Democratic White House hopefuls blast Trump on Iran — while making slightly different points

Democrats eyeing a White House bid in 2028 have unanimously opposed President Trump’s strikes on Iran but have split on their rationale, highlighting different approaches on what could be a crucial issue.

While many expect the 2028 presidential race to be dominated by domestic economic issues, the differing views offer an early glimpse at how each would-be candidate would approach foreign policy.

The differences — however slight — reflect long-standing tensions within the Democratic Party dating to the Iraq war and an overall wariness of open-ended military conflicts. 

Former Vice President Kamala Harris — who, according to polls, is a front-runner in the race and arguably has the most foreign policy experience of any leading contender — emphasized that Trump need not have made the choice to go to war at this time.

She also leaned into the argument of congressional Democrats that Trump first should have sought broader consent from Congress.

“Let me be clear: I am opposed to a regime-change war in Iran, and our troops are being put in harm’s way for the sake of Trump’s war of choice,” Harris said in a statement, which was posted on the social platform X after the strikes took place on Saturday. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, an old ally of Harris who is seen as the other front-runner, focused his weekend statement and subsequent remarks during his book tour on presidential authority, calling the strikes illegal and warning of executive overreach. 

“It stems from weakness masquerading........

© The Hill