Howard Schultz makes his case for a possible presidential run

In a week when the number of presidential candidates from the Democratic Party hit double digits, the giant sucking sound of the political moment was the espresso-fueled, potential independent candidacy of ex-Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz.

Given that contentious races have been thrown to one side or the other by third party candidates, it should not have come as a surprise when Schultz took loads of flak for thinking he might be the first independent since George Washington to be elected president of the United States.

Schultz, who earned billions creating an iconic brand, hit the road last week to explain why the time might be right for someone like him to lead the country.

On a stop back in Seattle, he was embraced by a supportive crowd inside the Moore Theatre. The crowd of grudge-holding Seattle Sonics fans and Stop-Trumpers outside the venue weren’t having it, but if you want to hear the man out, here’s your chance.

Schultz discussed his possible presidential candidacy and his new book “From the Ground Up: A Journey to Reimagine the Promise of America” with The Evergrey’s Monica Guzman at Seattle’s Moore Theater on January 31. The Seattle Theatre Group (STG) and Town Hall Seattle presented the event. KUOW’s Sonya Harris recorded his talk.

Listen to the full versions below: