Republican strategist Karl Rove, a key architect of George W. Bush's presidential victories, has identified three Democrats he believes possess elements of a winning formula for 2028: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed titled "Democrats in Peril, From Barcelona to Boise," Rove argued that while some party leaders recognize their brand's unpopularity, they lack a cohesive message to win back voters.
Rove's Assessment of the Three Hopefuls
Rove praised Beshear for his tone, noting the governor's advice to Democrats to "talk like a normal human being" and focus on authenticity. However, Rove cautioned that Beshear can come across as "too wooden." For Booker, Rove highlighted his speech at the Michigan Democratic Convention, where the senator ended with a call for positive action rather than denouncing President Trump—a departure from what Rove called the "Walz- or Murphy-like" approach. Emanuel, according to Rove, is making "a compelling, common-sense case for a new Democratic Party" by running toward the center and criticizing his party for being out of step with middle America. "Capturing the right tone matters, but substance does, too," Rove wrote.
Critique of Walz and Murphy
Rove sharply criticized Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy for their recent appearances at Barcelona's Global Progressive Mobilisation event, where they framed Trump as a threat to democracy and used rhetoric Rove deemed unhelpful. Walz described the U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran as "fascism," while Murphy called Trump "the most significant threat to American democracy since the Civil War." Rove argued that such language only mobilizes the Democratic base but fails to attract swing voters. "Anyone who thinks Mr. Trump is a Nazi is already voting Democratic—or leaving the country," he wrote.
Broader Democratic Field
Beshear, Booker, and Emanuel are among a crowded field of potential 2028 contenders. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has positioned himself as an opposition leader, while Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro are also frequently mentioned. Former Vice President Kamala Harris recently said she is "thinking about" a comeback after her 2024 loss, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has hinted at another run. Rove's analysis comes as Democrats grapple with internal debates over strategy and messaging. In related developments, Virginia voters approved a Democratic-backed redistricting plan that could reshape the House battlefield, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that Florida's GOP redistricting plan might backfire on Republicans.
Conclusion
Rove concluded that while Democrats still have time to adjust their message before the midterms and 2028, they have less than they think. He described Beshear, Booker, and Emanuel as "outliers within their party" who understand the need for a more centrist, authentic appeal. Whether the party heeds their example remains an open question.
