Harris, Newsom, Democrats aren’t trying to hide their presidential aspirations

The 2028 Democratic primary has already begun — and this time, the candidates aren’t trying to hide it. 

Potential contenders including former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Gov. Gavin Newsom are openly embracing — or at least acknowledging — their interest in a White House run.

It’s a departure from the political gamesmanship that once defined presidential politics, when would-be candidates sought to intentionally cloud their intentions out of fear that acknowledging them could backfire. 

It also reflects the wide-open nature of the race, with no clear front-runner — or anointed figure — for the first time in years. 

“The base of the Democratic Party is ready to not only think about winning in 2028 but also are eager to jump-start the process of rebuilding the party,” said Democratic strategist Joel Payne, adding that 2028 hopefuls are “running to outflank each other and plant their flags as early as possible.” 

That dynamic was on display last week at the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN) conference, where a parade of potential contenders took the stage to court Black voters, a major voting bloc in the Democratic Party. 

Asked by Sharpton whether she would consider another run for the Oval Office, Harris abandoned the traditional hedging. 

“I might, I might,” Harris said, as the crowd cheered. “I’m thinking about it.”

The remark echoed comments Harris made last fall, when she acknowledged she was weighing another bid, after losing to President Trump in the 2024 race. 

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg — who appeared at........

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