Democratic Strategist James Carville Declares Party Ready to Move On from Harris and 2024 Legacy

Longtime Democratic strategist James Carville made headlines this week with a pointed message for Vice President Kamala Harris and others tied to the 2024 campaign: the Democratic Party is ready to leave the past behind.

Speaking on his Politics War Room podcast, Carville delivered a candid assessment of the party’s mood heading into the future. He addressed speculation that Harris may be considering another run for the presidency in 2028 and made it clear that, in his view, that door is already closed.

“Don’t be alarmed,” Carville said to a listener concerned about Harris’s political ambitions. “She made a smart move not running for governor of California. But make no mistake—she’s not going to be the Democratic nominee in 2028.”

Carville explained that the Democratic base and party insiders are looking to distance themselves from figures associated with the 2024 election cycle, which was marked by internal divisions and disappointing performance across key battlegrounds.

“Anybody connected to that campaign—Harris, Biden, or others—the party’s ready to move on,” he said. “That’s not a personal judgment. It’s just political reality.”

He even extended that advice to other prominent Democrats. “This goes to [Minnesota Governor Tim] Walz, too,” Carville added. “If I were advising any of them, I’d say sit this one out. It’s just not going to be the climate for familiar faces from the last round.”

Co-host Al Hunt also took a parting shot at President Joe Biden, urging him to enjoy his retirement. “Joe Biden, would you please go take the restful retirement you so richly deserve?” Hunt said.

Though President Biden and Vice President Harris have remained visible on the national stage since leaving office in January 2025, many within the party have expressed a desire to turn the page and elevate new voices unconnected to past administrations.

Despite announcing earlier this year that she would not seek the governorship of California, Harris’s decision has only fueled rumors that she’s laying the groundwork for a second presidential campaign. However, Carville’s remarks suggest that if she does run, support within the party may be tepid at best.

Meanwhile, attention has already begun to shift toward other potential contenders for 2028, including names like Pete Buttigieg and Gavin Newsom. But even these familiar figures may face challenges if the party truly seeks a clean break from the past.

Interestingly, one rising star is already removing himself from the conversation: Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

Moore, who has been frequently mentioned as a future presidential candidate due to his charisma, leadership style, and national presence, made it clear in a recent interview that he has no intention of launching a White House bid in 2028.

“I’m not running,” Moore told the Associated Press when asked directly. He also denied having any interest in being considered for a vice presidential slot.

Despite ongoing speculation—fueled by appearances in early primary states like South Carolina—Moore insisted that his out-of-state travel is strictly about economic development and representing Maryland’s interests on a national stage.

“People should get used to seeing me all over the country,” Moore said at a memorial event in Annapolis. “I plan on doing everything I can to bring opportunities back to Maryland while I’m governor. That’s my focus.”

Moore is currently in the third year of his first term and has indicated plans to seek reelection in 2026. He emphasized that leading Maryland through a challenging period requires his full attention and commitment.

Meanwhile, Pete Buttigieg, the former Secretary of Transportation and past presidential candidate, continues to build his public profile—particularly in digital spaces. Speaking to the Washington Examiner, Buttigieg emphasized his intent to connect with Americans through both traditional and emerging media.

“I’m trying to use my voice where it counts—on social media, in interviews, in community discussions,” he said. “I’m not sure what that means for me politically. I’m not close to making any decisions. But I know this is where I’m supposed to be right now.”

Buttigieg’s recent media push has fueled speculation about another presidential campaign. Known for his technocratic style and communication skills, he may be better positioned in a post-2024 landscape—especially if the party seeks generational change.

As 2028 looms on the horizon, the Democratic Party appears to be at a crossroads. With aging leadership and a growing appetite for fresh ideas and new faces, strategists like Carville are sounding the alarm: the future belongs to those unburdened by the baggage of previous campaigns.

Whether that future includes Harris, Buttigieg, or rising stars like Wes Moore remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—the battle for the soul of the party is already underway.