Kamal Harris and the 2028 Democratic Nomination
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith shared his views with podcaster Megyn Kelly, suggesting that Democrats might face challenges if Kamala Harris is not their nominee for the 2028 election.
Following former President Joe Biden’s announcement not to seek re-election in July 2024, Harris, who previously lost to Donald Trump, emerged as a likely contender for the Democratic nomination. Smith believes she could secure the primary spot for reasons similar to why she was given the nod in 2024.
He remarked, “Essentially, by default, Kamala Harris could be at the top. But that could be a mistake. Think about it; she had two opportunities in 2020 during the Iowa caucuses. Even with $1.5 billion spent in the last election cycle, the party couldn’t manage to win, despite the expectations to improve on Biden’s record.” It’s concerning how the Democrats might rally behind her again, especially when her book mentions possible alternatives like Josh Shapiro or Gavin Newsom—there’s uncertainty there.”
Smith continued, noting that if Democrats fail to nominate Harris, they may find themselves in a tricky spot. He pointed out, “Initially, they wanted to avoid any implications of neglecting Black women, crucial to Democratic success. A significant faction of the party felt there was no choice but to support her as the sitting vice president. If others, like Shapiro, are chosen over her, it could backfire dramatically.”
Though there has been speculation about Harris considering a gubernatorial run in California, she recently stated she won’t run for that position in 2025.
Smith added, “It’s hard to overlook the importance of Black women in politics, especially with a candidate like Josh Shapiro—who isn’t a Black woman—running. With the primaries approaching, if she’s sidelined and loses to someone like Gavin Newsom—a white, heterosexual male—they may face accusations of abandoning her.”
Other names in the mix for the Democratic nomination include former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Governors Gavin Newsom of California and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan.
