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Mulling 2020 Run, Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper Visits NH

Another potential 2020 presidential candidate visited New Hampshire as the field continues to shape up for the state's first-in-the-nation primary.

Speaking to students at New England College in Henniker, former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper made it clear where he stands on Donald Trump.

"I think President Trump has put the country and the planet at risk," Hickenlooper said. "I think defeating him is absolutely essential."

And Hickenlooper thinks he may be the man who can do it. NBC10 Boston asked him if he would be a candidate in 2020.

"We're getting close to making a decision," he said. "We haven't made that final decision."

Hickenlooper says he is leaning toward running. He says he will spend the next four to six weeks listening to a broad cross-section of people around the country to see if he's the right person at the right time.

The former governor described himself as someone who may not the most gifted politician, but who really does try to get something done and is pragmatic.

In an already crowded field of Democrats, Hickenlooper says he stands out for his record of bringing people together and getting things done.

"I feel like, in some ways, almost like it's a calling, as religious leaders sometimes say," he said.

Hickenlooper pushed back on the description of him as a more moderate option in the field of Democrats.

He pointed to his work on universal health care, contraception that is long-term and reversible, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"You tell me, is that moderate?" he said of his views. "I think in many ways, I'm more progressive than a lot of these other folks, because we're actually getting it done."

Hickenlooper also said he was prepared to go head-to-head with Trump.

"I grew up the skinny kid with the glasses and a funny last name," he said. "I've dealt with bullies my whole life."

Hickenlooper says he will make a final decision about a presidential bid in March.

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