CNN's decision to feature former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz in a town hall is drawing considerable backlash on social media, mostly from the left.

Many of the critics argue that CNN should not provide an hour of prime time to Schultz, who is thinking about running for president as an independent but has yet to officially enter the presidential race.

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Schultz's flirtation with the race angered Democrats, who worry he could cost the party's candidate support in swing states and help President Trump Donald John TrumpBubba Wallace to be driver of Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin NASCAR team Graham: GOP will confirm Trump's Supreme Court nominee before the election Southwest Airlines, unions call for six-month extension of government aid MORE win reelection.

Schultz, 65, began publicly mulling a presidential run as a self-described "centrist independent" last month.

The former executive will take questions from voters "representing civic and educational organizations" at the Feb. 12 event in Houston, per a CNN announcement on Wednesday.

The backlash following the town hall announcement has been swift, with many arguing Schultz has little chance to win if he did declare and therefore shouldn't be granted a national stage.

Hey, @CNN, I'm considering a presidential run. I have no political experience and no chance of winning, but I do have a book I'd like to promote—so I'm just like Howard Schultz! So please have your producers call me about a one-hour primetime "town hall." https://t.co/WFFXGdwdyN — Ted Genoways (@TedGenoways) February 7, 2019

What on earth has Schultz done to warrant this? On his own, he couldn’t draw a crowd at lunchtime in one of his Starbucks. Is CNN trying to launch his campaign? — James J. Zogby (@jjz1600) February 6, 2019

At least Trump in 2016 was a billionaire(?) with a clear political base, support & ideology. Schultz has none of these, so what's CNN's excuse? https://t.co/JT2rGg08X4 — Adam Blickstein (@AdamBlickstein) February 6, 2019

In case you’re wondering if CNN is going to fall over themselves to elevate famous billionaires in this election cycle, yet again: a town hall for a guy who hasn’t announced he’s running. *sigh* https://t.co/ynA4irlegY — Soledad O'Brien (@soledadobrien) February 6, 2019

Kids, don’t buy airtime. Become a billionaire and they give it to you for freeeeee. pic.twitter.com/PqtTMpWY9f — Seth Masket (@smotus) February 7, 2019

Howard Schultz’s own polling has him at 4%. He does not deserve a @CNN town hall. https://t.co/XawJUG12mY — Anastasia Golovashkina (@golovashkina) February 7, 2019

I’m curious... how many town halls have been given to people who have yet to technically announce a candidacy? https://t.co/JgUfSL3IHN — Lindsey Wasson (@lindseywasson) February 7, 2019

(Howard Schultz is polling at 4%.

His book fell out of the top 100.)



BREAKING: CNN will hold a town hall for a candidate no one wants, who just wrote a book no one is reading.@PoppyHarlowCNN will moderate. — (((evan shapiro))) (@eshap) February 7, 2019

Why is @CNN hosting a town hall for #HowardSchultz? This giving air time to rich folks who think it might be fun to run for president thing is how we ended up with #Trump. #media #fail https://t.co/Qf65RkMMEn — Lisa Armstrong (@LisaArmstrong) February 7, 2019

-I also like #coffee.

-I also will never be President.

...@CNN, can I have a Town Hall? https://t.co/zdFlz2YYh0 — Jonah Blank (@JonahBlank) February 7, 2019

The live event will be moderated by "CNN Newsroom" anchor Poppy Harlow.

Schultz resigned as Starbucks CEO in June.