Podcast Host Discusses Vance and Rubio’s Chances for 2028 Presidential Run
Ben Ferguson, a podcast host, has offered insights into the early Republican contenders for the 2028 presidential election, particularly focusing on Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He noted Vance’s recent media presence and his involvement in diplomacy concerning Iran, while also emphasizing Rubio’s increasing popularity among Republican voters.
AUSTIN, Texas — A panel of prominent White House reporters recently explored potential Republican candidates to follow President Donald Trump in the 2028 election, mentioning a diverse array of names.
Dasha Burns from Politico, Garrett Haake of NBC News, and Maggie Haberman from the New York Times participated in a discussion about covering the Trump presidency at the Texas Tribune Festival. While their conversation largely revolved around Trump’s current term, moderator Annah Aschbrenner brought the discussion to a close by asking how the competition might look in the upcoming election.
Haake proposed that there are four distinct paths within the Republican Party. He suggested that one path is for a Trump successor, probably JD Vance, unless Vance chooses not to run or faces disqualification, in which case Rubio could step in.
He then described another lane as the “I tried to help you, but you didn’t listen” path, epitomized by Ted Cruz, who might spend the next couple of years urging Trump’s allies to heed his advice. Next, he noted an explicitly anti-Trump lane, possibly featuring Chris Christie or other candidates like Don Bacon from Nebraska.
Haake also mentioned a “fourth wild card”: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which elicited surprise from the mainly liberal audience. Burns added former DNI Tulsi Gabbard to this fourth lane of candidates.
Haake speculated that if the MAGA coalition fractures by 2028, a movement dubbed “MAHA,” which represents the Make America Healthy Again initiative, could coalesce around RFK Jr., potentially seeing him as a figure more aligned with that demographic than Trump.
Haberman seemed to back Haake’s claim, suggesting that JD Vance would likely end up as the nominee if he decides to pursue it, albeit acknowledging that ongoing tensions related to Iran might complicate his position.
While not directly nominating him, Burns highlighted the significant influence of Donald Trump Jr. within the Republican Party, explaining that Vance’s vice presidency likely wouldn’t have occurred without Trump Jr.’s support.
Burns expressed that Trump Jr. is widely popular among MAGA supporters and shares a different dynamic than his father. Haberman agreed, stating that Trump Jr. connects more with conservative voters.
Burns reminisced about Trump Jr. introducing Donald Trump at campaign rallies—his presence often elicited strong applause, so much so that Trump would comment on it. She mentioned that Trump Jr. eventually stopped introducing him due to the attention he was receiving.
“In a scenario where Trump Jr. brings a significant portion of the coalition to JD Vance, it’s likely to be very beneficial for him,” Burns asserted. She also speculated that if the midterm elections turn out to be as challenging as many predict, it could significantly alter the dynamics leading to 2028.
Burns concluded by suggesting that many individuals from Trump’s cabinet, along with RFK Jr. and Gabbard, might consider a presidential run, pointing to figures like Secretary of War Pete Hegseth as possible contenders.
