For those still suffering from a 2016 campaign hangover get ready 2020 is here. At least the campaign for 2020 has begun in earnest and it promises to get real, real quick.

Dozens of potential candidates have emerged as possible challengers to President Trump int he 2020 race for the White House. Some are just trying practice scales to see if they can draw any notice from not only voters but more importantly donors. Still, others have hit the ground running at full throttle.

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is one such fellow. Bernie never really left the trail even after dropping out of the race for the Democrat nomination and backing Hillary Clinton's disastrous 2016 campaign. Sanders will make his fourth visit since 2016 to the all-important caucus state Iowa next week.

Sanders will headline at a rally for former top aide Pete D'Alessandro, one of a handful of Democrats looking to unseat incumbent Republican Congressman David Young.

“Bernie knows that we need bold, progressive leaders in Congress if we’re going to change the direction of our country.”

“That’s why I’m proudly supporting Medicare for All, a $15/hour living wage, and free college tuition for those who work hard. We can take our country back and continue the movement Bernie started here in 2016.”

                                                                                   - D'Alessandro

There is a segment of the population that buys into Bernie's message of big, dominant government that could help to propel him to the front of the pack once caucuses and primaries are held.

Other Bernie wannabees like Senator Elizabeth Warren will attempt to tap into Bernie's base but will not succeed as Warren has credibility problems while Bernie is seen by his supporters as they genuine article.

The DNC could well rue the day they stole the nomination from Bernie in 2016.

Editor's Note: Barry Richard is the afternoon host on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from Noon-3 p.m. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

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