{"id":1195,"date":"2026-06-01T12:07:03","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T12:07:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sterlingcooper.info\/blog\/?p=1195"},"modified":"2026-06-01T12:07:03","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T12:07:03","slug":"morons-losers-and-weirdos-crowd-the-democratic-contenders-for-president-do-we-want-any-of-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sterlingcooper.info\/blog\/morons-losers-and-weirdos-crowd-the-democratic-contenders-for-president-do-we-want-any-of-them\/","title":{"rendered":"MORONS, LOSERS AND WEIRDOS CROWD THE DEMOCRATIC CONTENDERS FOR PRESIDENT&#8230;DO WE WANT ANY OF THEM ?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"grid-full-inner-standard\">\n<header class=\"wpds-c-fGHEql\" data-qa=\"main-full\">\n<div id=\"default-topper\" class=\"wpds-c-hxwzRc wpds-c-hxwzRc-ieZkKsh-css\" data-testid=\"default-topper\">\n<div id=\"topper-text-elems\" class=\"wpds-c-kebnqj wpds-c-kebnqj-ijHGZjv-css\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-cBzrLX wpds-c-cBzrLX-cmVlgk-isCenterNS-false wpds-c-cBzrLX-iyHTpF-useUATStyles-true wpds-c-cBzrLX-ieuxqEo-css\" data-testid=\"article-topper\">\n<h1 id=\"main-content\" class=\"wpds-c-dXnrMy wpds-c-dXnrMy-dHdMuz-isOnSplitTopper-false wpds-c-dXnrMy-iPJLV-css\" data-qa=\"headline\" data-testid=\"headline\">Democratic presidential field?<\/h1>\n<p class=\"wpds-c-ckOSsQ wpds-c-ckOSsQ-iPJLV-css\" data-qa=\"subheadline\" data-testid=\"subheadline\">No candidate has jumped in, but governors, senators and former contenders are already shaping the race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"topper-lede-art\" class=\"wpds-c-iseLPC wpds-c-iseLPC-icGSbyN-css\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-klfsiG wpds-c-klfsiG-igITFUq-css overrideStyles\" data-testid=\"lede-art\">\n<figure class=\"wpds-c-ehwVbV\" data-testid=\"lede-image\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-hQNCQc\"><img class=\"wpds-c-fCbEVg wpds-c-fCbEVg-iPJLV-css\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 400px,(max-width: 768px) 691px,(max-width: 1023px) 916px,(max-width: 1199px) 1200px,(min-width: 1200px) 1440px,440px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com\/wapo\/LO5B3A3JEZBAHNIK5DK55ONGE4.jpg&amp;w=440 400w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com\/wapo\/LO5B3A3JEZBAHNIK5DK55ONGE4.jpg&amp;w=540 540w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com\/wapo\/LO5B3A3JEZBAHNIK5DK55ONGE4.jpg&amp;w=691 691w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com\/wapo\/LO5B3A3JEZBAHNIK5DK55ONGE4.jpg&amp;w=767 767w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com\/wapo\/LO5B3A3JEZBAHNIK5DK55ONGE4.jpg&amp;w=916 916w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com\/wapo\/LO5B3A3JEZBAHNIK5DK55ONGE4.jpg&amp;w=1200 1200w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com\/wapo\/LO5B3A3JEZBAHNIK5DK55ONGE4.jpg&amp;w=1440&amp;impolicy=high_res 1440w\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"675\" \/><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Democrats&#8217; 2028 field is sprawling and unsettled. (The Washington Post)<\/p><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<article class=\"grid-article mb-xxl-ns\" data-qa=\"main\">\n<div class=\"grid-body\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-ffLlrl wpds-c-ffLlrl-WxNPu-isVisible-true wpds-c-ffLlrl-iPJLV-css\" data-testid=\"byline-container\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-kkHkJQ\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-cNdzuP wpds-c-cNdzuP-hSmMVC-isLive-false wpds-c-cNdzuP-igKRIQW-css\" data-qa=\"author-byline\" data-testid=\"article-byline\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV wpds-c-PJLV-kxYKtF-isLive-false wpds-c-PJLV-iPJLV-css overrideStyles\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV wpds-c-PJLV-UazGY-isMultiple-false\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-cEPQfw\" data-testid=\"author-avatar\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-iMISAP\" data-testid=\"author-avatar\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-dhzjXW\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-byuVAJ wpds-c-byuVAJ-iPJLV-css\" data-testid=\"author-name-with-optional-link\"><span class=\"PJLV\" data-testid=\"byline-attribution\">Analysis by <\/span><a class=\"wpds-c-PJLV wpds-c-PJLV-ktcktv-isLink-true overrideStyles js-itid-click\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/people\/amber-phillips\/\" rel=\"author\">Amber Phillips<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"meteredContent grid-center\">\n<div class=\"teaser-content\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-text\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<p class=\"wpds-c-heFNVF wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css overrideStyles font-copy\" dir=\"null\" data-apitype=\"text\" data-contentid=\"M6ALZUEEQ5AELF6IZIPR4M5OEI\" data-el=\"text\" data-scroll-pos=\"0\" data-scroll-measured=\"true\">The 2028 Democratic presidential primary has no candidates, no front-runner and no obvious lane.<\/p>\n<div id=\"primis_trigger\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-text\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<p class=\"wpds-c-heFNVF wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css overrideStyles font-copy\" dir=\"null\" data-apitype=\"text\" data-contentid=\"3WFO24LFJNBTHM3O7KRBBM3YVQ\" data-el=\"text\" data-scroll-pos=\"1\" data-scroll-measured=\"true\">That hasn\u2019t stopped the shadow campaign from beginning.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-subscribe-cta\" data-qa=\"article-body\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-text\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<p class=\"wpds-c-heFNVF wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css overrideStyles font-copy\" dir=\"null\" data-apitype=\"text\" data-contentid=\"XRKPS6547FH6JGB34A4JOZE2FY\" data-el=\"text\" data-scroll-pos=\"2\" data-scroll-measured=\"true\">There is a sprawling, unsettled field that include former presidential candidates, governors, senators, House members and celebrities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-text\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<p class=\"wpds-c-heFNVF wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css overrideStyles font-copy\" dir=\"null\" data-apitype=\"text\" data-contentid=\"DZFUNUNAEFF5RPCJVEIH3S6MOE\" data-el=\"text\" data-scroll-pos=\"3\" data-scroll-measured=\"true\">\u201cThere is a good amount of talent and interesting candidates out there right now,\u201d said one top Democratic strategist, granted anonymity to speak freely about party leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-text\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<p class=\"wpds-c-heFNVF wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css overrideStyles font-copy\" dir=\"null\" data-apitype=\"text\" data-contentid=\"IH6XTEIRYVBBPAC2LJYSKKNNDY\" data-el=\"text\" data-scroll-pos=\"4\" data-scroll-measured=\"true\">Here\u2019s how the field is shaping up. (This is our <a class=\"js-itid-click\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/politics\/2026\/02\/26\/2028-democratic-presidential-candidates-newsom-shapiro-harris-kelly-aoc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">third ranking<\/a> so far. Our most recent ranking of <a class=\"js-itid-click\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/politics\/2026\/02\/27\/2028-republican-presidential-candidates-trump-vance-rubio-gop\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">potential Republican candidates is here<\/a>.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV wpds-c-PJLV-bHCGeL-isStandardLayoutAd-true article-body type-inline-ad subtype-desktop preceding-anchor\" data-qa=\"article-body\" data-target-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"cb w-100 dn db-ns\" data-qa=\"article-body-ad\" data-testid=\"article-body-ad-desktop\" data-slotid=\"enterprise\"><iframe id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/701\/desktop_web\/article\/incontent_1_1\" width=\"0\" height=\"0\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV wpds-c-PJLV-bHCGeL-isStandardLayoutAd-true article-body type-inline-ad subtype-mobile\" data-qa=\"article-body\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-header\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<h2 id=\"KNDTPTCX7JGPNBJFD7VETEJLBY\" class=\"wpds-c-XIGbK wpds-c-XIGbK-iivLrAs-css headingStyleOverrides\" data-apitype=\"header\" data-contentid=\"KNDTPTCX7JGPNBJFD7VETEJLBY\" data-testid=\"article-header\" data-scroll-pos=\"5\" data-scroll-measured=\"true\">The standouts<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-image subtype-StaffPhoto\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-klfsiG\">\n<figure class=\"wpds-c-oragq wpds-c-oragq-iPJLV-css\" data-testid=\"article-image\">\n<div id=\"NWNUDNTO4BMNONEUADT6GVIUOQ\" class=\"wpds-c-hQNCQc wpds-c-hQNCQc-dvUqIX-hasCaption-true\"><img class=\"wpds-c-fCbEVg wpds-c-fCbEVg-iioKctP-css\" sizes=\"(max-width: 440px) 440px,(max-width: 768px) 691px,(max-width: 1023px) 916px,(max-width: 1199px) 1200px,(min-width: 1200px) 1440px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/NWNUDNTO4BMNONEUADT6GVIUOQ_size-normalized.jpg&amp;w=440 400w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/NWNUDNTO4BMNONEUADT6GVIUOQ_size-normalized.jpg&amp;w=540 540w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/NWNUDNTO4BMNONEUADT6GVIUOQ_size-normalized.jpg&amp;w=691 691w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/NWNUDNTO4BMNONEUADT6GVIUOQ_size-normalized.jpg&amp;w=767 767w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/NWNUDNTO4BMNONEUADT6GVIUOQ_size-normalized.jpg&amp;w=916 916w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/NWNUDNTO4BMNONEUADT6GVIUOQ_size-normalized.jpg&amp;w=1023 1023w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/NWNUDNTO4BMNONEUADT6GVIUOQ_size-normalized.jpg&amp;w=1200 1200w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/NWNUDNTO4BMNONEUADT6GVIUOQ_size-normalized.jpg&amp;w=1440&amp;impolicy=high_res 1440w\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/div><figcaption class=\"wpds-c-eIdkKJ wpds-c-eIdkKJ-iPJLV-css\">Sen. Mark Kelly&#8217;s (D-Arizona) stock is rising, this early out. (Marvin Joseph\/The Washington Post)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-text\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<p class=\"wpds-c-heFNVF wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css overrideStyles font-copy\" dir=\"null\" data-apitype=\"text\" data-contentid=\"DACMKQKBGVHMNA7VYKC4OQFNL4\" data-el=\"text\" data-scroll-pos=\"6\" data-scroll-measured=\"true\"><b>Mark Kelly: <\/b>The Arizona senator said he\u2019d \u201cseriously consider\u201d running for president earlier this year after a judge blocked the Trump administration from punishing him over a video reminding service members they do not have to obey illegal orders. Kelly is a former astronaut (at a time when astronauts are cool again) and an astronomical fundraiser from a swing state whose wife, former congresswoman Gabby Giffords, was severely injured in a shooting more than a decade ago.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-text\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<p class=\"wpds-c-heFNVF wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css overrideStyles font-copy\" dir=\"null\" data-apitype=\"text\" data-contentid=\"3LB22CZSI5BXZH65MCJB3B65JU\" data-el=\"text\" data-scroll-pos=\"7\" data-scroll-measured=\"true\">He has yet to be tested on the national stage; Vice President Kamala Harris considered Kelly for her running mate but didn\u2019t ultimately choose him. \u201cWe\u2019re in some seriously challenging times,\u201d he <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/cy9gdvl4zv4o\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">told the BBC<\/a> earlier this year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV wpds-c-PJLV-bHCGeL-isStandardLayoutAd-true article-body type-inline-ad subtype-desktop preceding-anchor\" data-qa=\"article-body\" data-target-index=\"3\">\n<div class=\"cb w-100 dn db-ns\" data-qa=\"article-body-ad\" data-testid=\"article-body-ad-desktop\" data-slotid=\"enterprise_2\"><iframe id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/701\/desktop_web\/article\/incontent_2_1\" width=\"0\" height=\"0\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV wpds-c-PJLV-bHCGeL-isStandardLayoutAd-true article-body type-inline-ad subtype-mobile\" data-qa=\"article-body\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-text\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<p class=\"wpds-c-heFNVF wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css overrideStyles font-copy\" dir=\"null\" data-apitype=\"text\" data-contentid=\"C6WJC6TE5RFLHEFRPRZXPXMPAQ\" data-el=\"text\" data-scroll-pos=\"8\" data-scroll-measured=\"true\"><b>Gavin Newsom:<\/b> California\u2019s Democratic governor is constantly online mocking President Donald Trump and has had some wins against the president too. He <a class=\"js-itid-click\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/politics\/2025\/10\/30\/newsom-trump-redistricting-california-election\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">led a successful push<\/a> to redraw California\u2019s congressional map to counter Republicans\u2019 redistricting effort.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-text\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<p class=\"wpds-c-heFNVF wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css overrideStyles font-copy\" dir=\"null\" data-apitype=\"text\" data-contentid=\"WOHY2KX6YBF37J5Y24DDN2MBA4\" data-el=\"text\" data-scroll-pos=\"9\" data-scroll-measured=\"true\">He has a new book out and said he hopes to reshape his brand from a slick, liberal governor and cast himself as more of an everyday man. \u201cI\u2019ve become a caricature of myself and contributed to it,\u201d he told the Atlantic earlier this year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-text\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<p class=\"wpds-c-heFNVF wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css overrideStyles font-copy\" dir=\"null\" data-apitype=\"text\" data-contentid=\"TD6TF54A6BF4PJCP2OCH7R4DF4\" data-el=\"text\" data-scroll-pos=\"10\" data-scroll-measured=\"true\"><b>Josh Shapiro<\/b>: The popular Pennsylvania governor is lesser known nationally but could have a big year. He\u2019s up for re-election and is trying to help Democrats take back control of the House by <a class=\"js-itid-click\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/politics\/2026\/05\/22\/why-2026-will-be-critical-josh-shapiros-2028\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">helping his party win <\/a>four of the most competitive races in the nation, which are in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-text\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<p class=\"wpds-c-heFNVF wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css overrideStyles font-copy\" dir=\"null\" data-apitype=\"text\" data-contentid=\"T3UAZEE6OZGWLC5D4TBKA3BTHA\" data-el=\"text\" data-scroll-pos=\"11\" data-scroll-measured=\"true\">&#8220;I think the best way to begin to climb out of this,&#8221; he <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/live\/?ref=watch_permalink&amp;v=1869877547058290\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">said<\/a> after the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act, &#8220;is by changing the makeup of the Congress, ultimately then changing the makeup of who occupies the White House and beginning to pass some laws that actually respect all Americans instead of trying to tear down certain ones.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV wpds-c-PJLV-bHCGeL-isStandardLayoutAd-true article-body type-inline-ad subtype-mobile\" data-qa=\"article-body\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-text\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<p class=\"wpds-c-heFNVF wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css overrideStyles font-copy\" dir=\"null\" data-apitype=\"text\" data-contentid=\"OVO3H3BZURBPJE477YBGTX5V3I\" data-el=\"text\" data-scroll-pos=\"12\" data-scroll-measured=\"true\">Shapiro champions liberal causes and is on board with making the midterms about Trump. He also sometimes criticizes the most liberal wing of the party, especially on issues relating to Israel. (Shapiro is Jewish and <a class=\"js-itid-click\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/politics\/2026\/01\/19\/shapiro-memoir-2028-harris-trump\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">talks extensively<\/a> about his faith.) Utah\u2019s conservative, Republican governor <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2025\/12\/10\/politics\/video\/dana-bash-governor-josh-shapiro-spencer-cox-political-violence-national-cathedral\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">said<\/a> Shapiro would make a good president.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV wpds-c-PJLV-bHCGeL-isStandardLayoutAd-true article-body type-inline-ad subtype-desktop preceding-anchor\" data-qa=\"article-body\" data-target-index=\"5\">\n<div class=\"cb w-100 dn db-ns\" data-qa=\"article-body-ad\" data-testid=\"article-body-ad-desktop\" data-slotid=\"enterprise_3\"><iframe id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/701\/desktop_web\/article\/incontent_3_1\" width=\"0\" height=\"0\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-header\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<h2 id=\"HU46HGBCCJAI5BGEDBLEV6GG6Y\" class=\"wpds-c-XIGbK wpds-c-XIGbK-iivLrAs-css headingStyleOverrides\" data-apitype=\"header\" data-contentid=\"HU46HGBCCJAI5BGEDBLEV6GG6Y\" data-testid=\"article-header\" data-scroll-pos=\"13\" data-scroll-measured=\"true\">The middle of the pack<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-image subtype-WireImage\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-klfsiG\">\n<figure class=\"wpds-c-oragq wpds-c-oragq-iPJLV-css\" data-testid=\"article-image\">\n<div id=\"THNOJCAKHFURVPYOBNEMZD5PRM\" class=\"wpds-c-hQNCQc wpds-c-hQNCQc-dvUqIX-hasCaption-true\"><img class=\"wpds-c-fCbEVg wpds-c-fCbEVg-iioKctP-css\" sizes=\"(max-width: 440px) 440px,(max-width: 768px) 691px,(max-width: 1023px) 916px,(max-width: 1199px) 1200px,(min-width: 1200px) 1440px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/THNOJCAKHFURVPYOBNEMZD5PRM_size-normalized.jpg&amp;w=440 400w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/THNOJCAKHFURVPYOBNEMZD5PRM_size-normalized.jpg&amp;w=540 540w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/THNOJCAKHFURVPYOBNEMZD5PRM_size-normalized.jpg&amp;w=691 691w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/THNOJCAKHFURVPYOBNEMZD5PRM_size-normalized.jpg&amp;w=767 767w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/THNOJCAKHFURVPYOBNEMZD5PRM_size-normalized.jpg&amp;w=916 916w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/THNOJCAKHFURVPYOBNEMZD5PRM_size-normalized.jpg&amp;w=1023 1023w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/THNOJCAKHFURVPYOBNEMZD5PRM_size-normalized.jpg&amp;w=1200 1200w,https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-apps\/imrs.php?src=https:\/\/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/THNOJCAKHFURVPYOBNEMZD5PRM_size-normalized.jpg&amp;w=1440&amp;impolicy=high_res 1440w\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/div><figcaption class=\"wpds-c-eIdkKJ wpds-c-eIdkKJ-iPJLV-css\">Audience members watch the Rev. Al Sharpton talk with Kamala Harris in April. (Spencer Platt\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-text\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<p class=\"wpds-c-heFNVF wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css overrideStyles font-copy\" dir=\"null\" data-apitype=\"text\" data-contentid=\"6FL6LPQ47BEO3P2PLGILSFZN5E\" data-el=\"text\" data-scroll-pos=\"14\" data-scroll-measured=\"true\"><b>Kamala Harris:<\/b> The former vice president and presidential nominee has kept on the road with a <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/KamalaHarris\/status\/1998773651634626967?s=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">book tour <\/a>about her shot-out-of-a-cannon presidential campaign and was warmly received at <a class=\"js-itid-click\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/politics\/2026\/04\/11\/early-audition-2028-hopefuls-focuses-civil-rights-issues\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">an event this spring<\/a> in New York City hosted by the Rev. Al Sharpton, to cheers of \u201cRun again!\u201d An <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/politics\/2026-election\/poll-primary-voters-prize-ideology-electability-parties-get-low-marks-rcna262046\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NBC poll<\/a> in February found Harris as the most well-liked among potential 2028 contenders, and she\u2019s known as a good debater. But Democratic insiders don\u2019t see her as a viable candidate, given she lost to Trump.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV wpds-c-PJLV-bHCGeL-isStandardLayoutAd-true article-body type-inline-ad subtype-mobile\" data-qa=\"article-body\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-text\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<p class=\"wpds-c-heFNVF wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css overrideStyles font-copy\" dir=\"null\" data-apitype=\"text\" data-contentid=\"R4DLRDAVTBDPZISRZ3FGI22GXE\" data-el=\"text\" data-scroll-pos=\"15\" data-scroll-measured=\"true\"><b>Pete Buttigieg:<\/b> President Joe Biden\u2019s transportation secretary is naturally talented: He\u2019s frequently cited by Democrats as one of the party\u2019s best messengers, a veteran and at 44 is one of the youngest potential candidates. But he hasn\u2019t held office in years and thus doesn\u2019t have a natural platform to communicate with voters. At Sharpton\u2019s gathering this spring, Buttigieg accused the Trump administration of a \u201cseek and destroy\u201d effort to harm disadvantaged communities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV wpds-c-PJLV-bHCGeL-isStandardLayoutAd-true article-body type-inline-ad subtype-desktop preceding-anchor\" data-qa=\"article-body\" data-target-index=\"7\">\n<div class=\"cb w-100 dn db-ns\" data-qa=\"article-body-ad\" data-testid=\"article-body-ad-desktop\" data-slotid=\"enterprise_4\"><iframe id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/701\/desktop_web\/article\/incontent_4_1\" width=\"0\" height=\"0\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-text\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<p class=\"wpds-c-heFNVF wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css overrideStyles font-copy\" dir=\"null\" data-apitype=\"text\" data-contentid=\"IROLRWTMNZBNNMU6T6CFKQSNCY\" data-el=\"text\" data-scroll-pos=\"16\" data-scroll-measured=\"true\"><b>Gretchen Whitmer: <\/b> The governor of Michigan is one of the few women on this list. Her overall popularity, ability to communicate plainly and perch from a swing state have long made her an attractive candidate. But this year marks her final and second term as governor, and she\u2019s repeatedly indicated she\u2019s not interested in running. Last week, Whitmer said she wasn\u2019t running for president despite being considered a top potential candidate, then hours later walked that back: \u201cNever say never,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV article-body type-custom_embed subtype-magnet\" data-qa=\"article-body\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-czKEZ wpds-c-czKEZ-iPJLV-css hide-for-print\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-PJLV wpds-c-PJLV-kqOWxF-displayType-desktop\" data-qa=\"inline-magnet\" data-testid=\"inline-magnet\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-cFpcyF\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"carousel\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-fpCqEU wpds-c-fpCqEU-ijwcPWV-css\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-cZmHrB\">\n<div class=\"wpds-c-bUwKeM\" aria-describedby=\"carousel-title-\">\n<div class=\"PJLV\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Democratic presidential field? No candidate has jumped in, but governors, senators and former contenders are already shaping the race. Democrats&#8217; 2028 field is sprawling and unsettled. (The Washington Post) Analysis by Amber Phillips The 2028 Democratic presidential primary has no candidates, no front-runner and no obvious lane. That hasn\u2019t stopped the shadow campaign from beginning. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[59],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1195","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-democratic-candidates"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sterlingcooper.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1195","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sterlingcooper.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sterlingcooper.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sterlingcooper.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sterlingcooper.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1195"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.sterlingcooper.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1195\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1196,"href":"https:\/\/www.sterlingcooper.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1195\/revisions\/1196"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sterlingcooper.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sterlingcooper.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1195"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sterlingcooper.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}