Trump is trying his best to destroy the federal government—and our democracy. The public is p*ssed. And most establishment Democrats are playing dead.

But not Bernie Sanders.

He’s been barnstorming the country—including yesterday, when he drew the biggest crowd of his career—even though he’s not running for anything…

But… should he be? In this NOTICE News Deep Dive, we’ll look at:

• The case for Bernie running for President in 2028

• The case against Bernie running for President in 2028

• Who could be the next Bernie

• Our final verdict

The stakes couldn't be higher—and voters deserve to know: Is Bernie Sanders the leader Democrats need in 2028, or is it time to pass the torch?

Full disclosure: The author, Andrew Springer, previously worked for Bernie Sanders (but is also an Emmy-award winning journalist). Find out more about him.

✅ The case for Bernie 2028

There are five compelling reasons why we think Bernie Sanders should consider a 2028 presidential run.

#1. He's still hugely popular: Bernie consistently ranks as one of America's most popular politicians across diverse demographics—and has even topped the list at times.

• His approval ratings remain strong, even among young voters and some independents who appreciate his authenticity and consistency—including conservative podcasters like Joe Rogan.

His presidential campaign track record is impressive, securing over 23 million votes across his 2016 and 2020 primary campaigns.

• Finishing as runner-up in both elections demonstrates his consistent appeal and staying power with a significant portion of the Democratic base.

#2. He defines the Democratic Left. No other figure has so clearly shaped the party's progressive platform in recent years.

• Medicare for All, student debt cancellation, and wealth taxes have moved from fringe positions to mainstream Democratic ideas largely due to his advocacy and presidential campaigns.

#3. He has no clear successor. The left wing of the party lacks an obvious heir to Bernie's movement and message (at least while someone mulls a primary challenge to Chuck Schumer).

• A final Sanders campaign could energize and unify progressives while potentially creating space to elevate the next generation of leaders.

#4. He has a proven movement. One of the positive outcomes of Bernie’s previous two runs is that he turned those campaigns into a full-on movement.

• After 2016, Bernie’s grassroots fundraising machine and organizing infrastructure—already built and battle-tested—morphed into Our Revolution, a national organizing group.

Those campaigns also inspired the creation of other advocacy groups like Justice Democrats and media companies like NOTICE News, filled with former Bernie staffers.

• Bernie would be able to harness the machinery of these progressive orgs to further spread his message while raising crucial small-dollar donations.

#5. He can shift the debate—win or lose. Even if he lost the nomination, a Sanders candidacy would push the entire Democratic field leftward… and that is a huge deal.

• His presence would force issues like corporate accountability, climate justice, and economic inequality to remain central to the party's platform.

Before 2016, the party’s progressive wing had no popular, effective leader like Bernie.

• You’d need to go back at least to Jesse Jackson or even George McGovern to find a progressive Democrat as popular—and as influential—as Bernie.

❌ The case against Bernie 2028

While he remains a powerful progressive voice, there are serious concerns about a potential third candidacy that cannot be overlooked.

#1. He'd be 86 on Inauguration Day. Even his most ardent supporters worry about the optics and risks of electing the oldest president in U.S. history (again).

• Even though Donald Trump is the oldest person ever elected president at 78 years old, if Bernie wins he’d be almost ten years older and pushing 90.

After years of Republican attacks and corporate media scrutiny over President Biden's age and cognitive abilities, Democrats might be reluctant to nominate someone even older.

• Legitimate questions about stamina, health, and the ability to serve a full term would inevitably dominate campaign coverage.

#2. He already lost twice. Despite impressive showings, some argue Bernie's moment has passed.

• Only one person has run for president three times and (actually) won on the third try: Donald Trump. It’s an exceptionally rare feat.

And while Bernie’s two strong runs in 2016 and 2020 built a movement, his losses suggest a ceiling to his appeal among Democratic primary voters.

• The party's voters have twice considered his case and chosen other candidates, raising questions about whether a third attempt would yield different results.

#3. Corporate Democrats still hate him. Despite adopting many of his policy positions, the Democratic establishment has never fully embraced Bernie or his vision for the party.

• Party leadership and major donors would likely mobilize against him as they did in previous campaigns, trying to prevent his nomination.

This internal resistance creates a significant headwind that could prevent him from unifying the party, even if he won the nomination.

#4. The "socialist" label is still a weapon. Because older Americans were propagandized to believe that “socialism” is a bad thing—despite the government’s most popular programs, Social Security and Medicare, being examples of socialism— Republicans would no doubt try to cudgel Bernie and other Dems with the label as an epithet.

• This is despite the fact Bernie, though self-identifying as Democratic Socialist, hasn’t publicly advocated for ending capitalism (at least recently), and could be better described as an old school Social Democrat at best.

Still, many Democratic strategists fear Sanders would struggle in crucial swing states where the socialist label remains controversial.

• The effectiveness of these attacks doesn't depend on their fairness—only on whether voters believe them.

The good news, though, is that younger Americans no longer see socialism as a bad thing.

#5. Progressives want fresh faces. Those young people, however, may want a younger, fresher take.

• A new generation of leftist leaders has emerged in Sanders' wake, including figures like AOC, Jasmine Crockett, and others who share his values but bring new energy and perspectives (not to mention, more diversity).

Another Bernie campaign could be perceived as blocking this next generation from assuming leadership of the movement he built.

• Many progressives believe it's time to pass the torch while Sanders still has influence to share.

And there’s a real backlash (however small) against Bernie—and AOC—for not taking a more anti-Israel stance.

👀 If not Bernie, then who?

If Bernie Sanders decides not to run in 2028, we think there are five potential standard-bearers who could inherit his movement:

#1. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The charismatic congresswoman from New York has already demonstrated an extraordinary ability to communicate progressive ideas to new audiences.

• By 2028, AOC will be 39 years old with a decade of national political experience.

Her massive social media following, fundraising prowess, and ability to energize young voters make her perhaps the most natural heir to the Sanders movement.

• Her Green New Deal framework has already shifted climate politics significantly.

But because of Kamala Harris’s loss last year, some are worried America just won’t elect a woman of color.

#2. Rep. Ro Khanna. The California congressman has already expressed interest in a 2028 presidential run and has methodically built relationships across the Democratic spectrum.

• Khanna brings a unique combination of progressive values with Silicon Valley connections and a focus on economic opportunity in forgotten communities.

His emphasis on American manufacturing and technological leadership offers a potential bridge between the party's left wing and more moderate voters concerned about economic competition with China.

• But he’s practically unknown outside of Washington and progressive circles.

#3. Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Though she would be 79 in 2028, Warren remains one of the most effective policy entrepreneurs in American politics.

• Her detailed plans addressing corporate power, corruption, and economic inequality give her credibility with both progressives and mainstream Democrats.

So far, Warren has not publicly ruled out a presidential run in 2028.

• In a March interview on the podcast On with Kara Swisher, when asked about a potential 2028 campaign, Warren did not provide a definitive answer, leaving the door open to speculation.

But, Warren angered Sanders supporters by staying in the 2020 race too long and weakening his chances against Biden. Can she win them back? (If she even wants to?)

#4. Rep. Rashida Tlaib. The Michigan congresswoman and member of "The Squad" brings unapologetic progressive politics with deep connections to labor and working-class communities.

• Her background representing a diverse Midwest district gives her potential appeal in crucial battleground states where Democrats need to rebuild working-class support.

But, Tlaib's Palestinian heritage and outspokenness against Israel’s genocide is a double edged sword: it may help her with progressive voters, but hurts her with those still brainwashed or controlled by Zionists.

#5 Rep. Greg Casar. The young Texas congressman represents a new generation of progressive leadership emerging from the South and Southwest.

• As a former labor organizer and city councilman, Casar has experience delivering progressive victories in a conservative state.

But, again, he’s still largely unknown outside of Washington and progressive circles.

🗳️ Your turn

If Bernie doesn’t run, who among the five people above should take his place? Or if someone else, tell us who after you vote!

⚖️ The Verdict

Whether or not Bernie runs in 2028 isn’t a simple yes or no question—although so far, he’s indicated that he’s not going to run.

• Even without seeking the presidency himself, Sanders possesses unique leverage to shape the Democratic primary.

His endorsement will instantly elevate any progressive candidate, while his platform continues pushing the party left. The movement he built doesn't require his candidacy to maintain momentum.

If he changes his mind, even a symbolic Sanders campaign—one focused more on advancing ideas than winning outright—could serve a crucial purpose in American politics.

• By forcing discussions on economic inequality, healthcare access, and climate justice into mainstream debate, Sanders could prevent the Democratic Party from drifting rightward even without securing the nomination.

The most powerful outcome might be a hybrid approach: Sanders launching a campaign that ultimately transitions to elevating a chosen successor, effectively transferring his political capital to the next generation while ensuring his policy priorities remain central to Democratic politics.

• This MAY be exactly what he’s doing now with AOC and her recent appearances on his Fight Oligarchy tour.

Whether he runs or not, Sanders's most enduring legacy may be the progressive political infrastructure he's constructed—one that can continue advancing Democratic Socialism/Social Democracy long after his personal political career concludes.

FINAL VERDICT: The question isn't just whether Bernie should run, but how his movement can best sustain itself beyond any individual leader.

Thanks for reading, we’ll be back Tuesday morning.

Andrew & Anthony