
Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) did not hold back in a recent SiriusXM “Urban View” interview, accusing Democratic donors of rallying behind a “safe” white male candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
According to Crockett, the hesitation to support women candidates stems from high-profile defeats: Hillary Clinton’s loss in 2016 and Vice President Kamala Harris’s unsuccessful 2024 bid.
“There’s a lot of people that are like, ‘You know what? Let’s go find the safest white boy we can find,’” Crockett said, highlighting the party’s anxiety about nominating women again.
While Crockett did not name the favored candidate, speculation swirls around prominent Democrats like California Governor Gavin Newsom, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Identity Politics and “Safe” Choices
Crockett’s comments sparked a wave of reactions on Reddit’s r/politics community.
One user quipped, “My money’s on Andy Beshear,” referencing the Kentucky governor as a potential centrist pick. Others criticized the Democratic establishment for recycling the same playbook.
Key Reddit Commentary:
- Skepticism over “Safe” Strategy: Many users expressed frustration, noting that prioritizing perceived electability often sidelines candidates with genuine grassroots support.
- Identity Politics Debate: Commenters debated whether the focus on race and gender is helping or hurting Democrats’ broader appeal.
- Demand for Progressive Policy Over Optics: Several users urged the party to focus on bold policy proposals rather than demographics alone.
One comment summed up the sentiment:
“They’re playing the same game and expecting different results. Maybe it’s time to actually energize the base instead of fearing it.”
The Broader Implications for 2028
Crockett’s remarks highlight a long-standing struggle within the Democratic Party: balancing diversity and representation with fears of electoral defeat.
Her candor reflects deeper questions about the party’s strategy going into 2028 — will it embrace progressivism, or revert to cautious, donor-approved candidates?
As primary season inches closer, the internal debate between “safe” picks and bold change-makers is only set to intensify.