MSNBC host Chris Matthews declared Monday that he's "not happy with the field" of 2020 Democratic presidential candidates.
Matthews, a former speechwriter for President Carter, said he did not think Democrats had a candidate who could defeat President Trump
Donald John TrumpProtesters tear down statue of Christopher Columbus in Baltimore 'Independence Day' star Bill Pullman urges Americans to wear a 'freedom mask' in July 4 PSA Protesters burn American flag outside White House after Trump's July Fourth address MORE.
"What are my thoughts? I’m not happy. I’m not happy with this field. I think they have to find a candidate for president that can beat Trump," Matthews said during a panel discussion Monday on "Morning Joe."
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Chris Matthews (2/3/2020): "Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Memo: Unhappy voters could deliver political shocks beyond Trump Democratic senator will introduce bill mandating social distancing on flights after flying on packed plane Neil Young opposes use of his music at Trump Mount Rushmore event: 'I stand in solidarity with the Lakota Sioux' MORE is not going to be president of the United States."#BernieWillWin pic.twitter.com/IRNGakzxKi
The telecast from Des Moines, Iowa, took place on the morning of the state's caucuses. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has emerged as the favorite to win the caucuses.
But Matthews was pessimistic on Sanders's chances in the general election.
"Bernie Sanders is not going to be president of the United States," he said.
Mathews then compared the excitement around the Sanders campaign to that of 1972 Democratic nominee George McGovern, who lost in a landslide to President Nixon by a 520-17 margin in the Electoral College while only winning 35 percent of the popular vote.
"I think he's gonna win big tonight, real big," said Matthews.
