What it means that Bernie Sanders met with Barack Obama about 2020 run

Bernie Sanders was among a slate of 2020 presidential hopeful seeking the blessing of President Barack Obama, according to several reports published earlier this week.

In online reports from Politico, CNN and Salon, Sanders is named along with former Vice President Joe Biden and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren as among those who might seek the Democratic nomination and have met with Obama.

Axios, which boils down news and analysis into concise takes, explains why this matters: “A meeting with Obama is an easy way for 2020 contenders to gain legitimacy and presidential wisdom — and, most importantly, a foothold with the man still largely considered to be the Democratic Party's figurehead.”

Citing “multiple people who have been briefed on the secretive sit-downs,” Politico’s Edward-Isaac Dovere reports that Sanders met with Obama in mid-March at the senator’s request.

Dovere writes, “They talked about the future of the party and their different roles in it. They talked about what the party should be focused on, and what would be distractions. Obama discussed his views on the differences between idealism and practicality, and Sanders responded with his.

“They did not get into a specific discussion about whether Sanders would run again for president in 2020.”

As CNN’s Chris Cillizza writes, “That Obama is taking meetings with presidential aspirants at all belies the idea prevalent in some Democratic circles that he had little interest in shaping the party -- and, potentially, the presidency -- going forward. Obama is clearly interested. We just don't know yet in whom.”

Related stories:

Obama meeting with 2020 hopefuls to discuss party future, running in the age of Trump

Barack Obama tries to shape the 2020 field: Bernie, Biden, Liz … and who?

Analysis: Look for Bernie Sanders on 2020 ballot

Sanders, who is currently running for a third term representing Vermont in the U.S. Senate, has deflected questions about a possible presidential bid, saying he would make an announcement “at the appropriate time.” He is running in the Democratic primary for the Senate seat, but plans to decline the nomination should he win and remain an independent.

Sanders is widely perceived as a top-tier prospect for the 2020 Democratic nomination after his strong showing in 2016. His name recognition, organization and high public approval rating are likely to make the Vermont independent a factor in the presidential race, either as a candidate himself or as a power broker.

The meeting with Obama is sure to further fuel speculations about Sanders’ 2020 plans.

Aki Soga is engagement editor for The Burlington Free Press. Email him at asoga@freepressmedia.com or chat with him on Twitter: @asoga