The race to lead the Democrat party is already underway, with former Obama campaign manager Jim Messina confirming that more than two dozen Democrats are actively preparing for a 2028 presidential run.
According to Messina, these prospective candidates have already begun the process of hiring staff and securing financing, with some expected to launch exploratory committees as early as next week.
Messina, who served as Obama’s deputy chief of staff, noted that the party’s recent midterm performance has fueled this early ambition, though he warned that the crowded field will likely thin out as the harsh realities of primary fundraising take hold.
During his discussions with potential candidates, Messina claims he is pushing for a cohesive economic vision, specifically regarding artificial intelligence and the party’s messaging strategy.
He also cautioned his party against becoming obsessed with Donald Trump, suggesting that Democrats must decide whether to focus on their own policy platforms or simply 'take the bait' of attacking the former president.
While Messina credited the party's recent success to a focus on economic issues—specifically citing the impact of tariffs on rural voters—he admitted that the party’s internal divide between its progressive and centrist wings remains a significant hurdle.
Ultimately, Messina conceded that the party’s midterm gains were less about a mandate for Democrat policies and more about the presence of Donald Trump, whom he labeled the 'MVP' for the opposition.
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