The field of potential Democratic presidential contenders for the 2028 election is increasingly turning to the podcast format, a strategy that mirrors President Donald Trump’s successful use of the medium during his 2024 campaign to connect with younger demographics.
Governors Gavin Newsom of California, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, along with former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, are among those who have launched or made prominent appearances on podcasts, recognizing the platform’s capacity for more informal and expansive communication compared to traditional media outlets.
Liberal strategists acknowledge that President Trump demonstrated the necessity for Democratic candidates to effectively engage in the podcast space. Liz Minnella, a fundraiser for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris who recently founded Connect Forward to support liberal influencers, noted, “The way that politicians communicate and need to be seen by their audience is changing. I hate to give him credit, but he found a way to connect with people, talk to them like human beings in non-political speak.”
Newsom, often characterized by conservatives as a San Francisco liberal, has notably featured conservatives on his podcast and found common ground on issues such as transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports. Beshear, a Democrat in a Republican-leaning state, invited his teenage children onto his podcast to explain current youth slang, including the term “skibidi.”
These likely 2028 contenders have already produced a significant amount of podcast content.
Andy Beshear’s “Be You, Boo”
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear launched “The Andy Beshear Podcast” earlier this year, featuring guests ranging from donors and former ambassadors to business figures and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. In an effort to connect with younger audiences, he also enlisted his children to explain contemporary slang terms. Beshear’s podcast aims for authenticity, with the governor stating his primary rule is to “be authentic, you be you, boo.” While Beshear did not comment on his strategy, his podcast content has largely focused on critiquing President Trump’s policies. When questioned about a potential presidential run, Beshear expressed a commitment to addressing national challenges for future generations but remained noncommittal about his specific plans.
Gretchen Whitmer Discusses Meeting with the President
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently appeared on “Pod Save America,” participating in a shorter interview format compared to other potential contenders. Her appearance followed some criticism she received for sharing a hug with President Trump during his visit to Michigan, shortly after she had appeared more reserved during a previous Oval Office event with him. On the podcast, Whitmer emphasized the importance of public service over personal feelings in such instances, particularly regarding the announcement of a new fighter jet mission at a National Guard base in Detroit, which is expected to be a significant economic boost for the region.
Gavin Newsom Gives a Platform to Conservative Voices
California Governor Gavin Newsom launched his podcast, “This is Gavin Newsom,” in February, describing it as a platform for direct conversations with a diverse range of individuals, including those with differing viewpoints. His guests have included former Trump strategist Steve Bannon and conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, alongside figures like Senator Klobuchar and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. These conversations have generally been cordial, though Newsom has faced some criticism from within his own party for providing a platform to prominent conservative critics, particularly given his recent policy positions on issues such as transgender rights and immigration. Newsom has also drawn scrutiny for his stance on transgender athletes in women’s sports, stating his agreement with conservative viewpoints on fairness in this context. This strategy could indicate an attempt by Newsom to position himself as a centrist figure ahead of a potential 2028 presidential bid.
Pete Buttigieg Aims to Connect with Diverse Perspectives
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg made an appearance on Andrew Schulz’s “Flagrant” podcast, several months after the comedian interviewed President Trump. During the extensive three-hour conversation, Buttigieg discussed his personal life, military service, and family, engaging in candid conversation and even laughing along with jokes from the hosts. However, his appearance also served as a platform to discuss his political experiences and criticize President Trump’s economic record from the 2024 campaign. Buttigieg emphasized the importance of engaging with individuals holding different perspectives to foster better understanding and inform policy decisions.
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