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• Potential 2028 Democratic presidential contenders are leveraging podcasts to reshape their public images.
• Governors Gavin Newsom, Andy Beshear, and Gretchen Whitmer, along with former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, are among those using this strategy.
• This approach follows the precedent set by President Trump, who used podcasts to connect with younger audiences during his 2024 campaign.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The 2028 Democratic presidential race is already gaining momentum, with several key figures making early moves to position themselves. One of the strategies they are employing is using podcasts to connect with voters in a more informal and personal way.

Core Players

• Gavin Newsom – Governor of California
• Andy Beshear – Governor of Kentucky
• Gretchen Whitmer – Governor of Michigan
• Pete Buttigieg – Former Transportation Secretary
• President Trump – Former President, whose podcast strategy is being emulated

Key Numbers

• 1,309 days – The time remaining until the 2028 presidential election.
• 2024 – The year Trump used podcasts to appeal to younger men during his campaign.
• April 2025 – When key Democratic candidates began making significant moves for the 2028 race.

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

President Trump’s successful use of podcasts during his 2024 campaign has inspired Democratic contenders to adopt a similar strategy. Trump’s approach showed that podcasts can be an effective tool for connecting with younger audiences and presenting a more relatable image.

“The way that politicians communicate and need to be seen by their audience is changing,” said Liz Minnella, a strategist who has worked with Democratic candidates. “I hate to give him credit, but he found a way to connect with people, talk to them like human beings in non-political speak.”

Inside Forces

Democratic candidates are using podcasts to moderate their images and appeal to a broader audience. For example, Gavin Newsom has hosted conservatives on his podcast, discussing issues like trans participation in women’s sports. Andy Beshear has engaged with his teenagers to learn youth slang, such as “skibidi,” to better connect with younger voters.

Pete Buttigieg, who has ruled out a Senate run in 2026, is hinting at his continued involvement in politics, possibly setting the stage for a presidential bid.

Power Dynamics

The early adoption of podcasting by these candidates reflects a shift in how politicians engage with their audience. By appearing on podcasts, they can present themselves in a more casual and authentic light, which can be particularly appealing to younger voters who are increasingly influential in elections.

This strategy also allows them to bypass traditional media channels and directly address their constituents.

Outside Impact

The broader implications of this trend include a potential reshaping of political communication. As more candidates use podcasts, it could lead to a more personalized and direct form of political engagement, changing how campaigns are run and how voters interact with candidates.

This approach may also influence other political figures to adopt similar strategies, further evolving the landscape of political communication.

Future Forces

Looking ahead, the use of podcasts by 2028 Democratic contenders is likely to increase post-Labor Day 2025. Chris Cillizza predicts more activity as the election draws closer, with candidates continuing to jockey for position in the early stages of the race.

Key areas to watch include how effectively these candidates can use podcasts to build their brand, engage with voters, and differentiate themselves from their competitors.

Data Points

• May 2025 – The month when the 2028 Democratic podcast primary is noted to be underway.
• April 2025 – When key Democratic candidates started making significant moves for the 2028 race.
• 2024 – The year President Trump used podcasts during his campaign.
• November 7, 2028 – The date of the 2028 presidential election.