John Thomas Breaks Down Early 2028 Presidential Positioning on CNN
Washington, D.C., September 3, 2026 — Nestpoint Managing Director John Thomas joined CNN’s The Story Is with Elex Michaelson for the third part of a civil political discussion focused on possible 2028 presidential candidates and the early positioning already taking shape in both parties.
The panel opened with Governor Gavin Newsom, who has drawn growing attention as a potential Democratic contender. Thomas acknowledged that Newsom is a serious candidate, but said there are warning signs around whether he is peaking too early and how his record in California may be viewed nationally.
“Usually the first name we’re talking about early in a presidential contest is not the person that actually wins the nomination,” Thomas said.
Thomas also pointed to the ideological pressures inside the Democratic Party. He said Newsom’s ability to shift positions may help him stay relevant, but could become a liability if Democratic primary voters apply a stronger progressive purity test.
“I think Gavin’s biggest flaw is that he’s kind of whatever he needs to be in the moment to stay relevant,” Thomas said.
The discussion then turned to other possible Democratic contenders, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Jon Ossoff. Thomas described Ossoff as “an incredibly impressive and skilled candidate,” while noting that the larger question is where the “heart and soul and intensity” of the Democratic Party will be by the time the race takes shape.
That question, he suggested, could determine whether Democrats gravitate toward a more moderate candidate with broader rhetorical appeal or a figure from the party’s left wing who more clearly reflects the energy of the primary electorate.
On the Republican side, Thomas discussed the emerging field of potential successors to President Donald Trump, including Pete Hegseth, J.D. Vance, and Marco Rubio. He said Hegseth would have name recognition and support from the base, but his future prospects may depend heavily on how Republican voters ultimately view the war with Iran.
Thomas said the race between Rubio and Vance remains difficult to assess, but argued that Trump’s own view of his legacy could play a major role in shaping the field. If Trump sees foreign policy as central to that legacy, Thomas suggested Rubio could benefit from having been closely associated with that work.
When asked whether polling suggests Rubio could be the toughest Republican for Democrats to face, Thomas said he believes Rubio has several strengths.
“He can put together a broad coalition that Republicans need,” Thomas said. “He’s thought to be competent. The donor class likes him. The grassroots likes him.”
Across the segment, Thomas framed the early 2028 race as more than a contest of individual personalities. For Democrats, the question is whether the party’s energy will consolidate around the left or a more moderate national figure. For Republicans, the question is how Trump’s legacy, base politics, and coalition-building will shape the next generation of contenders.
The segment originally aired on CNN’s The Story Is with Elex Michaelson on September 3, 2026. You can watch it here.
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