Michael LaRosa, who served as press secretary to former first lady Jill Biden during the Biden administration, said Tuesday he does not believe former Vice President Kamala Harris has a viable path to the White House in 2028 if she pursues another presidential bid.
LaRosa made his remarks during an interview on Fox News's "America Reports," responding directly to a New York Magazine article that identified Harris as the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. The conversation centered on whether Harris, who lost the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump, would attempt another campaign cycle.
What the Right Is Saying
LaRosa, who worked closely with the Biden family during the administration, offered pointed criticism of Harris's political style and electoral viability. "She follows. She doesn't take risks. She calculates. She doesn't answer questions, she equivocates," he said on Fox News. "She's got to get over that if she wants to make a connection with people, but I don't think she's going to get a third at-bat."
When asked by host Gillian Turner about alternative Democratic candidates, LaRosa suggested several names. "I want somebody who can run the country. I want somebody who is competent. I love Rahm Emanuel, Gavin Newsom. I like Pete Buttigieg," he said.
Conservatives have echoed LaRosa's skepticism, arguing that Harris's 2024 campaign struggles—including low approval ratings and staff turnover—suggest significant electoral weaknesses heading into any future bid.
What the Left Is Saying
Minyon Moore, a prominent Democratic strategist quoted in the New York Magazine piece, offered a different assessment of Harris's political standing and future prospects. "She's been listening to the American people and really trying to figure out what's impacting them and how she can be of service to them," Moore said.
Other Democrats have pointed to Harris's position as vice president from 2021 to 2025 as evidence of her readiness for higher office, noting her experience in governing and coalition building. Supporters argue that a third presidential bid is not unprecedented in American politics and that voter sentiment can shift significantly over two years.
Harris's office did not respond to requests for comment from The Hill regarding LaRosa's remarks.
What the Numbers Show
Harris served as vice president from January 2021 to January 2025 under President Biden. She launched a presidential campaign in January 2024 but suspended it in July of that year after failing to gain traction in primary polling, withdrawing before the Democratic National Convention.
Governor Gavin Newsom of California, whom LaRosa named as a preferred candidate, has not committed to a 2028 run. He told CBS News's "Face the Nation" earlier this year that he needs to make any decision about running with his family.
The New York Magazine article identifying Harris as the 2028 front-runner was based on interviews with Democratic strategists and analysis of current party dynamics, though no formal polling data for a hypothetical 2028 primary race was presented in the piece.
LaRosa currently works as a communications strategist and has remained connected to Democratic Party networks following his time in the Biden administration.
The Bottom Line
The remarks from LaRosa represent an unusual public break from a former administration ally, highlighting ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party over its future direction and leadership. While LaRosa is not a sitting elected official, his proximity to the Bidens gives his comments particular weight as a signal of how some party insiders view Harris's political standing.
What happens next will depend on whether Harris formally announces a 2028 candidacy and how early primary states respond. Newsom and other potential candidates have not ruled out runs but have also declined to commit publicly. Any future Democratic nominee will need to rebuild a coalition that proved insufficient against Trump in both 2016 and 2024.