Democrats Ditch Coy Denials, Openly Eye 2028 White House Run

The 2028 presidential race is already heating up, and Democrats are throwing out the old playbook. Gone are the days of coy denials and feigned disinterest. Today’s hopefuls are shouting their White House ambitions from the rooftops, barely four months into Trump’s second term.

Remember when candidates swore they never thought about running? It was a ritual as old as politics itself. But now, the game has changed. Kentucky’s Gov. Andy Beshear is openly musing about a presidential bid, saying he’d “consider” it. Minnesota’s Tim Walz, fresh off a lackluster stint as Kamala Harris’ running mate, claims he’d run if “asked to serve.” By whom, exactly? The political gods? Then there’s Arizona’s new Sen. Ruben Gallego, who, when asked about 2028, quipped, “Babies get older,” hinting his newborn won’t hold him back.

Even Pete Buttigieg, the former Transportation Secretary, is dipping his toes in the water again, playing it cool with a “not running for anything” line while clearly enjoying the buzz from his supporters. The list of contenders is already sprawling—19 and counting, by some estimates. Many are political nobodies gambling on a long shot, hoping for a cable news gig if the White House dream fizzles.

This new candor is refreshing but risky. Declaring early means years of scrutiny, fundraising marathons, and the grind of Iowa winters. Most won’t even make the debate stage, tripped up by low polls or empty bank accounts. Yet the openness signals a shift—voters crave authenticity, and these Democrats are betting on it.

The media, too, is adapting. Covering campaigns isn’t cheap—flights, hotels, and those infamous expense-account dinners add up. But it’s a thrill, especially for the young reporters chasing stories in the heart of America’s political circus. With over three years until the election, the race is already a spectacle worth watching.