Allies of Biden Start Gearing Up for the 2028 Presidential Race

In Holland, Michigan, an event to garner support for President Joe Biden, featuring California Gov. Gavin Newsom, resembled more a Newsom campaign rally.

In response to questions on minimum wage policy, Newsom cited his experience in California before endorsing Biden's labor record. His comments emphasized the importance of keeping worker interests and wages central to policy discussions.

The event underlined the delicate balancing act ambitious Democrats are undertaking amidst Biden's political crisis. Regardless of the outcome of the current presidential race, the spotlight is inevitably turning to the party's next potential contenders.

Many of Biden's supporters, likely to pursue 2028 presidential nominations, are cautiously aligning themselves as potential candidates. These include Newsom, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Vice President Kamala Harris. Attempting to support Biden's reelection, they are also subtly introducing themselves as competent candidates for 2028, given the fallout from Biden's poor debate performance.

Despite Biden's assurance of staying in the race, there are growing questions about whether these potential candidates could stand in and lead, challenging them to walk the tightrope between backing Biden and offering voters an alternative option.

This situation has prompted analysis from donors and consultants regarding potential candidates who could swiftly begin a national presidential campaign before the Democratic National Convention in August. While VP Harris is often the focus for now, other potential nominees for the Democratic party could emerge, as alluded to by Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), a staunch Biden supporter.

As one anonymous Illinois political observer voiced, eyewitnesses are watchful of candidates who might take on the baton from Biden, emphasizing that anyone aspiring to succeed Biden will need his supporters.

At a recent Las Vegas event, VP Harris strongly expressed confidence in Biden's fighting spirit. Her team has consistently rejected any suggestion of Harris stepping in as an alternative candidate.

Pritzker, the billionaire heir to the Hyatt Hotel empire, shows promise as a swift switch to a national campaign could be possible due to his ability to self-finance. His political ambitions are backed by a skilled team.

A video casually depicting Pritzker's accomplishments as governor, released on the debate day, aimed to further raise his profile.

In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is grabbing national attention with a timely book tour. Despite her popularity, she denies any intention to replace Biden as the candidate.

Whitmer has been criticized privately for her luke-warm support of Biden compared to other governors. She sparked further controversy with recent suggestions that Biden should undertake a cognitive exam.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who polls higher than Biden, Newsom, and Whitmer, represents another strong contender. Residing in Michigan and having traveled to almost every state for Biden's infrastructure law, Buttigieg expects to visit battleground states like Pennsylvania on the administration's behalf.

Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina, a top Biden supporter, is also gaining attention as a potential 2028 contender, with some speculating that he could be a vice presidential pick.

Lastly, at the Michigan event, Newsom made no attempt to deny rumors of his potential 2028 run when questioned by a member of the crowd.

As the tension builds around the Democratic Party's presidential race, candidates are making their marks in different ways. While this 'soft campaigning' isn't unusual, the spotlight on potential 2028 candidates has intensified given President Biden's ongoing political struggle.

Newsom, the charismatic governor of California, is utilizing his platform to share his successful policy implementations, implicitly presenting himself as a viable candidate for future elections. However, his commitment to supporting Biden, like most other potential successors, remains unwavered publicly.

In Illinois, Pritzker is fortifying his political profile by highlighting his transformative efforts as governor. His wealth and the ability to self-fund a campaign add an edge to his candidacy. His strategized media appearances, like the video released on debate day, are carefully crafted to boost his image among Democrats nationwide.

Across state lines, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is making the most of her book tour, gaining national attention while keeping her focus on local governance. Despite the enthusiasm around her potential run, she has insisted on backing the current president and vice president.

Vice President Kamala Harris, another powerful contender, has consistently been the sidekick to Biden, solidifying her position within the administration. However, her widespread backing and strong public persona indicate her capability to handle a more leadership-focused role.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Governor Roy Cooper emerge as other notable players. Buttigieg's national tours under the Biden administration and Cooper's performance as a Biden surrogate have put them on the radar as possible 2028 contenders.

That said, the political landscape remains fluid. All potential candidates must navigate the fine line between supporting the current leadership and cultivating their individual political identities. With President Biden's future political trajectory uncertain, these Democrats will continue to draw attention as the race towards 2028 subtly gears up.

Potential political future aside, at present, all candidates pledged their support to the current administration. As echoed by an anonymous political observer, they're conscious not to seem as pushing grandpa out of his seat, as they might need his base in the run-up to the next election.

Finally, while Newsom's laughter in response to a question regarding his potential 2028 candidacy left the question wide open, it tacitly confirmed what most Democrats might have already known: The race for 2028 has retrospectively begun.

Anna Muller for TROIB News