Young voters’ satisfaction with the Democratic Party is declining, raising questions about the party’s ability to regain the trust of its base, particularly among young Black women. The article explores the 2028 presidential race as a pivotal moment for the party to present authentic leadership, rather than relying on traditional establishment figures. This shift is highlighted by the efforts of potential contenders like Governors Andy Beshear and Gavin Newsom, who are emphasizing working-class values to connect with voters.
Despite these forward-looking moves, the article critiques the establishment figures within the party, such as Rahm Emanuel, for their insincere critiques of elitism and the party’s waning popularity. The author notes that Emanuel’s comments, comparing the party to Elon Musk, are seen as a case study in gaslighting and reinvention. Additionally, former President Barack Obama’s recent call for Democrats to toughen up contradicts his previously championed ethos of ‘When they go low, we go high.’
The author, a young Black woman, reflects on personal experiences with the Democratic Party’s evolution, acknowledging her own participation in past campaigns but emphasizing the growing need for real solutions. She calls for candidates to address pressing economic issues such as housing, healthcare, education, and economic fairness. The article underscores that for many young voters, the 2028 race represents a chance for a new kind of leadership that prioritizes authenticity and tangible solutions over rhetoric and revisionist history.