Political strategists remain unconvinced that any of the rumored 2028 Democratic presidential candidates possess the charisma, vision, and broad appeal needed to unify the party and retake the White House, according to a Saturday analysis.
With Democrats facing political headwinds, several high-profile figures are reportedly considering presidential runs, including:
Vice President Kamala Harris Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Former Obama Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg California Governor Gavin Newsom Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear Maryland Governor Wes Moore
According to The Daily Caller, each of these potential candidates is quietly evaluating a 2028 run as Democrats search for a path forward after a turbulent political cycle.
Challenges Facing 2028 Democratic Hopefuls
Despite the early stage of the 2028 campaign, pundits and strategists warn that these candidates face serious hurdles in rallying the party and appealing to the broader electorate.
“We are in what has been referred to as the ‘invisible primary’ phase of the election cycle,” said Len Foxwell, a Maryland-based Democratic strategist, speaking to The Caller.
“The public isn’t paying attention yet, but behind the scenes, the process is very much underway. It’s currently being shaped by party activists, donors, and elected officials.”
Polling: Harris Leads, but Support Remains Weak
Recent polling shows Kamala Harris as the frontrunner among Democratic voters, with Buttigieg and Newsom trailing far behind. Other potential candidates are failing to gain traction, according to Newsweek.
Yet some Democratic insiders are voicing deep skepticism about Harris’s ability to lead the party to victory after her failed 2024 campaign.
Criticism: “A Bunch of Losers”
While many Democratic strategists are careful to avoid publicly attacking potential candidates, some insiders aren’t holding back.
“A bunch of losers,” said Adolph Mongo, a Michigan-based commentator and consultant, referring to the current 2028 Democratic field.
“The Democrats ran a spineless 2024 campaign. They let Republicans create the narrative and never responded. They need a candidate who can fight back.”
Mongo specifically criticized Harris’s choice of Walz as her running mate in 2024:
“Walz is a nice guy, a good governor, but the Democrats needed a bulldog—someone who could attract new voters.”
He also slammed the party’s failures on key issues:
- Immigration policy
- Transgender rights debate
- Neglecting key voting blocs, particularly Black and Hispanic voters
“They just did everything wrong,” Mongo continued. “The biggest mistake was not recognizing two or three years ago that Biden should have been a one-term president. Instead, they waited too long and then scrambled.”
Newsom vs. Beshear: A Brewing Democratic Feud
The Democratic infighting is already spilling into public view.
Last week, Governor Andy Beshear criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for featuring populist firebrand Steve Bannon on his new show—remarks that quickly circulated in liberal media.
Meanwhile, Governor Tim Walz is reportedly testing the waters for a 2028 run by launching a national town hall tour, focusing on Republican-controlled districts. His first stop? Iowa—one of the most critical battleground states in early primary season.
Foxwell: Democrats Are in Disarray
Len Foxwell noted that some Democratic hopefuls—including Newsom—are already shifting their positions on key cultural issues to broaden their appeal.
However, he warned that the primary field will be “all over the map” due to the current state of disarray within the party.
Foxwell suggested that Wes Moore could emerge as a viable candidate in the party’s “aspirational lane”, much like Barack Obama in 2008. But he dismissed Rahm Emanuel, arguing that he is too closely tied to an outdated era of American politics.
Newsom: The Wrong Choice for Democrats?
Although Gavin Newsom seems to be positioning himself as the top contender, Foxwell personally believes he would be a poor choice for the party.
“Newsom embodies every worst negative stereotype of the modern Democratic Party,” Foxwell stated.
“He represents the privileged and affluent coastal elite who have virtually no connection to working-class Americans in battleground states—the voters who actually decide elections.”
Conclusion: The Democrats’ Uphill Battle for 2028
With the 2028 election cycle beginning, the Democratic Party is struggling to find a candidate who can unite the party and win back critical voters.
While Harris remains the early frontrunner, deep divisions, strategic missteps, and voter skepticism threaten to derail the party’s chances of reclaiming the White House.
As the political landscape shifts, one thing is clear: the road to 2028 will be anything but smooth for the Democrats.