John Delaney's motivation

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

1. He's bored with the House but instead of simply retiring, he wants to go down with a bang.

2. He's laying groundworks for future statewide run (Senate, or Governor), not risking to face Hogan in 2018.

3. He's in for the Vice Presidency.

4. He's in for cabinet seat/other federal office/ambassadorship.

5. Pure attention whoring.

6. Wants to make more money on his run.

7. He actually thinks he's got a shot.

[America Needs R'hllor]

If he thought rationally, 4 would be the likeliest option. Then again...

[progressive85]

Most politicians have enormous egos.  75% of them see future Presidents when they look in the mirror.  They all want to be loved.  Winning an election must be incredibly gratifying for people that crave the validation of other people.

[Figueira]

Some combination of 1, 4, 5, 6, and probably 7 on some days.

[Mr. Morden]

You could ask this same question about any of the likely 2nd or 3rd tier candidates.  Assuming Martin O'Malley runs (and it looks like he will), does he actually think he might win, or is he running for some reason?  And if the latter, then what's the reason?  And same for Julian Castro or any of a number of other people.

[Co-Chair Bagel23]

I think I am the only legitimate John Delaney supporter here.

[kyc0705]

Most politicians have enormous egos.  75% of them see future Presidents when they look in the mirror.  They all want to be loved.  Winning an election must be incredibly gratifying for people that crave the validation of other people.

As Gore Vidal once said, politics is show business for ugly people.