Well, it’s already starting, folks—the Great Democrat Shuffle of 2028. And the first one just tapped out before the race even began. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a name Democrats have been whispering like it’s some magic spell that’ll save their party, just slammed the brakes on any White House dreams. That’s right—he’s out.
So much for the hype.
During an appearance on CNN Governor Moore was asked straight-up if he was planning to run for president in 2028. His answer? A solid “Nope.” Actually, he said, “Yeah, I’m not running for president.” No confusion. No hemming and hawing. Just a clean break. He didn’t just keep the door closed—he locked it, bolted it, nailed some plywood over it, and walked away.
Instead, Moore says he’s focused on running for re-election as governor of Maryland. Apparently, overseeing a state that’s already a deep-blue stronghold is more appealing than trying to clean up the national mess his party left behind.
Now, this news hits hard for Democrats looking for a fresh face. Sports commentator and part-time political guru Stephen A. Smith had just named Moore as one of his top picks for 2028, right alongside Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Smith told a caller on his SiriusXM show that Moore was “the real deal.” But even he had to admit, “I doubt he’ll run.” And boom—he was right.
Smith also gave some backhanded praise to California’s golden boy, Gavin Newsom. You know—the guy who always looks like he’s about to star in a political drama on Netflix. Smith said Newsom “looks presidential” and called him “smart” and “articulate,” but then hit him with the truth bomb: California is a disaster. Homelessness is skyrocketing, businesses are fleeing like it’s the zombie apocalypse, and regular folks can’t afford to live there thanks to sky-high taxes and crushing regulations. All under Newsom’s watch.
So yeah, he might look the part, but his record is a dumpster fire. And even Smith, who clearly wants to like the guy, couldn’t ignore that. “He just doesn’t want to say no to anybody,” Smith said. Translation: Newsom’s got no spine. That might work in Hollywood, but in the Oval Office? Not so much.
Back to Moore—he did leave the tiniest crack in the door when he said “all options are on the table” regarding redistricting in Maryland. But that’s about protecting Democrat seats, not chasing the presidency. Maryland only has one Republican in Congress, and Moore’s keen on keeping it that way.
The bigger takeaway here? Democrats are already sweating 2028. Their bench is thinner than Joe Biden’s memory. Kamala Harris? Please. Newsom? All style, no results. And now one of their more promising names just took himself out of the running. The party that used to brag about “the future” is having a hard time finding anyone who even wants it.
While Republicans are rallying behind strong leadership and a clear direction under President Trump, Democrats are stuck trying to hype up governors who either won’t run or can’t govern. It’s like watching a team argue over who’s least bad at quarterback—while the other side is already in the end zone.
So there you have it. First candidate out before the race even begins. And if this is how it starts for the Democrats, just imagine how it ends. Grab your popcorn.