Sure - it's a bit satirical, but with the way the left is going, it's not totally unrealistic to consider. The 2028 presidential election may feel far away, but the race to define it is already underway. On this week's Party Politics, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina broke down how Democrats are quietly shaping their next presidential strategy—long before a single vote is cast.
At the center of the conversation is the "invisible primary," the behind-the-scenes competition where candidates build support from donors, party elites, and voters. It's not just about who runs - it's about what the Democratic Party stands for moving forward.
Potential contenders are already signaling interest. Former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom appear to lead the early field, while figures like Pete Buttigieg, Gretchen Whitmer, and Josh Shapiro represent a second tier focused on broader voter appeal. A deeper bench of governors and national figures adds even more uncertainty to an already crowded picture.
But the bigger question isn't just the candidates - it's the strategy. Democrats face a familiar challenge: how to rebuild a winning coalition. That means re-engaging core voters like African Americans, energizing younger voters, and improving outreach to Latino communities - especially in states like Texas, where turnout and margins remain critical.
Messaging will be key. The hosts argue that while Democrats have struggled to communicate clearly in recent cycles, there are signs of a shift toward more direct, policy-focused language. Economic concerns - particularly affordability - are expected to dominate, cutting across ideological lines and resonating with a wide range of voters.
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