By Robert Reich
Friends,
Two weeks ago, I listed the top four potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates by current name recognition: Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Out of the 7,174 of you who voted on these four, only 6 percent chose Kamala Harris; 12 percent were for Gavin Newsom; 26 percent of you chose Pete Buttigieg; and 6 percent were for AOC.
The rest of you — 49 percent — wanted someone else.
Last week, I listed the top four “someone else” candidates: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. Out of the 6,422 of you who voted on these four, 24 percent chose Pritzker, 37 percent were for Kelly, 7 percent were for Shapiro, and 18 percent were for Beshear. The remaining 14 percent wanted someone else.
That left a “third tier” — in terms of name recognition — comprising California Congressman Ro Khanna, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and former congressman and Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel.
So this week we’re going to assess these four. Here’s a summary of the current third tier’s strengths and weaknesses. Please vote among these four.
1. Ro Khanna
As a former co-chair for Bernie Sanders’s 2020 campaign, Khanna has strong progressive credentials, often framing them in terms of “economic patriotism” and “pro-growth progressivism,” which can appeal to a broader audience. He has shown political courage in supporting California’s proposed tax on billionaires, when some of his prominent Silicon Valley constituents are strongly opposed. He understands the AI and digital revolution, co-authoring the CHIPS and Science Act. He’s willing to engage with the right, appearing on Fox News and right-wing podcasts. He refuses donations from PACs and lobbyists and advocates for strict term limits and stock trading bans for members of Congress. He’s also noted for his anti-war stance and commitment to move beyond a “colonial model” of foreign policy.
On the other hand, despite his efforts, Khanna remains relatively unknown outside of Washington and California. As a California Democrat, he may face difficulties in appealing to Midwestern and swing-state voters. Critics also point to a lack of deep experience in foreign affairs or executive leadership.
2. Cory Booker
Booker is known for his passionate and optimistic speaking style and his ability to connect with voters. As a U.S. senator, and before that, mayor of Newark, New Jersey, he has gained respect as an experienced and knowledgeable public official. He has focused on criminal justice reform and progressive ideas such as “baby bonds,” supported a $15-per-hour minimum wage and environmental justice, and co-sponsored legislation to lower prescription drug prices. He’s known for working well with Republicans, which could appeal to moderate voters. He is also known for his intelligence (Rhodes Scholar and Yale Law graduate) and stamina in pushing for long-term goals. He’s also remembered for delivering a record-breaking 25-hour-and-5-minute speech on the Senate floor (from March 31 to April 1, 2025), opposing Trump policies.
Booker’s critics point out that he struggled to gain momentum in the 2020 Democratic primary. He has faced scrutiny for past donations from pharmaceutical companies and Wall Street, along with his support for charter schools. Some view his tendency to seek bipartisanship as out of step with more progressive Democrats. Others worry that a Black man cannot be elected president in the current political climate.
3. Gretchen Whitmer
Whitmer has demonstrated appeal to moderate and suburban voters, having won reelection by wide margins in Michigan, a crucial “Blue Wall” state. She has successfully navigated a divided government to pass significant state legislation, including codifying abortion rights and focusing on infrastructure (“fixing the damn roads”). She has maintained strong popularity, with recent polling suggesting her approval rating has rarely dipped below 50 percent. She’s seen as a pragmatic leader rather than an ideological warrior, known for a “get things done” style, and she has often chosen to work with her Republican counterparts, which could appeal to independents.
Critics point to her controversial strict stay-at-home orders and executive actions during the pandemic. She doesn’t fit the profile of the progressive or diverse base favored by some Democrats. Others worry about putting up a woman candidate after Kamala Harris’s and Hillary Clinton’s defeats.
4. Rahm Emanuel
As a former congressman, White House chief of staff (under Obama), mayor of Chicago, and ambassador, Emanuel has extensive federal and executive experience. He’s also recognized as a highly effective fundraiser and political strategist (notably as DCCC chair) who knows how to win elections and get things done. He acts as a counterweight to the progressive wing, appealing to moderate voters and taking on “tough” issues (e.g., strengthening school curricula, challenging teachers unions on school hours). As mayor, he increased Chicago’s high school graduation rates (from 57 percent to 87 percent). As ambassador to Japan with a focus on countering China and securing allies, he enhanced his foreign policy chops.
Critics say his conservative approach to education and labor puts him at odds with much of the Democratic Party. They also worry about how he handled the Laquan McDonald police murder case, and his battles with Chicago teachers and school closures. Others dislike his assertive, confrontational style of politics. And like Josh Shapiro and JB Pritzker, he is Jewish, which some view as a problem.