The Democrats Take a Bold Step Forward
A group of prominent Democratic strategists has started collaborating on a policy agenda aimed at shaping the platform for the 2028 presidential candidates. This initiative, known as Project 2029, is quite clearly a response to the Republican’s Project 2025, a substantial policy guide crafted by the National Heritage Foundation for their 2024 presidential hopeful.
Previously, Democratic leaders heavily scrutinized Project 2025, branding it as a far-right blueprint that posed a threat to the nation. Even though many associates of Donald Trump contributed to its development, Trump himself distanced his campaign from the document. Nevertheless, numerous aspects of Project 2025 have been enacted during the early stages of Trump’s second term in office. Russell T. Vought, a significant contributor to that project, now leads the Management and Budget office.
The architects behind Project 2029 aim to unite potential candidates around a coherent policy framework, especially as the 2028 Democratic nomination race gains momentum after the 2026 midterms. Leading this effort is Andrei Cherny, a former Democratic speechwriter and party figure, who expressed enthusiasm in a social media post likening the project to an “Avengers assembly.”
After a disappointing outcome in the 2024 elections, where the Democrats lost control of both the White House and the Senate, there’s been a push to revitalize the party. Polling from 2025 indicates that the Democratic brand has hit a new low. Jim Kessler, vice president of a center-left think tank, highlighted that there’s a strong appetite for newer candidates and innovative ideas in the wake of older, more established figures.
Kessler remarked that this initiative provides candidates with a chance to explore and refine fresh policy proposals, even if consensus may be elusive. As the advisory group comprises diverse ideological perspectives, it can serve as a testing ground for potential presidential candidates.
Veteran strategist James Kerrville also weighed in, noting a need for a greater variety of ideas within the party. He warned, however, that while this can lead to a richer dialogue, the challenge lies in shaping a unified message that goes beyond merely striving for power.
Overall, Project 2029 reflects ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly between establishment figures and progressive newcomers. This dynamic has perhaps been underscored by recent unexpected successes in local elections, highlighting a desire for change within the party’s ranks.
