Political analyst Mark Halperin has raised concerns about the Democratic Party’s ability to win back voters for the 2028 election, citing record-low approval ratings and a lack of clear strategy. Halperin noted the party’s focus on the 2026 midterm elections as a potential comeback opportunity, but he emphasized that Democrats are more concerned about their long-term prospects in the next presidential cycle. This comes as several recent polls have shown the Democratic Party with both record-low approval ratings and record-high disapproval ratings.
The CNN poll conducted in July found just 28% of Americans viewed the party favorably, while the Wall Street Journal survey revealed 63% of respondents held an unfavorable opinion of the Democrats, the highest recorded by the WSJ in 35 years. Halperin criticized the party’s insistence on being against Trump on every single issue, including popular measures such as securing the border. He argued that Democrats have been unable to address the shifting public opinion that has fueled Trump’s rise and capacity to get stuff done. He added that Democrats now seem unwilling to confront the activist wing in their party and lack the creativity and self-awareness to truly address where they went wrong.
While several Democratic figures have emerged as potential candidates to run in 2028, there has yet to be a clear frontrunner. Halperin’s concerns highlight the mounting pressure on the Democratic Party to redefine itself and adapt to the changing political landscape. His analysis underscores the growing anxiety within the party about its ability to remain competitive in the next presidential election, which is increasingly seen as a critical test of its ability to reconnect with voters.