California Governor Gavin Newsom recently appeared on a conservative podcast, hosted by former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan, where he received a Sig Sauer pistol as a gift. While Newsom claimed to be “not anti-gun at all,” his willingness to appear on a conservative platform has raised questions about the identity of the Democratic Party.
In an effort to reconnect with centrists and moderate voters, some prominent Democrats have been testing the waters for potential 2028 presidential runs. However, their appearances in conservative venues have sparked concerns that they risk alienating their party’s liberal base.
Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently appeared on the Megyn Kelly Show, where he expressed his views on trans issues, stating that men cannot become women. His comments were met with criticism from some Democrats who argue that he should have been more vocal in rejecting progressive positions.
The trend of appearing on conservative platforms is part of a broader effort by Democrats to distance themselves from liberal orthodoxy and engage with moderate voters. However, it raises questions about the party’s identity and whether it can reconcile its desire for inclusivity with its need to appeal to conservative audiences.
Vice President Kamala Harris was criticized for not emphasizing certain progressive issues during her 2024 presidential campaign. Her failure to address trans rights and immigration reform has led some to argue that she should have delivered a more definitive stance on these issues.
Recent polls suggest that the Democratic Party’s image is at its lowest in over three decades, with 63% of voters holding unfavorable views of the party. In response, Democrats are rethinking their messaging and policies in an effort to reconnect with moderate voters.
Some potential presidential candidates, such as Senator Ruben Gallego, have been co-sponsoring laws that some argue contradict liberal values. Meanwhile, Governor Wes Moore’s veto of a bill studying slavery reparations has sparked criticism from civil rights leaders.
The issue highlights the tension between Democrats who want to appear independent and those who fear alienating their party’s liberal base. As one strategist noted, “You can’t say you want to represent all of America and be inclusive but not talk to one part of America.”
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/08/10/democrats-2028-presidential-conservatives-sister-souljah