Carville to Democrats: It’s Time to Move On from 2024 — Harris, Biden, and Familiar Faces Face Resistance Heading into 2028

Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville offered a blunt message this week to Vice President Kamala Harris and other prominent figures from the 2024 campaign: the party is ready to turn the page.

Speaking on his podcast Politics War Room, Carville addressed growing concerns among Democrats that Harris, among others, may attempt to position herself for another presidential run in 2028. Despite her decision not to run for governor of California, Carville made it clear that she—and others tied to the Biden-Harris administration—are not likely to be embraced as future standard-bearers.

“Don’t be terrified,” Carville reassured a listener asking about Harris’s political future. “She wisely chose not to run for governor of California.”

Carville continued with a sharp assessment of the party’s direction, emphasizing that Democrats are looking to put the 2024 election cycle firmly in the rearview mirror.

“Anybody that had anything to do with 2024, the party wants to move on from that,” he said. “It’s not about blaming anyone. It’s just that the political winds are shifting.”

He included Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in his remarks, suggesting that even competent Democratic leaders should consider stepping aside if they were closely connected to the last cycle.

“If I were your friend or chief advisor,” Carville said of Walz, “I’d say don’t run again. This environment just isn’t one where voters are going to want a repeat of the past.”

Co-host Al Hunt also chimed in with a pointed comment directed at President Joe Biden, urging him to gracefully step into retirement.

“Joe Biden, would you please go take the restful retirement you so richly deserve?” Hunt said, echoing the sentiments of many party insiders quietly urging generational change.

The 2028 Democratic Landscape: Familiar Faces and Fresh Questions

As the Democratic Party begins to prepare for a new chapter, several names have already emerged as possible contenders for the 2028 nomination — and not all of them are new to the national spotlight.

Vice President Harris, despite facing mixed reviews during her tenure, remains a topic of speculation. Her decision not to pursue California’s governorship has only intensified rumors that she is keeping her presidential ambitions alive.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is another name generating buzz. Since leaving the Biden administration, he has increased his public appearances and digital media presence, often engaging with younger voters and independents.

“I’m using my voice best I can in traditional media and new media,” Buttigieg said in a recent interview with the Washington Examiner. “I’m going to keep talking to voters, neighbors, anyone who wants a better way forward.”

Buttigieg added that while he hasn’t made any decisions about running in 2028, he remains focused on advocating for the Democratic Party’s broader success.

“I don’t know what that means for me, politically or professionally,” he added, “but I know this is what I need to be doing now.”

A Rising Star Steps Aside — For Now

One of the most talked-about younger figures in the Democratic Party, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, addressed rumors of a potential presidential run in 2028 with a clear response: he’s not entering the race.

Moore, who has been viewed by some as a future leader of the party, told The Associated Press that he has no plans to seek the presidency — or the vice presidency — in the upcoming cycle.

“I’m not running,” Moore said firmly, adding that speculation surrounding his national travel is misinterpreted. “People should get very used to me going all over the country bringing business back to Maryland. That’s what I plan to keep doing as long as I’m governor.”

Despite his denial, Moore continues to attract attention. His appearance at the upcoming Blue Palmetto Dinner in South Carolina — a key primary state — has only fueled questions about whether he’s laying the groundwork for a future run.

For now, Moore says his focus remains on delivering results in Maryland, particularly during a time of economic transition and political polarization.

Party Seeks New Energy

The broader takeaway from Carville’s remarks and recent political signals is clear: the Democratic base, and perhaps its leadership, is searching for new energy, new voices, and a break from the past.

Whether Harris, Buttigieg, or any other recognizable name from the Biden era can successfully rebrand remains to be seen. But one thing appears certain — the 2028 field will look very different from the one voters saw just four years earlier.