Colorado’s open Senate seat is one of the more competitive on the 2020 map; a short-lived presidential hopeful and former Governor of Colorado, John Hickenlooper, is now trying to unseat incumbent Sen. Cory Gardener (R-CO). Hickenlooper’s presidential aspirations were short-lived. His bid for the White House was constantly encompassed by whispers of a Senate run when his presidential dreams inevitably flatlined. Hickenlooper vehemently denied any intention of launching a Senate bid, but ultimately walked back that claim.
Hickenlooper appears to have taken a play from former Vice President Joe Biden’s playbook amidst his campaign for the upper chamber of Congress. Hickenlooper was confronted by a young constituent on his support of oil and gas executives. The young environmental activist asked a fair, measured question on the former Governor’s record, but Hickenlooper did not respond calmly:
Hickenlooper's temper tantrums are getting increasingly physical... If his staffer hadn't pulled him back, I think he would have covered this kid's mouth to "shh shh shh" him. #COpolitics #COsen pic.twitter.com/xIg9LNbi1Z
— Joanna Rodriguez (@joannamrod) January 27, 2020
????
— Matt Whitlock (@mattdizwhitlock) January 27, 2020
Hickenlooper has an absolute meltdown when he's asked on camera about fracking. Comes very close to grabbing the questioner's face as he's trying to shush him.
This is wild. #COsen #COpolitics https://t.co/DgtE3EnBDK
In addition to going viral on Twitter, Hickenlooper is now receiving intense criticism from the far-left on this issue, and his refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of this young constituent. The Sunshine Movement, an environmental activism interest group, lambasted Hickenlooper’s record and treatment of constituents:
For context, since entering the race Hickenlooper has not made himself available to voters. He has skipped at least 10 candidate forums so far (including a #climatedebate). He does not host public events. Maybe he thinks the @dscc backing will just carry him to the nomination?
— Sunrise Colorado ?? (@SunriseMvmtCO) January 27, 2020
Rather than allowing the full question to be asked, Hickenlooper got visibly upset at being challenged. He interrupted the question asker by shushing him. Then, he walked away without ever answering the question. CO voters deserve to know, Governor, who’s side are you on?
— Sunrise Colorado ?? (@SunriseMvmtCO) January 27, 2020
Hickenlooper is currently the favorite in Colorado’s Democratic primary for Senate but still has to emerge victorious from the June 30th primary. The eventual winner will face incumbent Cory Gardener (R-CO) in November.