On Sunday’s episode of NBC’s Meet the Press, Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey refused to rule out a potential 2028 presidential bid, while delivering a familiar slate of progressive rhetoric on economic and healthcare issues.
When host Kristen Welker asked what Democrats’ message should be right now, Booker leaned into partisan talking points, claiming, “This is not about party, left or right. It’s about right or wrong.” He went on to criticize Republican-backed policies, saying, “We are in a moral moment right now in our country with attacks on Medicaid and tax cuts to the wealthiest in the country, and this is not who we are.”
Despite this call for unity, Booker’s message echoed the Democratic Party’s typical platform of expanding entitlement programs and opposing tax relief. He added, “We have to fight to keep American jobs, costs, economic security and American health care,” framing the issues in ideological terms.
When pressed directly on whether he is considering a 2028 presidential run, Booker deflected: “I’m focused on today and my reelection in ’26.” He emphasized his work in New Jersey, claiming, “There’s been no senator with a better record of bringing resources back to the state of New Jersey.”
Welker responded, “I don’t hear you ruling it,” pointing out his deliberate non-answer.
Booker’s carefully worded remarks leave the door open for a future White House run, even as he attempts to portray himself as focused solely on his Senate seat—an all-too-common strategy among career politicians eyeing higher office.
