Project 2029: Democrats’ New Vision Stumbles Over Jake Sullivan’s Controversial Role

The Democratic Party is charting a new course with Project 2029, a policy initiative aimed at redefining its vision and recapturing voter enthusiasm for the 2028 election. But the inclusion of Jake Sullivan, President Joe Biden’s former national security advisor, in this high-profile effort is stirring controversy among both progressives and conservatives.

Sullivan, a key figure in Biden’s foreign policy, is under fire for his role in the chaotic 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, which claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members, and for the administration’s struggles to broker a lasting Israel-Hamas ceasefire or decisively support Ukraine. Critics argue his track record makes him an odd choice for a party seeking fresh ideas. "It’s like asking the captain of the Titanic to navigate the next voyage," said Brett Bruen, a former Obama White House official.

Modeled after the conservative Project 2025, Project 2029 brings together Democratic heavyweights like Andrei Cherny, Neera Tanden, and Anne-Marie Slaughter to craft a policy roadmap. Yet, Sullivan’s involvement has drawn sharp criticism. Progressives, emboldened by Zohran Mamdani’s upset win in New York City’s mayoral primary, see the initiative as a rehash of establishment ideas. "The same folks who drove the party into a ditch are now asking for the wheel," said Joseph Geevarghese of Our Revolution.

Defenders, however, argue Sullivan’s experience could bridge the gap between the party’s establishment and progressive wings. "He’s a seasoned hand who’s navigated diverse Democratic factions," said Joel Rubin, a former State Department official. Still, with no clear 2028 candidate, some question whether Project 2029 will have the influence to unify a fractured party.

Sullivan’s critics also point to his past, including his 2016 amplification of now-debunked claims about Trump’s ties to Russia, which Republicans say undermines his credibility. As Democrats grapple with their identity, Project 2029’s success may hinge on whether it can move beyond old guard figures like Sullivan to embrace bolder, more progressive voices.