Halperin’s 2028 Democratic Rankings Highlight Jewish Candidates’ Challenges

2 min read

Veteran political journalist Mark Halperin has released his first ‘8 for ’28’ rankings of potential Democratic presidential contenders since the midterm elections. While acknowledging that many on the list may not run, Halperin highlights two top candidates, Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.) and Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), who won re-election in battleground states. Both are seen as the only Democrats most Republicans fear facing in a general election, but their Jewish identities pose a challenge in an increasingly antisemitic Democratic Party.

Jewish Identity as a Concern

Halperin notes that both Shapiro and Ossoff are Jewish, which could be a negative for the party. He speculates that if Benjamin Netanyahu is no longer Israel’s prime minister and the Iran war recedes, their Jewish identities might be more palatable. Ossoff is also less culturally Jewish and observant than Shapiro, which Halperin suggests could help.

However, the antisemitism within the party remains a concern. A video shows California state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-11th District), a Jewish and progressive figure, being harassed at a trans march in San Francisco, highlighting the ongoing tensions.

Electability Concerns

Despite the Jewish identity issue, Republicans like National Review Editor-in-Chief Rich Lowry fear Ossoff due to his electability. Halperin points to Ossoff’s Obama-esque cadences and campaign logos similar to those of Barack Obama. Earlier analysis suggests that while Ossoff may have the ambition, his electoral success in Georgia may be questionable.

Halperin ranks Shapiro first due to his higher likelihood of running, though he acknowledges Ossoff could unite the party’s socialist and establishment wings. New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-14th District) is the most likely socialist candidate, placing her at No. 3 on the list.

Other Contenders

Other potential candidates include California Rep. Ro Khanna (D-17th District) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who might make a comeback. Halperin notes that while AOC is not on the list of Republicans’ most feared candidates, some, like former Daily Wire CEO Jeremy Boreing, warn against underestimating her political talent.

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) fell to No. 4 due to the momentum of AOC, Ossoff, and Shapiro. Halperin believes the Democratic nomination is extremely valuable now, with the eventual nominee likely to be favored to win.

Source: PJ Media

Written by

Connor Davis