Former VP Kamala Harris Considers 2028 Presidential Run Amid Mixed Reviews

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is weighing another bid for the White House in 2028, facing mixed reactions from Democratic strategists and donors. Veteran Democratic advisor Maria Cardona has defended Harris amidst criticism for not rebranding herself after her defeat in the 2024 election.

Criticism and Defense

A recent Politico report highlighted skepticism from nearly 20 California-based Democratic donors and strategists about Harris’ political future. Some insiders questioned whether Harris has distinguished herself enough from her 2024 campaign. Doug Herman, a seasoned Democratic strategist, expressed disappointment, saying Harris has not engaged in the political mix.

Former South Carolina Governor Jim Hodges also voiced his concerns, stating he sees no significant changes in Harris’ approach.

“I don’t see anything different myself,” Hodges said. “It seems like more of the same to me.”

Cardona, who has worked with Bill and Hillary Clinton, as well as Barack Obama, disagreed with the notion that Harris has failed to present new initiatives. She pointed to Harris’ proposals, such as expanding the Supreme Court, lowering the voting age to 16, and advocating for statehood for DC and Puerto Rico.

Cardona argued that these are groundbreaking policies that Harris has actively promoted, countering the criticism.

Harris’ Campaign Activity

Harris has been actively traveling for her book tour, promoting her memoir “107 Days,” and supporting Democrats in the midterm elections. While some candidates in red states requested Harris not to campaign with them, Cardona highlighted many instances where Harris was invited to campaign, focusing on engaging young, women, Black, and Latino voters.

During her 2024 campaign, Harris replaced Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee after Biden withdrew following a challenging debate against Donald Trump. Despite a brief campaign, Trump won the presidency by securing key battleground states.

Looking Ahead to 2028

If Harris decides to run again, her candidacy will benefit from her national recognition and support within the Democratic Party. However, she will confront a party still processing the setbacks from 2024, amidst a competitive primary field. Democratic consultant Michael Ceraso noted that consultants might not accurately reflect voter sentiment.

Ceraso remarked, “The third time was the charm for Biden; why shouldn’t Harris consider a similar trajectory?”