Summary
Overview
This Pod Save America episode features an in-depth discussion of the DNC's new 2028 primary calendar placing South Carolina first, financial troubles at the Democratic National Committee under Chair Ken Martin, Trump's evolving Iran war strategy, and an interview with Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wickler about his book 'This Is the Plan' for rebuilding Democratic power at all levels of government.
New 2028 Democratic Primary Calendar Revealed
The DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to establish a new primary calendar for 2028, with South Carolina going first on January 22nd, followed by Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia before Super Tuesday. This represents a major shift from Iowa and New Hampshire's traditional first-state status. The new calendar aims to give more diverse demographics and swing states a voice in choosing the nominee, though New Hampshire's requirement to go first may create complications.
- South Carolina will be first on January 22, 2028, followed by Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia
- New Hampshire has a law requiring it to go first and may need to fund a separate party-run primary to comply with DNC rules
- The new calendar includes more diverse states demographically and geographically, plus important swing states like Michigan
- Penalties for violating the calendar include losing all delegates and a $270,000 fine for state parties
" Obama's not the nominee if he doesn't win Iowa because it gave us huge momentum and it made people all over the country believe that he could win. But also it taught us how to organize. "
" The order will also determine what policy areas get highlighted. Like, for example, Iowa being first meant that we talked about ethanol probably far too much for far too long. Now we may never talk about it again. "
South Carolina First: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Kamala Harris
The discussion explores how South Carolina going first could advantage moderate candidates due to its older, more moderate Democratic electorate with significant Black voter representation. Some progressives worry this disadvantages their candidates, though the hosts argue this creates an opportunity for the left to build broader coalitions. The conversation also examines whether this positioning particularly benefits Vice President Kamala Harris heading into 2028.
- About 40% of South Carolina Democratic primary voters are college graduates, and half identify as liberal—less than Iowa, New Hampshire, or Nevada
- Biden won South Carolina in 2020 especially strongly with Black voters over 60, while he and Bernie tied with Black voters under 30
- Kamala Harris has 69% favorability with Black voters, but her 2020 campaign struggled in South Carolina before she dropped out
- Being the frontrunner in early states is a double-edged sword due to heightened expectations and media scrutiny
" If you're saying that you think South Carolina is a way to put a roadblock in front of progressives, you are saying that a black electorate is a roadblock in front of progressives. "
" South Carolina going first isn't like a massive change. I think it's a reflection that black voters are the base of the party, they're half of the primary electorate there. "
📚 13 more sections below
Sign up to unlock the complete summary with all insights, key points, and quotes
Get this summary + all future Pod Save America episodes in your inbox
100% Free • Unsubscribe Anytime
Sign up now and we'll send you the complete summary of this episode, plus get notified when new Pod Save America episodes are released—delivered straight to your inbox within minutes.