Obama aide anoints the next Democrat presidential candidate and delivers damning verdict on Kamala’s future

Hakeem Jeffries could be the next presidential candidate to run for Democrats when it comes to the 2028 presidential election.

Although it will take another four years, anger and soul-searching have gripped the Democratic Party after Kamala Harris’ election loss, blindsiding some party officials.

Some party members believe that plans should already be made for how the Democrats will bounce back from such a devastating defeat and who could be the leader to take them there, as many now household names could leave the political scene.

Former Obama White House official Brett Bruen believes Democrats should seize this moment need to reassess their strategy or risk further political marginalization in the future.

Former Obama White House official Brett Bruen believes Democrats should use this moment to rethink their strategy or risk being further politically marginalized in the future.

Bruen believes New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, 54, the current House minority leader, could be the top contender to fill the leadership vacuum.

“Hakeem Jeffries, if he is able to ascend to the speakership, is the clear next leader,” Bruen said.

Ahead of the 2028 primaries, other potential Democratic leaders, including governors like Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker and Gretchen Whitmer, could enter the fray — but Jerflies could have time to take on a leadership role if he secures the Speakership.

While Newsom may have been seen as Biden’s “heir apparent” at one point, he would likely not be a popular choice among party members because he had failed to control California’s homelessness and drug crisis, while also being far too liberal for the party.

The former Obama aide says he is wary of moving too far left and stressed the need for a candidate who can reconnect with Central America.

“The next Democratic leader must resonate with voters in the regions where the party has struggled this time,” he said The sunemphasizing the importance of regaining trust among working-class voters.

As for Harris, the self-described underdog running against her Republican rival, Donald Trump, having entered the race just over three months ago means she is unlikely to ever be front and center in the party again.

Some have suggested she might run for a Senate seat in California, but Bruen believes the magnitude of last week’s defeat means Harris’ political career is effectively over.

“I don’t think you can have another shot at the presidency after last week’s debacle,” Bruen said.

For Barack Obama, a step back from the Democratic Party may be both inevitable and necessary if the party is to recover

The Clintons and Obamas are licking their wounds after their behind-the-scenes influence in getting Biden to step aside and secure Harris’ nomination backfired spectacularly.

After Biden stepped aside, Harris’ defeat is Democrats’ second bitter loss to Trump in the past three elections

Likewise, with the Clintons and Obamas licking their wounds after their behind-the-scenes influence in getting Biden to step aside and secure Harris’ nomination has backfired spectacularly, this could be the best time for Democrats to to perform a hard reset as they usher in a new era. .

Although both Clinton and Obama have long been seen as power brokers within the party, the crushing defeat has raised questions about their continued influence and relevance in shaping the party’s future.

Insiders suggest that the influence of the Clinton and Obama political machines, once seen as indispensable, may now be seen as a risk.

In recent years, the Democratic Party has become increasingly divided between its progressive and moderate wings, and some may now believe that the Clintons and Obamas no longer reflect the future direction of the party.

Indeed, there have been calls for a reckoning within the Democratic Party from donors and voters alike following Harris’s loss.

Now that Biden has a history, there is a growing consensus within the Democratic Party that it must embrace new leadership

While Newsom may have been seen as Biden’s “heir apparent” at one point, he would likely not be a popular choice among party members because he had failed to control California’s homelessness and drug crisis, while also being far too liberal for the party.

The party “needs a complete reboot,” hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, a longtime Democratic donor who backed Trump in 2024, wrote on X last week.

“The party lied to the American people about the president’s cognitive health and fitness,” he said, and then did not hold a primary to replace him.

Harris’ defeat is Democrats’ second bitter loss to Trump in the past three elections.

Hillary Clinton’s defeat in 2016 had paved the way for Biden to run for office.

“We dug from a deep hole, but not enough. A devastating loss,” campaign senior adviser David Plouffe wrote of

Bruen said last week’s election results highlight deep flaws in the Democratic Party’s approach and wants Democrats to regroup quickly to avoid long-term damage.

Whichever side the party chooses, it should try to avoid a protracted internal struggle that could further divide the party and weaken its position.

“We must focus on building a clear and coherent message, not on infighting,” he said.

Bruen said last week’s election results highlight deep flaws in the Democratic Party’s approach and wants Democrats to regroup quickly to avoid long-term damage.

Bruen said he believes the magnitude of the loss reflects a wider divide between the party and large parts of the electorate, in the center of the country.

He believes Democrats have lost their footing with working-class and rural voters, allowing Republicans to control the narrative and, as a result, alienating a critical base.

He notes that the party’s strategy of focusing heavily on progressive social issues without adequately addressing economic and cultural problems is costing them dearly.

Moving to the populist left in response to the populist right will only widen the divide Bruen believes with a balanced approach that appeals to a broad spectrum of Americans.

Looking ahead, Bruen emphasizes that the Democratic Party must learn from its mistakes if it wants to regain the presidency in 2028.

Trump has played it smart by having rising star Ohio Senator and Vice President JD Vance, who is still only 40, ready to take over Trump’s MAGA mantle once he reaches the end of his second term in 2028 .

He believes Trump played it smart by having rising star Ohio Senator and Vice President J.D. Vance, who is still only 40, ready to take over the MAGA mantle from Trump once he reaches the end of his second term in 2028.

Vance is essentially Trump’s “heir apparent” and could very well ascend to president at that point unless Democrats quickly regroup.

“This is clearly Trump’s victory, and it will be interesting to see what happens after Trump leaves office and there is another Republican candidate for president,” Bruen said.

As Democrats face an uncertain future, Bruen’s comments underscore the urgency of the moment Democrats find themselves in.