Presidential resumes: We asked voters the qualities they want most in a president, and these are the 2020 Democratic candidates who look best on paper
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Sep 13, 2019, 00:35 IST
18. Democratic voters would likely appreciate Tom Steyer's environmental activism, but not his hedge fund ties.
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17. Andrew Yang's age and immigrant background are traits that Democratic voters profess to like. His corporate past and lack of time in public office are likely to be seen as a liability.
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16. Marianne Williamson's activism may win support, while her lack of political experience likely pushes some contingents away.
15. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's military experience helps distinguish her candidacy, but her privileged upbringing could be a turn-off to voters.
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14. Sen. Michael Bennet's mother emigrated from Poland — an attribute Democratic voters say they view favorably. The same can't be said for his affluent Washington upbringing.
13. Rep. John Delaney might get a bad rap for his past life as a the co-founder of two lending companies prior to his political career.
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12. South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg has a litany of accomplishments, from his US Navy service, to his Rhodes Scholarship. He also has attributes seen as negative by Democratic voters, such as his stint at top consulting firm McKinsey & Company.
11. Fmr. Rep. Beto O’Rourke's youthful charisma could be eclipsed by his upbringing in a political family in Texas, which primary voters might perceive with a critical eye.
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10. Former Vice President Joe Biden has held the highest office of all the 2020 contenders — but past political decisions, such as voting for the war in Iraq and the controversial 1994 crime bill, could alienate modern voters.
9. Sen. Kamala Harris has a long resume as a litigator: generally a plus for voters. Democrats polled say they favor those who have been an attorney general or a district attorney, but not a prosecutor in general.
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8. Of the traits polled by Insider, former HUD Secretary Julian Castro's background had nothing survey-takers perceived as negative. His middle-class background and cabinet experience would be seen as positives.
7. Sen. Amy Klobuchar has a reliably strong political resume in the eyes of voters, save for her work early in her career as a corporate lawyer.
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6. Like Castro, Rep. Tim Ryan's resume is free from what voters typically consider to be blemishes. His release of a decade of tax returns, along with his congressional experience, might give him more clout with voters.
5. Despite poor performance in polls, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio's resume would be considered robust on its own by voting Democrats, who appreciate mayoral experience, activism, and having released tax returns.
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3. Sen. Cory Booker's record contains a history of activism, a big pro for voters, but his upbringing as the son of IBM executives could affect the way he's perceived by voters.
4. Gov. Steve Bullock has gubernatorial experience, as well as professorial experience teaching law at George Washington University. The Montana governor won office in a red state, which Democrats polled say they don't typically like.
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2. Sen. Elizabeth Warren's resume has far more positives than negatives, including Senate experience and professorships at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard. Warren's prior work as a consumer advocate help give her candidacy an extra edge.
1. Sen. Bernie Sanders is the only candidate who identifies as a democratic socialist, an attribute survey-takers said they value. Judged by the curriculum vitae voters consider ideal, Sanders would come out on top.