Sen. Chris Van Hollen Considers 2028 Presidential Bid Amid Democratic Party Debates Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., has indicated he is exploring a potential 2028 presidential campaign, describing his efforts as “kicking the tires” to assess the viability of running for president. During an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Van Hollen emphasized the need for the Democratic Party to present a clear alternative to the Trump administration’s policies, stating that the party has not yet answered the call to create an economy that works for working people. He framed his consideration of a presidential bid as part of a broader effort to push the party toward defining its priorities for the 2028 election. When asked directly about his interest in the presidency, Van Hollen clarified that his focus was not on attaining a leadership position within the Senate but rather on shaping the Democratic Party’s platform. “I don’t think the Democratic Party has answered the call about how we’re going to make sure we have an economy that really does work for everybody, especially working people,” he said. He reiterated his belief that the party must engage in a “healthy debate” to address its shortcomings, particularly in offering a compelling vision that distinguishes it from the Republican Party. Van Hollen’s remarks came amid growing speculation about the 2028 presidential race, with several prominent Democrats expressing openness to running. Gov. Gavin Newsom of California has acknowledged considering a bid, while Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky has said he may “take a look” at the possibility. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg hinted at his inclination to run, though he remains uncertain. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Cory Booker, and Sen.#democratic_party #governor_gavin_newsom #sen_chris_van_hollen #governor_andy_beshear #former_vice_president_kamala_harris
Vice President JD Vance Responds to Trump’s Remarks on 2028 Presidential Successor Vice President JD Vance addressed remarks by President Donald Trump suggesting a televised competition to select his successor for the 2028 presidential ticket, joking that the idea “doesn’t sound like the president of the United States.” The comments came days after Trump had publicly polled a Rose Garden audience to gauge support for Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio as his potential running mate. While the audience appeared to favor Vance, Trump refrained from casting a vote, instead referring to the pair as a “dream team” and “perfect ticket.” Vance, who has not publicly discussed his political ambitions, emphasized his focus on current responsibilities during a press conference at the White House. He highlighted efforts to combat fraud in federal healthcare programs, including initiatives targeting California, where Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom—a 2028 presidential hopeful—has been a frequent critic of the administration. Vance defended the administration’s anti-fraud task force, which Trump assigned to him earlier this year, and noted that some governors, regardless of party, recognize the urgency of the issue. The vice president’s focus on fraud enforcement coincided with his absence from the White House during Trump’s recent trip to China. Vance explained that Secret Service protocols require him to stay in the U.S. when the president is abroad, a situation he humorously compared to Macaulay Culkin’s role in Home Alone. “I walk into the White House and it’s very quiet and no one’s there,” he said, reflecting on the unusual circumstances.#president_donald_trump #governor_gavin_newsom #vice_president_jd_vance #secretary_of_state_marco_rubio #governor_janet_mills
Trump’s take on dyslexia is wrong — but Newsom’s response also has some problems Neither President Donald Trump nor Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., have addressed dyslexia and the individuals affected by it with the depth or sensitivity the topic demands. Newsom, who has recently spoken publicly about his own dyslexia, can sometimes downplay the challenges it presents, while Trump has framed people with dyslexia as if they are broken. Both approaches fail to recognize the complexity of the condition and the lived experiences of those who live with it. Newsom, who is likely to seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, has faced criticism for his inconsistent stance on disability rights. While he has supported some progressive policies, such as banning prone restraint in schools and ending subminimum wage labor for people with disabilities, he has also taken positions that could harm vulnerable communities. For example, his efforts to criminalize homeless encampments may disproportionately affect individuals with disabilities and mental illness. Additionally, his proposed budget shifts the responsibility of funding in-home services for people with disabilities to counties, which could limit access to critical support. Disability advocates argue that Newsom’s policies risk making it harder for people with disabilities to receive the care they need. Trump’s remarks about dyslexia reflect a broader pattern of dismissing the capabilities of people with disabilities. He has long mocked individuals with disabilities, including a disabled reporter at The New York Times in 2015, and has falsely blamed intellectually disabled people for a deadly air collision during his presidency.#president_donald_trump #governor_gavin_newsom #dyslexia #disability_rights #disabled_individuals
