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Dozens of Democrats eyeing 2028 presidential run, says former Obama aide

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In short

Prospective Democratic candidates are preparing to launch exploratory committees as soon as after Thanksgiving, though fundraising demands will inevitably thin the crowded field. Jim Messina explained that the party achieved midterm success by zeroing in on the economic impacts of tariffs, which flipped seats in traditionally conservative states like Iowa, Kansas, and Texas. However, he emphasized that the election was not an explicit endorsement of Democrats, calling Donald Trump the party's true "MVP." As the next race approaches, contenders will have to decide whether to focus their campaigns on Trump or present forward-looking agendas centered on artificial intelligence and economic vis…

Key points

  • Democrats must resolve growing legislative friction between their centrist and progressiv…: Democrats must resolve growing legislative friction between their centrist and progressive wings ahead of the next presidential race.
  • High costs and intense fundraising pressures will likely force a rapid contraction of the…: High costs and intense fundraising pressures will likely force a rapid contraction of the currently oversized candidate field.
  • Future nominees must determine whether to spend their daily campaign focus attacking Dona…: Future nominees must determine whether to spend their daily campaign focus attacking Donald Trump or outlining future-oriented economic policies.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

- Published

More than two dozen Democrats are eyeing runs for the White House in 2028, following their party's success in the US midterm elections this week, according to the man behind Barack Obama's successful re-election bid.

Jim Messina, who led Obama's 2012 campaign, said that since Democrats saw major victories in congressional races as well as state elections, he's spoken to "over two dozen campaigns" that are actively considering running in 2028 and have begun the financing process and hiring staff.

"I think you're going to start having Democrats announce exploratory committees next week or the next couple of weeks, probably after Thanksgiving", Messina told the BBC's Americast podcast.

He said he already knows someone relocating to work on a governor's presidential campaign.

He also predicted that the number could shrink as candidates faced pressure to raise large sums needed for the primary contests that will decide the party's nominee.

Messina gave some insight into the conversations he's had, saying: "When I sit down with candidates or their campaigns, I say to them, 'Tell me your economic vision for…

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