The landscape of the Democratic Party seems to resemble a sprawling, endless wilderness these days. Each day, it feels as though the situation grows increasingly dire. With the presidential election more than three years away, one might think the party would be frantically scouting for fresh talent or innovative ideas to steer it out of the thicket of confusion it’s currently ensnared in. Instead, the Washington Post has taken it upon itself to showcase its idea of the “best” candidates to potentially take on Donald Trump in 2028. Talk about a puzzling pick on their part!
The refreshing first choice on this illustrious list? Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman. Sure, he’s gained national attention with his unique attire—think sweatshirts over formal wear—and his memorable bout with health issues. Let’s be honest, nothing screams “future presidential potential” quite like a guy who loves to rock basketball shorts at high-profile events. It was just recently that he made headlines for channeling his inner Donald Trump during inauguration-related ceremonies. Who would’ve imagined that in just over five years, we could find ourselves swearing in a President Fetterman? The possibilities might be amusing, but they certainly don’t do much to instill confidence in anyone looking for serious leadership.
Next up is Kamala Harris, the former vice president who has somehow managed to cultivate a reputation as the least liked politician in her party. Her various missteps while in office could fill a book, and her ongoing attempts to connect with the American public have spectacularly backfired. As if that weren’t enough, her quirky storytelling charm has been a topic of controversies, especially when it was revealed that some anecdotes weren’t even her own! Surely, this is the woman the Democrats have in mind to inspire voters. If only the party could provide her with a personality transplant, who knows how well she could manipulate the situation to her advantage.
Meanwhile, Pete Buttigieg—fondly known as “Mayor Pete”—holds a distinguished spot on the list too. While he does bring his own historic credentials as the first openly gay cabinet secretary, his tenure has certainly lacked substance when it counts most. His famed bike rides with a police motorcade have become somewhat of a comedic highlight. Who could forget when he hopped on his bike for a photo-op while ignoring pressing crises around the country? One can only wonder if he spends more time on that bike than focusing on the issues at hand.
The list continues with figures like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Shapiro is regarded as a new voice, a glimmer of hope that mirrors past Democratic icons. Meanwhile, Whitmer, who charmingly attempted to cozy up to constituents over a pint of beer, left many unimpressed by her half-hearted attempts to connect. Dissatisfaction with her leadership is palpable in Michigan, proving that mere appearances and showmanship do not substitute for genuine effectiveness. The common consensus appears to be that these politicians are just “okay”—not exactly what voters are looking for when the stakes are high.
Furthermore, the Democratic party itself is floundering in the polls. A recent study reveals that a significant number of Americans feel disconnected from their ideals and policies, causing many to question the party’s direction. The Washington Post’s current strategy seems to revolve around dusting off old faces, believing they can light a spark of excitement while the reality is, the party looks more like a collection of tired jokes. As the country looks ahead towards 2028, one thing remains crystal clear: the Democrats need a miracle—or at least a new game plan—if they ever wish to emerge from this political wilderness.
