedly is set to jump into the race this week.”

.@mitchellreports asks @SenGillibrand: Why are the white male candidates doing better than the women? pic.twitter.com/2AR6ZtK24s

— David Rutz (@DavidRutz) April 23, 2019