Potential 2028 Democrats at Sharpton Conference

In New York City this week, a lineup of prominent Democrats positioned as potential 2028 presidential contenders gathered at the National Action Network's 35th annual conference to engage with African American activists and leaders. The four-day event, hosted by Rev. Al Sharpton, served as an early testing ground for candidates seeking support from one of the party's most influential voting blocs ahead of the 2028 primaries.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro kicked off the conference with a pointed critique of President Donald Trump's leadership, attributing a national rise in antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and bigotry to his administration. "There's more chaos, there's more cruelty in our world," Shapiro said. He emphasized the need for an "honorable president," adding, "Even if we disagree on health care policy or tax policy or whatever, we should at least, at a baseline, have an honorable president of the United States. We do not have that right now." As a top prospect with a strong reelection outlook in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, Shapiro highlighted his electability, defended diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and called for accountability in...