Democrats, despite their hypersensitive, bleeding-heart reputation, can be harsh. Ruthless, even.When it comes to picking their presidential nominee, it’s often one and done. Walter mondale, Michael Dukakis, al Gore and John Kerry were embraced and then, after leading their party to disappointing defeat, cast off like so many wads of wet tissue.

Compare that with Republicans, who not only beleive in second chances but, more often than not, seem to prefer their presidential candidates recycled. Over the last half century, all but a few of the GOP’s nominees have had at least one failed White House bid on their resume.

The roster of retreads includes the current occupant of the Oval office, who is only the second president in U.S. history to regain the perch after losing it four years prior.

Why the difference? It would take a psychologist or geneticist to determine if there’s something in the minds or molecular makeup of party faithful, which could explain their varied treatment of those humbled and vanquished.Regardless,it suggests the blowback facing Kamala Harris and the campaign diary she published last week is happening right on cue.

And it doesn’t portend well for another try at the White House in 2028, should the former vice president and U.S. senator from California pursue that path.The criticism has come in assorted flavors.

Joe Biden loyalists – many of whom were never great fans of Harris – have bristled at her relatively mild criticisms of the obviously aged and physically declining president. (She leaves it to her husband, doug Emhoff, to deliver the more pointed observations.) Others have accused Harris of trying to have it both ways – benefiting from her time as Biden’s No. 2 while simultaneously distancing herself from his record.

And then there are those who simply believe Harris is not up to the task of leading the party,or the country. They point to her uneven performance as vice president, her tendency to veer off message and her struggles to connect with voters.

“It’s a mess,” said one longtime Democratic strategist, speaking on condition of anonymity. “She’s trying to write her own narrative, but it’s coming across as self-serving and disloyal. And it’s not helping her chances of winning the nomination in 2028.”

The book’s release has also reopened old wounds from the 2020 Democratic primary, when Harris clashed with Biden on issues such as busing and his record on race.Some Biden supporters still harbor resentment over those attacks,and they see the book as a further attempt by Harris to rewrite history.

It’s a familiar pattern. Democrats have a habit of moving on quickly from those who have fallen short, and they rarely give second chances to those who have lost their way. Harris may find that, despite her talent and ambition, she is destined to suffer the same fate as Mondale, Dukakis, Gore and Kerry.

Published: 2025/09/28 10:57:04

Newsom and Harris diverge as 2028 Presidential Race Looms

as the 2028 presidential election cycle begins to take shape,California governor Gavin Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris are charting increasingly distinct paths,despite both being potential contenders for the Democratic nomination.Newsom is actively working to broaden the party’s appeal, while Harris appears to be embracing a more confrontational strategy, potentially setting the stage for a divisive primary battle.

Newsom’s Bridge-Building Strategy

Governor Newsom has been actively positioning himself as a unifying figure within the Democratic party.He’s focused on appealing to moderate voters and addressing concerns about the party’s direction, notably in the wake of recent election results. This approach is evident in his public statements and policy initiatives, which frequently enough emphasize pragmatic solutions and common ground. His handling of disaster relief, including the response to recent wildfires in California, has been presented as an example of effective governance and leadership as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Focus on Economic Issues

A key component of Newsom’s strategy involves focusing on economic issues that resonate with a broad range of voters. He has championed policies aimed at addressing income inequality, affordable housing, and job creation. He’s also been vocal about the need to invest in infrastructure and education, framing these investments as essential for long-term economic growth.

harris’s More Combative Approach

In contrast to Newsom’s conciliatory tone, Vice President Harris has adopted a more assertive and often combative approach. She has increasingly focused on issues of social justice and has been willing to directly challenge Republican policies and rhetoric. This shift in strategy has been interpreted by some as an attempt to energize the progressive base of the Democratic party, but it also risks alienating moderate voters.

Direct Engagement with Controversial Issues

Harris has been particularly vocal on issues such as voting rights, reproductive healthcare, and gun control. she has consistently used her platform to criticize Republican efforts to restrict access to these rights and has called for stronger federal action to protect them. This direct engagement with controversial issues has drawn both praise and criticism, with some observers questioning whether it is indeed the most effective way to win over swing voters.

Potential for a Divisive Primary

The diverging strategies of Newsom and Harris raise the possibility of a contentious Democratic primary in 2028. While both are popular figures within the party, their contrasting approaches could lead to a sharp ideological divide. A prolonged and bitter primary battle could weaken the Democratic nominee in the general election, particularly if it exposes deep fissures within the party.

Key Takeaways

• Gavin newsom is positioning himself as a unifying force within the Democratic party, appealing to moderate voters.
• Kamala Harris is adopting a more combative approach, focusing on social justice issues and directly challenging Republican policies.
• The diverging strategies of Newsom and Harris could lead to a divisive Democratic primary in 2028.
• Both Newsom and harris are considered potential contenders for the 2028 presidential nomination.

Looking Ahead

The coming months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of both Newsom and Harris. Their actions and rhetoric will be closely scrutinized by voters and political analysts alike. The outcome of the 2026 midterm elections could also play a meaningful role in shaping the dynamics of the 2028 presidential race. Ultimately, the Democratic party will need to decide whether it wants to embrace a message of unity and pragmatism or a more progressive and confrontational approach.