James Carville Stuns Newsmax Host When Asked Which Republican Would Be ‘Biggest Threat’ to Democrats in 2028
Democratic strategist James Carville surprised Newsmax host Greta Van Susteren on Thursday by naming Georgia Governor Brian Kemp – not Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio – as the Republican he believes could pose the “biggest threat” to Democrats in the 2028 presidential election.
Appearing on Van Susteren’s YouTube show Greta Wire, Carville was asked which Republican would pose the greatest problem if Democrats seek to reclaim the White House after President Donald Trump’s second term.
“I don’t know. Maybe Brian Kemp, but I’ll throw a name out,” Carville replied.
Van Susteren appeared taken aback by the answer, responding: “No, why? Really, Brian?”
“You asked me a question,” Carville shot back before explaining his reasoning.
“I just threw a name. I said I’ll just throw a name out. He strikes me, he wins elections in Georgia by more than he should. He was taken on Trump and he won easily. He’s a pretty savvy operator, but I don’t really know him,” he reasoned.
Kemp, who comfortably won reelection in the battleground state of Georgia after repeatedly clashing with Trump over the 2020 election, has long been viewed as a potential future national contender, though he has not announced any plans for a White House bid.
Carville contrasted Kemp with other Republicans whose names are frequently floated as possible 2028 candidates, arguing that Vance would be the most favorable matchup for Democrats.
“If the country is so turned on Trump, is so turned, my favorite would be like Rubio or JD Vance. JD Vance would be the all world choice for Democrats,” he said.
When Van Susteren asked why, Carville pointed to the administration’s standing with voters: “Because he’s part of an administration that has a 36% approval. So he’s not a good number.”
Van Susteren suggested Vance could face the same political challenge as former Vice President Kamala Harris did with former President Joe Biden, referencing her infamous 2024 campaign moment on ABC’s The View and asking whether Vance, too, was “pegged with everything that Trump has done.”
Carville replied that Vance would have to answer for the administration’s record before clarifying his earlier remarks.
“You ask me who I think would be the weakest, it would be JD Vance,” he said.
When Van Susteren noted she had originally asked who would be the strongest Republican candidate, Carville acknowledged the mix-up but reiterated that, from a Democratic perspective, Vance would be the preferred opponent.
“I really don’t think about that a lot. But the best in terms of Democrats would be Vance, but they’re not going to nominate him.”
Watch above via YouTube.
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