JOHN CURLEY AND SHARI ELLIKER

What are Jay Inslee’s presidential hopes after the midterms?

Nov 12, 2018, 1:34 PM | Updated: 2:17 pm

Governor Inslee...

Governor Inslee (AP)

(AP)

Between traveling the county in an effort to elect Democratic governors, and seemingly making speeches about Trump every other week, Jay Inslee has certainly created the impression that he’s interested in running for president.

It’s not something he’s ruling out, and recently told the Seattle Times that he’ll been exploring the idea in the next few months. If he does run, he can count on the support of KIRO Radio’s John Curley.

“I have encouraged him, full-throatedly, haven’t I, Tom?” said a less-than-convincing Curley. “Please, Jay Inslee, run, run. I know Dori has as well. Both of us are jumping on the Jay Inslee bandwagon early in order to make sure that our fine governor will get the chance to be President of the United States.”

At 67 and in the middle of his second term, Inslee find himself at a political crossroads, and recently took hope in the Democrats’ net gain in governor races. But if Inslee does pursue the presidency, he probably won’t be able to ride an issue like the carbon tax all the way to the oval office. With Initiative 1631’s sound defeat, it appeared to be once again as unpopular here as in the rest of the country.

For KIRO Radio’s Tom Tangney, Curley’s very support is precisely why he doesn’t want Inslee to run.

“My problem is that people like you and Dori want him to run. I do not think he is of presidential timber, how’s that?” Tom said. “But now that we have Donald Trump, he isn’t of presidential timber either, so maybe he’s got a chance.”

RELATED: Rantz: Gov. Inslee’s presidential hopes just went down in flames

His positions aside, Tom isn’t entirely convinced that Inslee’s personality would do well on a national stage

“Even though he may have the right stances for the way I see the world, he’s too much of low-talker. He doesn’t seem quick-witted enough,” Tom said. “I’m trying to imagine Jay Inslee in a debate with six or seven other Democrats. That’s not his strength.”

“What is his strength?” wondered Curley.

“I think his strength is that he thinks through things and has solid positions, but he’s kind of plodding. He doesn’t have the kind of charisma or experience you need to be a successful candidate. To be governor for two terms or maybe three seems to be him maxing out on his political potential.”

John Curley and Shari Elliker on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
  • listen to tom and curleyTune in to KIRO Newsradio weekdays at 3pm for John Curley and Shari Elliker.

John Curley and Shari Elliker

John Curley and Shari Elliker

Photo: Scott Fitzsimmons' "I-1THIS" license plate....

KIRO Newsradio staff

‘I didn’t even feel it’: John Curley shares astonishing story of local winner

The "I-1THIS" license plate is more than creative, it comes with a story of triumph. John Curley told the story who won the winning plate.

1 month ago

seattle nightmare tenant...

Frank Sumrall

Seattle homeowner’s ‘nightmare tenant’ situation resolved one year later

A Seattle homeowner's "nightmare tenant" situation, causing him to live in a van instead of his home for a stretch of time, has finally been resolved one year later.

1 month ago

curley dancing naked...

John Curley

John Curley’s life advice: Start your day by dancing naked to Andrea Bocelli

This has been a part of my regular morning routine for some time now: getting up in the morning and dancing naked every day.

1 month ago

...

MyNorthwest Video

Video: Let’s Talk About Eagles

John and Shari discuss the hatch watch for a bald Eagle named Jackie as she sits on her eggs. Then, the conversation goes in a different direction about snakes eating eggs and eagles eating cats. You want to listen to this one! Listen to the John Curley and Shari Elliker Show every weekday at 3pm […]

1 month ago

...

MyNorthwest Video

Video: Bradley Cooper Walks Around His House Naked

Apparently, Bradley Cooper walks around his house naked a lot. The John and Shari Show talks about their experiences growing up with their parents. Listen to the John Curley and Shari Elliker Show every weekday at 3pm on KIRO Newsraio 97.3 FM Listen to KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM or go to MyNorthwest.com to learn more! […]

2 months ago

...

MyNorthwest Video

Video: The Naked Man Festival Is No More

If you had travelling to Japan for the annual Naked Men Festival on your bucket list… we have some bad news. After more than 1000 years, the festival has been permanently canceled. Listen to the John Curley and Shari Elliker Show every weekday at 3pm on KIRO Newsraio 97.3 FM Listen to KIRO Newsradio 97.3 […]

2 months ago

What are Jay Inslee’s presidential hopes after the midterms?