Eric Swalwell: ‘I See All Green Lights’ for 2020 Run

Appearing Thursday on MSNBC with anchor Hallie Jackson, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) strongly signaled he will soon enter the 2020 Democrat presidential primary.

A partial transcript is as follows: 

HALLIE JACKSON: Let me ask you when it comes to 2020, which is a topic I know you have some interest in. We have the discussion on the program about Joe Biden potentially announcing a running mate when he comes out and potentially announces that he is going to run for president. Do you think that’s a good idea? Should he or any candidate announced a v.p. when they announce they’re running?

REP. ERIC SWALWELL: You know what? He can do whatever he wants to do and he’s talented in his own right. Stacey Abrams is someone who I really admire, so that would be an interesting combination. I wouldn’t do it that way, but you know, with the beautify of this field is we have so much talent and you’re going to bring out so many different constituents, and at the end of the day, we’re going to be a part of one symphony. You’re either playing an instrument or you’re the conductor that we’re all getting behind. So, I don’t think it matters.

JACKSON: Let me just add, when you announce that you’re running for president, will you also announce your running mate at that time?

REP. SWALWELL: I would not do it that way.

JACKSON: Okay, and when is the timing of that announcement?

REP. SWALWELL: By the end of the month I’ll make a decision, Hallie. I’ll just tell you now, the last 18 months I went to 26 states across the country and I see why people work hard. I see what they expect it to add up to, that they do better and dream bigger, and on most floors in most buildings, most blocks and most neighborhoods, that promise of America is not coming to most people. As the first of my family to go to college, someone who’s lead Future Forum a generational group in Congress, and someone who’s defended our democracy as its been on the line, I think that’s a candidacy that could connect and bring that promise to all Americans.

JACKSON: You sure sound like a candidate already, congressman. It would be more surprising if you said you weren’t going to run, right? […]

REP. SWALWELL: I’m going to decide at the end of the month, but again, I see all green lights right now.