No expected Democratic presidential hopeful is polling better than 25 percent for the first time since 1992
Democrats are “historically divided” ahead of the 2028 presidential primary, leaving the party without a frontrunner or unifying brand, CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten said Friday.
“Democrats, at this point, are historically divided. It is a complete and utter mess. It is messier than a hoarder’s basement,” Enten said on CNN News Central.
The Democrats don’t have a single early frontrunner for the next presidential election, with no potential candidate polling at 25 percent or higher—the first time since 1992, Enten reported. He blamed Democrats’ record-low disapproval and pointed to Gallup, CNN, and Wall Street Journal surveys that put the party’s net favorability rating at minus 26, minus 26, and minus 30 percent, respectively.
“The Democratic brand is in the basement. It is total and complete garbage in the mind of the American public. The Democratic Party’s net favorable rating? Record lows in all three [polls],” Enten said.
Since former vice president Kamala Harris lost the November 2024 election without winning a single swing state, Democrats have struggled to find their direction and brand identity. No one has emerged as a clear party leader.
Harris opened the door for a 2028 presidential bid on Wednesday when she announced that she would sit out California’s gubernatorial race.
Enten, however, pointed out that Kalshi’s market predictions show Harris facing an uphill battle. The former vice president is tied for fourth with Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro and Maryland governor Wes Moore with a 6 percent chance of winning.
California governor Gavin Newsom, who has been blatantly trying to pivot away from his far-left brand, sits at the top with a 20 percent chance, followed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) at 15 percent, and former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg at 10 percent.
But without a clear frontrunner, the 2028 field is wide open, Enten said.
“The water is quite warm. If you’re a Democrat potentially thinking about running in 2028, jump right in because at this point, there is no frontrunner,” he said.
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