We've been reporting on the various people contemplating or being talked about as possible 2028 candidates to run for president in the Democrat Party.
The names being kicked around are a festival of failure, including California Gov. Gavin "Hairgel" Newsom, the "don't ever call me Border Czar" Kamala Harris, and the thirsting Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14).
But now those people may have company, because guess who is confessing he's "kicking the tires"? Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).
Chris Van Hollen says he’s "been kicking the tires" on 2028.
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) August 23, 2026
MTP: "Meaning you're thinking about running for president in 2028?"
VAN HOLLEN: "Meaning I've been to New Hampshire...invited to go out to Iowa...I am kicking the tires, testing the waters." pic.twitter.com/9G8twMzjxI
He said to Meet the Press anchor Kristen Welker that he had been considering running in 2028, that he'd been to New Hampshire and was invited to Iowa, and was "testing the waters."
Now what's hilarious about that is that he's mostly known for his ridiculous support of "Maryland Man" Kilmar Albrego Garcia. That's not exactly a good recommendation for the job of president. He will never be able to live down this picture.
This guy? 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/DKv0t4pv7a
— SK (@SteCK1878) August 23, 2026
But then Van Hollen made it worse. Welker asked if he would accept an endorsement from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Van Hollen stumbled all over himself.
Democrat Senator Chris Van Hollen stumbles when asked if he would accept an endorsement from radical Leftists:
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) August 23, 2026
NBC: “Would you accept an endorsement by the DSA?”
VAN HOLLEN: “I’m not going to...reject an endorsement by certain individuals at the DSA." pic.twitter.com/rcf2pIgqie
"I'm not going to reject an endorsement by certain individuals at the DSA," Van Hollen said, although he said he was not seeking an endorsement from the DSA.
Democrat Senator Chris Van Hollen is embracing the far-Left takeover of his party.
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) August 23, 2026
NBC: Do you think the Democrat socialists have a place in the Democratic Party?
VAN HOLLEN: “Yes, they do." pic.twitter.com/5nQewuV7WZ
But if you're willing to accept their endorsement, and you think they have a place in the Democrat Party, you're in league with them, so that's immediately disqualifying. The DSA, according to its platform, wants to upend our system of government. That's incompatible with running for president.
Chances that Van Hollen has in 2028? I'm not even sure he would crack one percent.
The most common response on X to the clip about him running was people just mocking him. He would be such a gift to the Republicans if he somehow managed to be the Democrat nominee. But I don't think that's going to happen.
In addition to not having any positive national presence, Van Hollen has all the personality of a wet blanket. What has he done that's worthwhile to even be worthy of the thought? A whole lot of nothing. I think he and Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) would be in a tight competition for "worst primary performers."
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