Off the top, I can name a quick five Republicans who are well known, well liked, well established, and well qualified to run for POTUS in 2028.

  • J.D. Vance
  • Ron DeSantis
  • Marco Rubio
  • Ted Cruz
  • Kristi Noem

There are less established but well qualified members of Trump’s cabinet who have excellent potential, such as Secretary Hegseth (DOD), Secretary Burgum (DOI), and Director Gabbard (National Intelligence). Given the next four years to prove themselves on border security and mineral materials, these three are potential rising stars.

I cannot create a similar list of five on the Democrat side. Not a single champion in the party as far as the eye can see. I wonder who will rise to the top through popular selection, someone with appeal to American voters. Anointing Kamala was a disaster and lacking any successor is a bigger disaster.