The 2028 Invisible Primary, Economic Reality, and Booker’s Hamilton Audition with Meghan McCain

Next Up with Mark Halperin · Jul 31, 2025 · 1h 13m

Mark Halperin officially kicks off the 2028 presidential race with the debut of his “Invisible Primary Rankings” in his reported monologue. Who’s really ahead to lead the Democratic Party next? It’s not just about early voting states anymore. Mark ranks the contenders across categories that matter — from who owns the digital space to who passes the “hang test.” Buttigieg or Shapiro? AOC or Newsom? Who’s connecting with the base — and who’s falling flat? This is your early, essential guide to the nomination campaign that’s already begun (even if no one’s admitting it yet).

Then, it’s hot…