Democrats Scramble to Un-Woke Themselves Ahead of 2028 Race

As the 2028 presidential election approaches, many Democratic candidates and party strategists are attempting to distance themselves from 'wokeness,' a term increasingly viewed as a political liability. Figures like Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Rahm Emanuel have criticized or backtracked on progressive social issues such as transgender participation in sports and reparations, signaling a shift toward more centrist policies. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has also removed pronouns from his social media and questioned the party's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, reflecting internal debates over the party’s direction. Critics argue that this 'un-woke' pivot is largely superficial and unlikely to convince either the party's progressive base or conservative voters, as many candidates remain fundamentally aligned with progressive ideals. Meanwhile, commentators like David Brooks suggest the Democratic Party needs a profound ideological overhaul to address the rise of global populism and connect better with disaffected voters, rather than incremental messaging changes. This internal struggle highlights the broader challenge Democrats face in reconciling their diverse constituencies while crafting a winning strategy for 2028.