Why Pritzker Is Rising and Buttigieg Is Slipping in the "8 for '28" Dem Nomination Rankings
January 13, 2026
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as posted by the channelMark kicks off today’s episode with the January return of his signature “8 for ’28” reported monologue, revealing how the Democratic field is already shifting just months into the invisible primary. He walks through the latest shakeups in his rankings, why Gavin Newsom and Josh Shapiro remain firmly at the top, which candidates are gaining ground, and why others are slipping. Mark also lays out the biggest unanswered questions facing each contender — from fundraising and coalition-building to electability — and explains the tests he believes will determine who can actually win the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.
Then Democratic strategists Karen Skelton and Patti Solis Doyle weigh in, offering their candid assessments of the field. They debate who truly belongs in the top tier, whether Pete Buttigieg has hit a ceiling, why Kamala Harris’s path back may be narrower than it appears, and whether 2028 could finally be Rahm Emanuel’s moment. The conversation also explores AOC’s upside, Ro Khanna’s recent surge of attention, and which candidates Democrats are still watching closely as the race begins to take shape.
The episode also features an in-depth interview with Mike Rogers, who explains why he’s running again for the U.S. Senate and outlines his plans to fix Michigan’s future — from housing and manufacturing to AI, national security, and competing with China.
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Guests & Subjects Covered
Claims
63 claims extractedDemocratic field lacks stellar candidates
Harris's political viability questioned
Pritzker's wealth enables nomination viability
Buttigieg's nomination prospects declining
Khanna gaining attention despite attacks
Emanuel positioning as centrist alternative
Kelly unlikely to run for nomination
Newsom faces scrutiny as frontrunner
Shapiro faces dual electoral pressures
Harris must consolidate political advantages
Pritzker must improve public introduction
Buttigieg's fundraising critical to viability
AOC's political future uncertain
Khanna's momentum may be temporary
Emanuel's voter appeal uncertain
Beshear and Moore unlikely to run
Newsom's leadership credentials strong
Kelly offers stability alternative to Shapiro
Shapiro feared by Republicans
Harris's political moment has passed
Harris's repeated candidacies fatigue voters
Pritzker's wealth and Trump opposition strengthen candidacy
Wealth alone insufficient for nomination
Buttigieg lacks Black community support
Buttigieg's personal appeal underestimated
Harris more likely nominee than Buttigieg
Buttigieg's Black support deficit questioned
Buttigieg's identity and obscurity limit appeal
AOC would be top-tier if she runs
AOC appeals to key 2028 demographics
Democrats lack leadership and Khanna is temporary phenomenon
Khanna's momentum will fade
Emanuel belongs on list and elevates discourse
Emanuel's acerbic style fits current moment
Kelly unlikely to run despite appeal
Primary process will strengthen candidates
Democratic field not disappointing compared to history
Newsom and Shapiro strongest general election candidates
Democratic governance in Michigan harmed economy
Michigan voters rejecting Democratic governance
Michigan needs change to avoid decline
Rogers claims ability to fix Michigan
Rogers created 529 education savings plans
Rogers proposes housing savings plan
Rogers proposes rental payment credit reform
Rogers proposes tax incentives for distressed housing
Detroit's demolition strategy ineffective
Rogers uses AI for cybersecurity
Quantum computing will enable independent AI
Workers must master AI to remain competitive
Rogers campaign used AI in advertising
Federal AI regulation necessary to compete with China
AI dominance critical to military superiority
Reshoring manufacturing critical for defense
China's graphite monopoly threatens US capabilities
National debt threatens defense spending
Rogers cut intelligence budget by $11 billion
Bipartisan cooperation can solve major issues
Democratic opponents out of touch with Michigan workers
US economy showing wage growth despite challenges
Undocumented immigrants depress wages
Manufacturing reshoring creating jobs in Michigan
Tax refunds will boost Michigan consumer confidence
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