Fri Mar 07 04:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Democrats Eye Outsider Candidates for 2028 Presidential Race

**Washington, D.C.** – Following two consecutive presidential losses, the Democratic Party is reportedly considering a radical shift in its approach to the 2028 election, exploring candidates outside the traditional political sphere. Instead of established politicians, names like billionaire Mark Cuban and sports commentator Stephen A. Smith are being discussed by Democratic strategists. Senator John Fetterman is also seen as a potential contender.

Veteran Democratic strategist Joel Payne argues that the current political climate favors non-traditional candidates, claiming there’s a “bigger lane now more than ever” for such individuals. This marks a significant departure from the past two cycles, where Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, both establishment figures, were nominated.

The party is conducting a post-mortem of its recent failures, acknowledging that relying on “candidates in waiting” may no longer be effective. While prominent governors like Josh Shapiro, Gretchen Whitmer, and Gavin Newsom, along with former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Vice President Kamala Harris, remain possibilities, the conversation now includes previously unthinkable names. The discussion around figures like Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama, once dismissed as mere speculation, is now viewed with a newfound seriousness.

Democratic strategists emphasize the need for diverse voices and a willingness to listen to voters’ desires for change. While Mark Cuban has publicly dismissed the idea of a 2028 run, he acknowledged the party’s interest in him, highlighting his business acumen and familiarity with current issues like AI and cryptocurrency. He criticized the Democrats’ reactive approach to Donald Trump and urged a more proactive strategy.

The party’s willingness to consider candidates with controversial pasts, such as former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who recently announced a mayoral bid, further underscores the Democrats’ readiness to embrace unconventional choices. Strategists argue that the current political climate demands bold moves, embracing discomfort in the pursuit of a winning strategy.

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