2028: A Critical Year for Democrats
While 2028 might seem far off for most Americans, for Democrats seeking new leadership, it feels like it’s just around the corner. In recent months, several potential candidates have been quietly raising their profiles. Governors such as Andy Beshear and Gavin Newsom have emphasized the importance of the working class during their recent visits to South Carolina. Newsom, in particular, has engaged voters through conservative podcasts and YouTube appearances, with former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg not far behind. This list is expanding to include other energetic governors like Wes Moore, J.B. Pritzker, and Josh Shapiro.
However, amidst these promising developments, some ironic voices remain. Take Rahm Emanuel, former U.S. ambassador to Japan, who recently spoke with Dana Bash of CNN. He urged Democrats to concentrate on issues like the economy, housing, and affordability, while denouncing what he called “elitists” and lamenting the party’s declining appeal. Interestingly, he claimed that Democrats are now less popular than Elon Musk.
But here’s the irony: Rahm himself represents the establishment he criticizes, and younger voters, especially those under 40, aren’t easily swayed. His history in the Clinton and Obama administrations is well-known to many, shaping the Democratic identity for our generation.
Rahm Emanuel stated that his party is now “less popular than Elon Musk.”
Moreover, the Democratic Party should recognize that its most steadfast base, Black voters, still feels the impact of Rahm’s Chicago legacy. The tragic case of Laquan McDonald, who was shot by a police officer in 2014, remains a significant point of contention. When speaking to Chicago residents about Rahm’s record, can they see him as a voice calling for genuine change? His critique of elitism sometimes feels more like gaslighting and a reinvention of his image.
This trend isn’t limited to just Rahm. Recently, former President Barack Obama encouraged Democrats to embrace a renewed approach, echoing the spirit he advocated during his presidency—“When they go low, we go high,” as Michelle Obama would say. Yet, many have been urging the party to fortify its message amidst a growing focus on identity politics over the years.
Indeed, while we value inclusivity, there are pressing issues at hand—soaring rents, crushing student debt, and escalating healthcare costs. The rhetoric of values can ring hollow when people struggle to afford basic necessities like groceries and gas. It feels like the party has shifted from helping Americans thrive to simply teaching them how to survive.
Rahm Emanuel expressed interest in the potential 2028 White House run, confidently stating, “I have something I think I can offer.” Recent polls indicate a significant drop in Democratic satisfaction among voters aged 18-34, with calls for affordable living and genuine economic opportunities growing louder. Yet, a small circle of insiders seems to remain in control, treating voters as characters in a pre-written narrative. It’s exhausting to watch each year as affordable living slips away while the same leaders continue to emerge from that inner circle.
As a young Black woman, I represent a demographic that the party must either maintain or win over. I admit, I played my part in the game, canvassing for Obama’s first campaign, although I wasn’t old enough to vote then. By the time his second campaign rolled around, the choice was abundantly clear.
In 2015, I proudly proclaimed, “I’m with her.” When 2020 arrived, being a Black woman from the South, I felt Joe Biden was the only viable path for Democrats. Everyone knew he was waiting for his turn, and it seemed like the right moment. But all those expectations and signals from party elders add to the problem.
With the 2028 election on the horizon, Democrats have a unique opportunity to rebuild trust. For many, this will be the first presidential race devoid of an obvious heir. There are no designated favorites, just an open field and voters demanding accountability. It’s time for candidates to openly own their past decisions and provide tangible solutions for housing, healthcare, education, and economic equity. Revisionist histories and empty critiques will not suffice any longer. Some of these individuals have contributed to the very issues we face today. We ought to be wary of the language they use when discussing potential changes.
