Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz wants to be president. His plan to run as an independent has Democrats concerned. So much so that Mike Bloomberg — who has toyed with the idea himself — posted a statement about the consequences of an independent run.

Now I have never been a partisan guy — and it’s no secret that I looked at an independent bid in the past. In fact I faced exactly the same decision now facing others who are considering it.

The data was very clear and very consistent. Given the strong pull of partisanship and the realities of the electoral college system, there is no way an independent can win. That is truer today than ever before.

In 2020, the great likelihood is that an independent would just split the anti-Trump vote and end up re-electing the President. That’s a risk I refused to run in 2016 and we can’t afford to run it now.

We must remain united, and we must not allow any candidate to divide or fracture us. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

Fascinating that Mr. Bloomberg believes he’s “never been a partisan guy.” Really?

Meantime, Schultz is already getting a taste of the vitriol that is spewed at those who enter the political arena these days. I won’t provide the link because it includes obscenities hurled at Schultz from an audience member. Enough already, folks. Get a grip.