Let's Daydream a Bit?

GCV's Top 5 Dem Contenders for 2028

Howdy,

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How’s everybody feeling? Phew. What a week! I got a new house and will be living outside of Dallas by the end of the year, inshallah!

I know a lot of people are bummed out about the election. There’s a lot of navel-gazing and hand-wringing. Understandable and necessary, no doubt. However, I’m not here for that. I’m writing about my political journey to becoming a Democrat, leaning independent—or a John McCain Republican.

I hereby declare that I will cease calling myself a Never Trump conservative. It’s confusing, and nobody gets it. John McCain Republican or Independent, for short.

However, before I do too much pining for halcyon days, let’s have a little fun, shall we? Let’s daydream about who could run in 2028 against. . who knows? The Dems have a deep bench of talent that has been told to shut up and color by the baby boomers. Please, dear G*d, get those old folks out of the way. Please, stop helping; you’ve done so much already.

Before we get into “rank punditry,” let’s get a few things straight. First, my opinions are my own. I’m not trying to convert you, I promise. I’m not of that tribe. Second, I have a long track record of backing losing candidates. The only candidate I backed the entire time and nearly got into the seat was John McCain. Third, I’m not a Democrat. I never have been, but I often vote for them. I’m that coveted swing voter everyone speaks of: the double-hater.

Let’s have a little fun and daydream about the future. It’s good for the soul and helps gird the loins for future conflict.

Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania

C’mon, you knew I was going to go with him, right? I firmly believe Vice President Kamala Harris erred in not choosing Governor Shapiro. Would it have made a difference? No. Luckily for Shapiro, he wasn’t selected! Now, he doesn’t have that stench of defeat.

It’s a long way until 2028. However, taking back Pennsylvania will be a top priority for Democrats. It all starts there. Shapiro remains popular. I also suspect being a governor and opposing Trump’s overreaches could help him, depending on how deftly he fights the incoming administration.

He has a chance. I like him primarily because he took a stand against anti-Semitic protests in Pennsylvania. I’m sure there’s tons not to like about him. However, I thought that took courage, which is in short supply.

Governor Wes Moore, Maryland

I like Wes Moore, though not his politics. He’s a tad too progressive for my liking. Nevertheless, he’s a very charismatic figure and an Afghan combat veteran. Due to his geographic proximity to DC, he will be in an exciting position to oppose Trump. Further, he had a good relationship with former Governor Larry Hogan, which could burnish his cross-over appeal.

I’ll be watching Wes Moore. I think he’s got a lane. He’s ambitious. He’s charismatic. However, he’s young, and it might be hard to outmaneuver others who’ve been at the trough longer.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Indiana

I’m not personally a Mayor Pete fan. I don’t know why. He’s just a bit too earnest. Nevertheless, I think he has political talent in spades. He’s excellent on the television, podcasts, or even in short snippets.

I watched most of this video, and it’s stellar. Mayor Pete is just remarkable one-on-one. He can go into Fox News and crush it like no other Democrat. I respect that skillset—and Democrats should, too.

But he’s gay.

Now, you may say that’s not a problem! We’re Democrats! However, support for LGBTQ+ rights is lowest among Black and Hispanic men. I couldn’t care less, obviously. Nevertheless, Democrats will have to win back Blacks and Hispanic men to Biden levels for any hope of victory in 2028.

Should be interesting.

Senator Tammy Duckworth, Illinois

Senator Tammy Duckworth is an American hero. Full stop. Period.

I rest my case.

Senator Raphael Warnock, Georgia

He had a reasonably strong DNC speech. It was a bit too long for my liking, but what do I know? Again, Senator Warnock is not my cup of tea. Nevertheless, he’s won two senate races in purple Georgia. Any road back to the White House likely goes through Georgia.

Harris lost Georgia for many reasons, but her losses among Black men didn’t help. Senator Warnock is a reverend (go team gentile!) of some sort but does have some personal baggage. Nevertheless, compared to the current occupant, he’s a choir boy.

Wild Cards

Senator John Fetterman, Pennsylvania

I know not everyone is a diehard Zionist. But I am. Senator Fetterman is a righteous gentile. I would campaign for this man in a New York minute. He would absolutely piss off the Far Left—and I’m here for it.

At first, I didn’t care for Senator Fetterman. I thought his whole gym shorts routine was a bit much. But then he had his stroke and still defeated Mehmet Oz (what a weirdo!) despite struggling in the debate. In essence, he did what President Biden couldn’t do. LOL. That makes me love him even more.

Dems need to know that the Jewish vote is not a lock anymore. While Jews make up only 2.4% of the population, we make up 2.4% of the vote in Pennsylvania, 8.5% of the vote in New York, 6.26% of the vote in New Jersey, and 3.3% of the vote in Florida. Moreover, supporting Israel remains broadly popular, especially among evangelical Christians.

It’s all the more reason why these headlines should trouble Democrats, considering Jews are some of their biggest donors.

Brilliant analysis here at Tablet.

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