U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts says he'll make his presidential plans known sometime in the next two weeks. His challenge, if he goes for it, will be how to distinguish himself in a crowd of at least 18 candidates many of whom have been campaigning and raising money for months.
The Democrat got a warm welcome at a retirement community in North Andover, where he was asked about Medicare, immigration and the Green New Deal.
"What I'm going to do is say, 'This is the green program that I think should work, but can grow our economy while also addressing climate change,'" Moulton said.
Moulton has spent significant time recently outside Massachusetts, visiting early primary states as he decides if he will make a run for president.
"I'm feeling great. But ultimately, this is a decision about how I can best serve the country, and that's a decision we're still making," he said. "I'll make it by the end of the month."
Asked if he is concerned about losing campaign workers or organizers to other candidates who have already raised millions of dollars, Moulton said, "Well, I think we're taking the right approach. This is something I'm taking seriously, I'm not just going to jump into a race to raise my profile or something like that."
In a Democratic field that already includes 18 Candidates, Moulton — a Marine who served four tours in Iraq — believes he would stand out.
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"I'm the only person, announced or unannounced, who's even talking about national security right now," he said.
Democratic analyst Evan Falchuk is not convinced that national security is the best way to take on Donald Trump, or that Moulton would be the candidate to break through the pack of Democrats.
"I think what Seth is best known for is having run that failed attempt to oust Nancy Pelosi. I'm not sure that helps him in a Democratic primary," Falchuk said.
Moulton has recently called for abolishing the Senate filibuster and the electoral college. He does not support Medicare for all or tuition-free college, preferring more incremental reforms to health care and education.
