The Democrat alternatives

Robert Reich - Here, according to early polls and political observers, are the people most likely to be the Democratic nominee — as of April 21, 2028 (no candidate has yet officially announced their candidacy)....

1. Kamala Harris: Harris says she’s now “thinking about” another run at the White House, which is tantamount to throwing her hat into the ring. Her brief campaign in 2024 showed her to be a tough and able campaigner, and she was enormously effective in her debate with Trump (so much so that he refused to debate her again). She has wide name recognition. And having been the Democratic nominee once, she may have dibs on another run if she wants it.

But some worry that a woman cannot win the presidency and that we shouldn’t put a woman up for president when a Democratic win is so urgently needed. Others say that although she was effective as a candidate, she hesitated to take any strong positions during her spirited three-month 2024 campaign. Most Americans still don’t know what she stands for.

2. Gavin Newsom. The California governor has eagerly become Trump’s foil. He sued Trump for sending the National Guard to Los Angeles and led a successful push to redraw California’s congressional map to counter redistricting in red states. He also has a popular podcast. And he’s gaining attention for giving Trump some of his own medicine on social media by mocking him.

But many worry that a prominent California Democrat can’t win. In addition, Newsom has some baggage: He infamously dined in a high-priced restaurant during COVID after warning Californians to avoid dining out. He had an affair with his deputy chief of staff’s wife, who was also his aide. His ex-wife and former political adviser was Kimberly Guilfoyle, who then dated and became engaged to Donald Trump Jr., before they separated (she’s now the ambassador to Greece).

3. Pete Buttigieg. The former transportation secretary is well-liked. Many are drawn to him by his obvious intelligence, thoughtfulness, even-temperedness, facility with languages, and ability to articulate a clear progressive Democratic message. No potential Democratic candidate is as much the opposite of Trump in all these respects.

But for the same reason that some worry about putting up a woman for president in 2028, some worry that a gay candidate wouldn’t have a chance in the bigoted politics Trump has left us with and argue that we cannot risk that America’s homophobia would scare off needed voters. Others claim that although he was mayor of a small city and transportation secretary, he lacks enough experience in national politics to be an effective campaigner for president.

4. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The fiery representative from New York’s 14th Congressional District was the youngest woman ever elected to Congress and one of the first two female members of the Democratic Socialists of America to be elected. In 2028, she’ll be old enough to run for president, and many progressives love her powerful speeches and strong voice on the Internet. No politician has mastered social media nearly as well as AOC, and none has as clear a blessing from Bernie Sanders and the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.

But some express disappointment with AOC’s more recent voting record, claiming she has pivoted from challenging establishment Democrats to aligning with them as she weighs a potential 2028 run. Her vote on funding Israel’s Iron Dome, and her increasing willingness to work within the party machinery rather than primarying establishment Democrats, has caused concern among progressives. Others argue that a Democratic-Socialist woman candidate has little chance of winning.

5. Others? Among others actively being mentioned (and fairly actively pushing themselves) as potential Democratic presidential candidates in 2028 are Illinois governor JB Pritzker, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro, Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer, California congressman Ro Khanna, Kentucky governor Andy Beshear, New Jersey senator Cory Booker, and former congressman and Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel.