Democratic Strategist James Carville Champions JB Pritzker for 2028 Presidential Run
In a revealing television appearance, veteran Democratic strategist James Carville outlined his vision for the party's future, singling out Illinois Governor JB Pritzker as a potentially ideal presidential nominee for the 2028 election. During an interview on Fox News personality Raymond Arroyo's "Arroyo Grande" program, Carville offered a blunt assessment of several prominent Democratic figures while elevating Pritzker's prospects.
Carville's Critique of Current Frontrunners
Carville notably downplayed the presidential chances of former Vice President Kamala Harris and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. When questioned about Harris specifically, Carville was unequivocal, stating she has "no chance" following her loss to President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. He argued that the Democratic base currently lacks enthusiasm for anyone associated with the 2024 campaign, emphasizing that this sentiment stems from strategic concerns rather than personal dislike.
"No Democrat wants anything to do with anybody that had anything to do with 2024," Carville asserted. "Not that we dislike them — that's not what this is. There's no enthusiasm." He further dismissed the significance of early name-recognition polls, suggesting they offer little predictive value for a contest several years away.
Why Pritzker Stands Out
Carville identified two critical advantages that make Governor Pritzker a formidable potential candidate. First, he highlighted Pritzker's exceptional capacity for early fundraising, a vital component in modern presidential campaigns. Second, and perhaps more uniquely, Carville pointed to Pritzker's established credibility and rapport within the Black community.
"He can raise a lot of early money," Carville noted, adding that Pritzker possesses the ability to walk into any Black establishment and immediately command attention and respect. Carville painted a vivid picture of Pritzker's grassroots connections, quipping, "I bet you there's not a Black church in South Carolina that JB's not part of the building fund committee."
Carville also contrasted Pritzker's persona with that of a typical politician, describing him as "bigger than life." He referenced Pritzker's substantial personal wealth, estimated at $3 billion, and an anecdote about winning over a million dollars in Las Vegas, suggesting these traits contribute to a relatable and compelling public image.
The Broader Democratic Field
While acknowledging that other governors like California's Gavin Newsom and Pennsylvania's Josh Shapiro could also mount strong fundraising efforts, Carville positioned Pritzker as his standout choice. Using a horse racing analogy, he explained his reasoning: "If I had to say one guy — I really don't know him, very superficially — but if I were betting the Kentucky Derby and saw this 12-to-1 horse and thought, 'I want to get a price,' I'd take JB Pritzker."
Carville also mentioned that former U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel would likely "have an effect on the dialogue" in the coming election cycle. This analysis comes at a time when early polling shows Harris leading among potential Democratic contenders, followed by Newsom, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Ocasio-Cortez.
Carville's commentary provides a strategic, early look at the narratives and calculations that may shape the Democratic primary as the party looks to rebuild and refocus after the 2024 election cycle.
