# 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:** 69
**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:** [January 30, 2026, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1361 "2026-01-30T22:59:14Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > No: that’s what he stands _against_. Standing _against_ ICE is important–but it’s not standing _for_ anything. Johanna said he “_stands for nothing_” because he won’t say “Abolish ICE” so it’s not like that is any more of a _for_ than an _against_. > [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Can you without looking them up name three policy initiatives that Newsom supports? Yes, very easily. 1. Building 3.5 million new homes in California 2. Enshrining in California’s state constitution protections for rights that are threatened by Trump’s actions on the federal level, such as abortion access 3. Making medicine more affordable for Californians, for example by capping the cost of insulin All three are fantastic proposals that I’d love to see at the federal level. > [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Now, by way of comparison, can you name three policy initiatives that Mamdani supports? I sure can, but what’s the comparison? That’s trivial to do for Newsom as well. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2026, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1362 "2026-01-30T23:51:31Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Can you without looking them up name three policy initiatives that Newsom supports? > [@Babale](#): > > Yes, very easily. Here are three more.- Higher minimum wages. 100% clean energy future .Expanding Medi-Cal for all low income residents. ---
**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:** [January 31, 2026, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1363 "2026-01-31T00:25:21Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Higher minimum wages. 100% clean energy future .Expanding Medi-Cal for all low income residents. More great policies that I’d love to see brought to the national stage. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2026, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1364 "2026-01-31T21:20:24Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > More great policies that I’d love to see brought to the national stage. Indeed, and that is the issue with Mayor Pete- lack of experience. What has he actually _done_? he needs to be a governor or Senator first. AOC at least has served in Congress, altho more experience would be good. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1365 "2026-02-07T00:49:48Z")
Gavin Newsom tells Louisiana Attorney General to go fuck herself. > In response to Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s reported plans to sue California and New York for refusing to surrender abortion providers wanted for prosecution in the antiabortion state, California Gov. Gavin Newsom clapped back Thursday with an f-bomb. > > Posting on X, Newsom wrote, “Louisiana plans to sue me because I won’t extradite a doctor for providing an abortion. @AGLizMurrill: Go f— yourself. California will never help you criminalize healthcare.” (Newsom used the full expletive.) [https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/newsom-louisiana-21338647.php](https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/newsom-louisiana-21338647.php) ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1366 "2026-02-07T00:57:44Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > Gavin Newsom tells Louisiana Attorney General to go fuck herself. Generally i dont approve of that language being used in that venue, but in this case, i will make an exception. Good on you, Governor. ---
**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:** [February 7, 2026, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1367 "2026-02-07T01:10:46Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > Gavin Newsom tells Louisiana Attorney General to go fuck herself. The article is paywalled for me. Did the doctors perform abortions in California Louisiana residents who traveled there? Or did the abortions occur in Louisiana? I’m with Newsom either way, but I wonder WTF the AG was thinking if the doctor was doing something completely legal in the jurisdiction they were in. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1368 "2026-02-07T01:15:25Z")
They mailed the abortion drugs mifeprestone and misoprostol to patients in Louisiana. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1369 "2026-02-07T03:39:58Z")
> [@DWMarch](#): > > If they’re going to attack you no matter what you do, you might as well lean into it. That’s politics. Except in a few unusually pacific local elections, they do attack you no matter what you do. Look at the Democrats who win in Trumpy/swing constituencies. They do not lean into it. Democratic candidates only lean into it if they represent a state or district where winning the Democratic primary is tantamount to election. Re earlier discussion of whether Newsom stands for anything – my number one issue is representative democracy. It is hard to define, but I believe Newsom stands for it. If I was going to vote in the primary for who I like the best, his willingness to talk to those far on the other side is a sign of respect for democratic principles. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1370 "2026-02-14T00:24:21Z")
Newsom is still on the “Hey, wasn’t Reagan awesome?” platform. > **[Governor Newsom proclaims Ronald Reagan Day | Governor of California](https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/02/06/governor-newsom-proclaims-ronald-reagan-day/)** > > State of California ---
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1371 "2026-02-14T01:29:05Z")
I said Newsome stands for nothing because, in general, he has no core beliefs or principles. He’s another Aaron Burr, “unprincipled and dangerous” in the words of Hamilton. Slippery, duplicitous, two-faced, untrustworthy. ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1372 "2026-02-14T02:25:06Z")
I believe Newsom has core values, which are reflected by his actions as both mayor and governor. It’s his words that are a problem. Since he’s obviously interested in running for president, and has been for quite a while, he’s been trying to appeal to a wider group of voters than just California democrats. There are ways to do that without coming across as an opportunistic phony, but Newsom hasn’t figured out how. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1373 "2026-02-14T21:59:18Z")
> [@Johanna](#): > > I said Newsome stands for nothing because, in general, he has no core beliefs or principle psst- > [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > Gavin Newsom tells Louisiana Attorney General to go fuck herself. > [@DrDeth](#): > > Here are three more.- Higher minimum wages. 100% clean energy future .Expanding Medi-Cal for all low income residents. > [@Babale](#): > > - Building 3.5 million new homes in California > - Enshrining in California’s state constitution protections for rights that are threatened by Trump’s actions on the federal level, such as abortion access > - Making medicine more affordable for Californians, for example by capping the cost of insulin Your point was conclusively disproved a couple weeks ago or so. ---
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1374 "2026-02-14T22:29:07Z")
That isn’t all there is to it. He does all kinds of things all over the place. He’s not solid. He doesn’t cohere. Anybody who tries to be all things to all people isn’t trustworthy. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1375 "2026-02-14T22:35:55Z")
> [@Johanna](#): > > That isn’t all there is to it. He does all kinds of things all over the place. He’s not solid. He doesn’t cohere. Anybody who tries to be all things to all people isn’t trustworthy. > [@DrDeth](#): > > Your point was conclusively disproved a couple weeks ago or so. All Presidential candidates try to appeal to nearly everyone. That is how you win the election. Newsom doesnt appeal to the MAGA crowd at all, he never even tries. ---
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1376 "2026-02-14T22:42:24Z")
Trans people have seen a long succession of Slick Willies like Newsome come and go. We know from experience that we are always the first to be thrown under the bus. When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. To put your confidence in a shapeshifter: it’s a confidence scam, a long con. Don’t be suckered. ---
**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:** [February 14, 2026, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1377 "2026-02-14T22:43:14Z")
> [@Johanna](#): > > That isn’t all there is to it. He does all kinds of things all over the place. Like what? Specifically? > [@Johanna](#): > > He’s not solid He’s solidly in favor of a bunch of positions I support. Why should I not consider him “solid”? > [@Johanna](#): > > Anybody who tries to be all things to all people isn’t trustworthy. I don’t think he’s trying to be “all things to all people”, he’s solidly Liberal which as a Liberal is exactly what I like to see. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1378 "2026-02-14T22:46:44Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Newsom doesnt appeal to the MAGA crowd at all, he never even tries. > **[Gavin Newsom shocks LGBTQ allies with criticism of transgender athletes](https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/03/newsom-transgender-athletes/)** > > Newsom said it was "deeply unfair" for transgender athletes to participate in girls' sports, breaking years of advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. > **[Newsom retreats on anti-ICE messaging, disagrees with calls to abolish ICE |...](https://www.foxnews.com/video/6387821061112)** > > 'The Ben Shapiro Show' host Ben Shapiro discusses his conversation with California Gov. Gavin Newsom on his press office's reaction to the ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis. > **[Gov. Newsom finds surprising common ground with influential MAGA voices in...](https://abc7news.com/post/gov-gavin-newsom-finds-surprising-common-ground-influential-maga-voices-new-podcast/16013744/)** > > One standout moment in Wednesday's episode included when Steve Bannon agreed with Newsom about concerns about Elon Musk's growing power in the federal government. Bannon has called Musk a "parasitic illegal immigrant." ---
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1379 "2026-02-14T22:48:09Z")
Specifically, the things Smapti has kindly provided just above so I won’t need to (thanks, man). Respect yourselves - Pledge: No more Slick Willies. They always betray you. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036/1380 "2026-02-14T22:50:53Z")
> [@Johanna](#): > > Trans people have seen a long succession of Slick Willies like Newsome come and go. We know from experience that we are always the first to be thrown under the bus. > **[Governor Newsom Signs Legislation Supporting LGBTQ+ Californians | Governor...](https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/09/23/governor-newsom-signs-legislation-supporting-lgbtq-californians/)** > > SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed legislation strengthening protections and supports for LGBTQ+ Californians, including measures to better support vulnerable youth. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed legislation strengthening protections and supports for LGBTQ+ Californians, including measures to better support vulnerable youth… California is proud to have some of the most robust laws in the nation when it comes to protecting and supporting our LGBTQ+ community, and we’re committed to the ongoing work to create safer, more inclusive spaces for all Californians,” said **Governor Newsom**. “These measures will help protect vulnerable youth, promote acceptance, and create more supportive environments in our schools and communities. I thank Senator Eggman and the LGBTQ Caucus for their dedicated leadership and partnership in advancing our state’s values of equality, freedom and acceptance.” Newsom’s supposed lack of support comes from one comment on a Podcast- > **[Tracking Newsom’s Record on Pro-LGBTQ+ Laws Signed and Vetoed This Session |...](https://www.kqed.org/news/12060369/tracking-newsoms-record-on-pro-lgbtq-laws-signed-and-vetoed-this-session)** > > KQED tracked some noteworthy bills proposed by California’s LGBTQ+ advocates to see how Gov. Gavin Newsom’s approach might change this year. _"That’s given statements about transgender people on his podcast, [This is Gavin Newsom](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XJ6rQDRKGA), and a conversation with the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, in which Newsom called it “deeply unfair” to allow transgender athletes to participate in girls’ sports._ _But Evan Low, former assemblymember and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, a political PAC promoting LGBTQ+ progressives, says Newsom is still a staunch ally of the community, one who helped secure marriage equality in the state as well as civil rights protections for adoption, hospital visitation and the workplace."_ The article goes on to list TWELVE bills supporting LGBTQ+ that Newsom signed. Look at what politicians have actually DONE, not at offhand comments. Newsom’s _actions_ are solidly pro LGBTQ+ . As for ICE-Newsom signed legislation (SB 627) prohibiting federal and local law enforcement, including ICE, from wearing masks that hide their identity during enforcement actions. Also he has supported policies restricting state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration agents. ICE and Noem hate and despise Newsom do to his “Sanctuary cities” policies. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036.md?page=68) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontrunners-for-democratic-presidential-nomination-in-2028/1013036.md?page=70)