Democrats Explore Alternatives For 2028 – Despite not having formally confirmed the party’s presidential nomination for next year’s election, Democrats are already exploring the possible options available for 2028’s campaign.
President Joe Biden has already declared his intention to run for re-election with the launch of his campaign in April this year. If successful in 2024, Biden will be constitutionally required to step down four years later with the two-term limit in place. If not, he will almost certainly rule out a Trump-style third campaign given that he’d be 86 by January 20, 2029, and 90 by the time he left office.
Vice President Kamala Harris is rumored to be exploring the possibility of a ticket towards the end of the decade. Should Biden be forced to step aside during a second term, Harris will become president by default making her an incumbent candidate. Her low approval ratings may never recover – even if the party wins in 2024 – so Democrats are looking for alternatives.
“Breathtaking” Benches
Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville – a top advisor in Bill Clinton’s successful 1992 presidential bid – told The Hill that the Democrats have a huge talent pool in preparation for 2028. “[We have] so many people, it’s breathtaking,” he said in an interview. “The level of talent in the Democratic party in 2023 is — and I say this with great confidence — as high as any political party has ever had in my lifetime, which is 1944.”
Carville praised a number of high-profile Democrats, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “These are some staggeringly talented politicians. If they ever got out in the open and people saw them, holy moly,” he added.
Carville is not the only Democrat beaming with confidence. “I have a theory that the Trump years made Democrats great,” said Vanity Fair contributing editor Jennifer Palmieri. “Just really good candidates, because there was so much on the line. I think both the caliber, quality of candidates, the issues that governors had to deal with—so existential. I think that it just produced a whole generation of talent that might not have coalesced if there had not been so much on the line.”
Candidates Are Plentiful
All candidates, along with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, have credible track records. Gov. Shapiro received widespread praise in his hasty efforts to rebuild the collapsed Interstate 95 in June, while Whitmer – who extended her majority of victory in the 2022 gubernatorial election despite criticism of her COVID-19 policies – has been named co-chair of Biden’s 2024 campaign providing her with essential experience.
Gov. Newsom is also exploring the idea of a future presidential run. Despite ruling out a 2024 bid, the California Gov. has been widely suggested as a potential candidate, repeatedly calling out Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and even challenging him to a debate.
Ultimately, some may choose not to run four years down the line, but it’s safe to say that if Kamala Harris is hopeful of her own presidential ambitions, she may have quite a fight on her hands to secure the nomination in 2028.
Shay Bottomley is a British journalist based in Canada. He has written for the Western Standard, Maidenhead Advertiser, Slough Express, Windsor Express, Berkshire Live and Southend Echo, and has covered notable events including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
From the Vault
Donald Trump May Have a New Problem: Melania Trump
Barack Obama Scolds Americans for Offering ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ During Maui Tragedy
Donald Trump Keeps Making ‘Chilling’ Threats That Could Land Him in Jail
