Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy rules out 2020 presidential bid
For the full interview with Sen. Chris Murphy, watch "The Takeout" on Friday on CBSN at 9 p.m. ET/PT or listen to the podcast on Friday.
Sen. Chris Murphy is shutting the door for now on the idea of running for president in 2020, and instead has his mind set on winning re-election for another six-year term.
"I am not running for president. I am running for re-election to the Senate," the Connecticut Democrat said in an interview with CBS News Chief White House Correspondent Major Garrett and Political Director Steve Chaggaris on "The Takeout" podcast. The episode will air Friday on CBS News' streaming channel CBSN and on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
"I have to ask the voters of Connecticut to send me back for a second term in 2018 so that is where all of my focus is," Murphy added.
Murphy, 44, said newer, younger leaders now have a chance to "have a say" about the future of the country and the future of the Democratic Party.
"I'm certainly interested in taking part in that exercise, but my focus is fundamentally on the people of Connecticut and asking them for a second term," he said.
Chaggaris asked Murphy again if he's ruling out a White House bid.
"Am I ruling it out?" Murphy asked. "Here we go, I'll rule it out for you," he said after Chaggaris asked again about any presidential aspirations for 2020 -- which would be after his 2018 re-election campaign.
"Really? Not running for president," Chaggaris pressed.
"I'm running for re-election," said Murphy, who was first elected to the Senate in 2012, succeeding independent Sen. Joe Lieberman. Murphy previously served in the House from 2007 until 2013.
The freshman senator has been outspoken about addressing and taking action to prevent gun violence ever since the 2012 Newtown shooting in his state. He serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee.
In addition to his political ambitions, Chaggaris also talked to Murphy about gun control, Iran and North Korea.