Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D.) said Tuesday on Politico's "Off Message" podcast that whoever the Democratic presidential nominee is in 2020 should not just be anti-Trump, but must offer an "alternative vision."
Politico correspondent Edward-Isaac Dovere asked Patrick, a potential 2020 presidential candidate, what the argument against President Donald Trump will be for the Democratic Party's future 2020 nominee.
"I hope that for the nominee that isn't the question," Patrick responded. "Meaning I think we can't be just about what we're against. We have to be about what we're for."
"I think offering an alternative vision for the future of this country and the role of government alongside the private sector, alongside philanthropy, alongside individuals exercising their free creativity, is enormously important," Patrick continued.
Patrick concluded by saying he is optimistic that the Democrats could offer an alternative vision and that they must do so to win.
Several top aides to former President Barack Obama are encouraging Patrick behind the scenes to run for president in 2020, the Washington Free Beacon reported.
Patrick has had meetings with former Obama strategist David Axelrod, who has even devised a political plan for Patrick to be able to win the White House, Politico reported Tuesday.
Obama friend and former top adviser Valerie Jarrett said that "my heart desires" a President Patrick.
Patrick's former deputy chief of staff, David Simas, who also served as Obama's political director in the White House, has encouraged Patrick to seriously consider running in 2020.
Patrick himself is not so sure about a presidential run, however.