# Frontrunners for Democratic presidential nomination in 2028 **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [January 16, 2025, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036 "2025-01-16T06:50:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 44
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2025, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/861 "2025-08-29T00:27:09Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > Pritzker should run. Speaking as an Illinois resident, and seeing how much Pritzker has been moving onto the national stage in recent months, I think that it’s a given that he’ll run, barring a complete collapse of his support in Illinois, a major health issue, or a scandal. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2025, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/862 "2025-08-29T01:45:16Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > I do not think there is strong evidence that being Jewish is (or is not) a problem. Minor. Hefty is not a disad, IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2025, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/863 "2025-08-29T14:30:37Z")
> [@BlankSlate](#): > > After January 6th and all the other acts of corruption, how can you not blame the voters? Do you want to be correct, or do you want to win elections? It’s that simple. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2025, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/864 "2025-09-03T04:03:52Z")
Those who care a lot about electability might consider the candidate names. The best presidential name ever was U. S. Grant. No wonder he won twice. Trump as a verb speaks of winning and power. That’s the politically best presidential last name ever. There’s no way to know how many votes that name got him, because the name effect is unconscious. I think – lots. If the voters are at all inclined to reject MAGA, they want something new. So Gavin Newsom is pretty darn good. JB Pritzker isn’t great. But JB sounds powerful to me, just like the JD in JD Vance. And JB Pritzker has nothing to remind you that the man is Jewish. I suspect that is a plus. Josh Shapiro, on the other hand, has a very Jewish name. I guess that Josh is currently a young man’s name, so he has that. Gretchen Whitmer is hard to spell. I have some age-related memory loss, but I have to say that I find her full name hard to remember. Buttigieg is even harder to spell, but at least Pete is good. Wes Moore is good because more is way better than less. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is politically bad. That’s why she goes by AOC so often. If nominated, she’d have to pivot to the center on policy, but she can’t pivot away from that feminist-sounding hyphenated last name. Some will be thinking that America elected Barack Hussein Obama II not so long ago. And elected him twice. So, yes, an Ocasio-Cortez might one day win. Obama got around his name by describing himself as a skinny kid with a funny name. Can AOC do something like that? ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanubv.2/32/3260_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2025, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/865 "2025-09-03T05:01:54Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is politically bad. That’s why she goes by AOC so often. If nominated, she’d have to pivot to the center on policy, but she can’t pivot away from that feminist-sounding hyphenated last name. Not a challenge, but a question - Did / does she refer to herself that way? I guess I thought that was created by the press, but I was late in hearing about her, so in my head it’s her full name then “AOC”. Yes, I actually visualize the quote marks. Back on topic, I can’t help but think a prospective candidate’s chances will be slim if they aren’t seen stepping up to this latest shit show. Gavin and JB are showing up and I’m impressed. Who else will take a stand? ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2025, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/866 "2025-09-09T22:28:18Z")
Since some people made the same mistake as JD Vance and assumed that Newsom was _copying Trump’s style_, Newsom clarified: > > > Acyn @Acyn I think it’s getting to Trump - did anyone else notice that he’s really toned down the CAPSLOCK? ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2025, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/867 "2025-09-14T15:41:41Z")
MD Senator Chris Van Hollen is an early top candidate, IMO, standing out for moral clarity on things like due process (Kilmar Garcia - VH may well have helped ensure he didn’t disappear in the torture prison in El Salvador), Gaza, and even against the cowardice of some Democrats who refuse to criticize the fascist bent of the administration. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2025, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/868 "2025-09-14T16:04:36Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > For the most part, I like Pritzker as governor. He would certainly be a better president than Trump Dude, by that standard (almost) any Dem or for that matter Pub would qualify. Because at least a non-Trump Pub would not have the MAGA cult of personality to carry out their fucknuttery. So improvement through ineffectuality. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2025, 10:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/869 "2025-09-16T10:04:22Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > I do not think there is strong evidence that being Jewish is (or is not) a problem. I’d argue that it’s a serious problem, because if you support Israel you will lose votes, and if you don’t you will lose votes. It seems an impossible needle to thread. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2025, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/870 "2025-09-16T15:49:05Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > I’d argue that it’s a serious problem, because if you support Israel you will lose votes, and if you don’t you will lose votes. Don’t non-Jewish politicians face the same dilemma? ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2025, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/871 "2025-09-16T17:29:18Z")
Ask Kamala Harris ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2025, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/872 "2025-09-16T18:41:54Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > I’d argue that it’s a serious problem, because if you support Israel you will lose votes, and if you don’t you will lose votes. With the current issues in Gaza, the votes you lose by supporting Israel might be significant, but a tiny % of the votes and other support you would lose by supporting Palestine over Israel. Last time I found a vote on aid to Israel the vote in the House was 193 GOP and 173 Dem AYE and only 21 GOP and 37 Dem NAY. So politicians do not seem very concerned about the anti-Israel or anti semitic voters. > [@Happy\_Lendervedder](#): > > Ask Kamala Harris It didnt seems make any real difference in that election. ---
**Author:** ![IkesAcolyte](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ikesacolyte/32/19012_2.png) [@IkesAcolyte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IkesAcolyte)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2025, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/873 "2025-09-17T13:53:28Z")
Voters aren’t the concern when it comes to policy on Israel- AIPAC is. Stop supporting Israel, and a huge load of campaign funds suddenly vanish, and I don’t think Hamas is going to start lobbying congress any time soon. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2025, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/874 "2025-09-17T16:02:11Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > > [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > > > I’d argue that it’s a serious problem, because if you support Israel you will lose votes, and if you don’t you will lose votes. > > Don’t non-Jewish politicians face the same dilemma? For a non-Jewish presidential candidate it will be one issue they are asked about. For a Jewish presidential candidate it will be THE issue they are asked about. Before the current war, I don’t think that would’ve been a big issue but now it is. > [@DrDeth](#): > > It didnt seems make any real difference in that election You’re going to say it was inflation again. Yeah yeah we heard you. And to a large extent, I agree with you. But that’s for those who voted. Many who supported Obama and Biden stayed home. If they hadn’t stayed home, the election would’ve come out much different. I know from friends and family one of the main reasons why Some didn’t want to vote was because they saw both candidates as supporting genocide. I wasn’t with each one of them during election day so I don’t know for sure if they voted or not but that was their main concern going into the election. It’s not an inconsequential issue . ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2025, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/875 "2025-09-17T16:08:12Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > I don’t think that would’ve been a big issue but now it is. Excuse the self quote. To clarify, antisemitism would be a big issue and might be insurmountable for a presidential candidate but their position on Israel wouldn’t have been as important before the current war. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2025, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/876 "2025-09-17T17:58:58Z")
> [@IkesAcolyte](#): > > Voters aren’t the concern when it comes to policy on Israel- AIPAC is. Stop supporting Israel, and a huge load of campaign funds suddenly vanish, and I don’t think Hamas is going to start lobbying congress any time soon. Well, the votes are a consideration, but yes, this and other donations are the big ones. > [@Loach](#): > > You’re going to say it was inflation again. Yeah yeah we heard you. And to a large extent, I agree with you. But that’s for those who voted. Many who supported Obama and Biden stayed home. If they hadn’t stayed home, the election would’ve come out much different. Voter turnout 2020 was 158 million, in 2024 it was 154 million. Do you have any cite that shows that in the battleground states it made a difference? I mean, this is a small but not insignificant difference. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/877 "2025-09-25T11:50:06Z")
In the NY Times, regarding reactions to the shooting at an ICE facility: Mr. Newsom also [responded on X](https://x.com/GavinNewsom/status/1970932567185801319) to Mr. Vance’s remarks on Wednesday, posting: “No thanks, JD. I will not be going ‘straight to hell’ today.” “Though when I watch you speak I certainly feel like I’m already there,” the governor wrote. Good one, Gavin! ---
**Author:** ![OttoDaFe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ottodafe/32/356_2.png) [@OttoDaFe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OttoDaFe)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2025, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/878 "2025-10-01T00:42:06Z")
Not sure this fits here, but I can’t find better place offhand … I just got a text from Chuck Schumer asking me if there was anything he could do to convince me to contribute $20 to some Dem fund or other. Maybe it’s lack of rest (we’re trying to socialize a badly neglected rescue dog), but I just kind of blew up. If it hadn’t been a bot that wouldn’t accept replies, I would have said, “GROW A checks forum [EXPLETIVE DELETED]ING SPINE, YOU GORMLESS WORM! OR IF YOU CAN’T, GET THE [EXPLETIVE DELETED] OUT OF THE WAY OF SOMEBODY WHO HAS ONE!!!” I’m 78 (and one day), and I swear I’m not half as fossilized as some of this crew. There … I feel better. And apologies, if necessary, for the rant. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2025, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/879 "2025-10-01T01:05:37Z")
> [@OttoDaFe](#): > > I’m 78 (and one day), and I swear I’m not half as fossilized as some of this crew. Sometimes it pays to be the angry old man. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2025, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/880 "2025-10-01T18:48:45Z")
I’ve thought about getting a trump 2028 shirt, but with Mary on it 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036.md?page=43) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036.md?page=45)