The CEO of Dick’s Sporting Goods is reportedly considering a presidential run as a third-party candidate.
Politico reports that Ed Stack, a longtime Republican donor, is exploring whether to enter the crowded 2020 field and has tested various messages to focus group in Wisconsin.
The focus group participants were asked to compare Stack in three-way races against President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE and either of the two 2020 Democratic front-runners, former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE or Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE (D-Mass.).
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Messaging in the focus group reportedly focused on Stack’s “leadership” after he said Dick’s destroyed more than $5 million worth of guns when his company made the decision to no longer sell assault-style rifles following the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.
An unidentified focus group participant who spoke to Politico said others in the group cited Stack’s age as a concern.
“[Focus group members] mentioned that if Biden’s getting the criticism that he looked old, Ed Stack didn’t look young either,” the participant said.
Stack, at 64 years of age, is younger than Trump, Biden and Warren.
The participant added that some in the focus group felt Stack “didn’t have the charisma it would take to attract a coalition that you’d need to have a chance as a third-party candidate.”
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A source close to Stack downplayed his interest in a presidential bid, telling Politico: “Mr. Stack enjoys running Dick’s Sporting Goods and has no plans to run for any elected office.”
Stack in recent weeks has made several speaking appearances in support of his new book, “It’s How We Play the Game.”
Last week, he also called out Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote GOP senator to try to reverse requirement that Pentagon remove Confederate names from bases No, ‘blue states’ do not bail out ‘red states’ MORE (R-Ky.) for not bringing the House-passed gun reform bill to the Senate floor for a vote.
“I wish he’d have the guts to bring it to a vote,” Stack told Business Insider.
Fellow billionaire Howard Schultz, the former Starbucks CEO, briefly jumped in the 2020 race as an independent before officially ending his bid in September.