Excellent potential candidates hailing from our community could make a serious run for the White House in 2028.
If you’re not a fan of economy-crippling tariffs and the unconstitutionality of shipping people to a Salvadoran concentration camp, then the 2028 election can’t come soon enough.
Any one of the following potential candidates—none of whom have officially thrown their hat in the ring—would make an excellent president, with either of the remaining two in the VP slot.
Regular readers already know who I prefer to be our next president, though I’ll be thrilled if any of them would win.
Here’s my pick in order of my most desired to be America’s next commander-in-chief:
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
I’m a massive fan of “Big Gretch” (no one actually calls her this but me, though I’m desperately trying to make it catch on).
Not only is the Democratic governor adept at handling challenging issues like jobs and guns, but she’s endured with grace and courage a kidnapping and assassination plot while also expertly navigating tricky MAGA waters at home and in DC.
Whitmer understands and cares about kitchen table issues and can connect with voters across the political spectrum, which is why she’s done so well in Michigan.
I’m also behind her because it’s high time there was a woman in the White House – what better answer to Trump’s putrid brand of toxic pseudo-masculinity than her?
And because looks matter in politics (except for the freak exception of Trump’s moldering pumpkin complexion), Whitmer has the goods there as well.
Saturday Night Live’s Cecily Strong does an amazing impression of Whitmer, referring to herself as a “smoke show, midwestern governor.”
Yes, Americans have a terrible track record supporting women for president, but regardless of gender, Big Gretch (catchy, isn’t it?) would make a fantastic POTUS.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro
Gov. Shapiro would also be a strong presidential candidate due to his broad appeal in a swing state, his legal chops—he previously served as Pennsylvania’s attorney general—and his excellent oratory skills.
People rib him for sounding like Obama, which I don’t understand. That’s akin to saying: “You play Steph Curry.”
Yeah, yeah. I hear it, too.
But if you’re gonna imitate anyone on the campaign trail, who better than the first candidate in history to convince Americans to overcome centuries of deeply embedded racism (Obama won Indiana in 2008-let that sink in).
Shapiro is smart, tough, also a looker, and able to deal with difficult situations, like having your home attacked by an arsonist on the first night of Passover (he’s Jewish) by an unhinged Harrisburg man.
He’d kill it as president and would also make history were he to win.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore
Commonly known as the “Free State,” Maryland has a long tradition of political autonomy and not conforming to national party political identities.
Democratic Gov. Moore’s predecessor was Larry Hogan, a Republican who was an ardent critic of MAGA and Trump.
Before becoming governor, Moore served in Afghanistan with the Army’s 82nd Airborne and is a decorated combat veteran (I embedded with the 82nd in Afghanistan – they got lit up by the Taliban all the time).
In addition to being battle-tested, Moore also knows how to work with leaders across the aisle, having been named a White House fellow to then-Sec. of State Condoleezza Rice during the George W. Bush administration.
He’s an excellent communicator, easy on the eyes, and already has the backing of Hollywood bigwigs like George Clooney.
[By the way: What’s going on with George’s hair? I’m pretty sure he was graying in the pre-9/11 heist-move hit “Ocean’s 11.” Maybe it’s for a role. It doesn’t matter, but still.]
Having Clooney in your corner this early on can’t be a bad thing. Or is it? After all, Hollywood’s love affair with Kamala Harris didn’t help her secure a single swing state.
Either way, Maryland’s top executive combination of wartime street cred would come in handy when dealing with a world riddled with conflicts.
Coupled with his ability to relate to Dems and Republicans, Moore is a solid potential presidential candidate.
Who’s Your Favorite?
That rounds out my top three. Any one of them would make an excellent pick to take on a constitution-defying Trump seeking a third term (don’t laugh – he’s gonna try it) or Ohio’s smarmiest son, JD Vance.
But my favorite heading into 2028 remains Big Gretch (if it catches on, we’ll make some t-shirts).
Any of these folks appeal to you? Or do you have someone else in mind?
Let’s discuss!
