Mark Halperin Ranks 2028 Democrats: Newsom #1, Shapiro Rising, AOC Slips?

Mark Halperin joins Michael to rank the top Democratic contenders for 2028 — and the results may surprise you. Why is Gavin Newsom leading the field? Is Josh Shapiro the real threat? Where do Kamala Harris, J.B. Pritzker, AOC, Pete Buttigieg, Rahm Emanuel, and Mark Kelly stand? Halperin explains his latest Democratic power rankings — focused not on who would win the presidency, but who is most likely to win the nomination. The conversation also explores whether Democrats will prioritize electability over identity in 2028, and whether the party shifts back toward the center. Plus: Trump’s posture toward Iran, the continuing Epstein fallout, and what Republicans are quietly planning for the midterms. Listen in, and please rate, review, and share this podcast! Original air date 18 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.