Washington, D.C. — October 27, 2025
The Democratic Party is facing one of its most explosive internal crises in years after leaked documents revealed that top party donors and strategists have begun quietly organizing behind a potential Kamala Harris–Pete Buttigieg ticket for 2028. The revelation has set off shockwaves across Washington, deepening tensions within President Biden’s circle and raising serious questions about the future direction of the party.

A Hidden Power Struggle Unfolds

According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, a closed-door meeting held earlier this month in Georgetown brought together a select group of high-profile Democratic donors, consultants, and former campaign officials. The purpose: to begin early discussions about a “fresh generational ticket” that could carry the Democratic banner into the post-Biden era.

Leaked notes from the meeting, reviewed by several outlets, paint a picture of growing dissatisfaction with the current administration’s political trajectory. The documents reportedly mention Vice President Kamala Harris and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as the “most viable duo to unite the progressive and establishment wings” of the party ahead of the 2028 election.

The leak has reignited long-simmering rivalries between key Democratic factions — particularly those aligned with Biden loyalists, Obama’s inner circle, and new-generation progressives pushing for a leadership overhaul.

“Betrayal” and “Backroom Plotting”

Insiders describe the fallout as nothing short of chaos. One senior Democratic strategist, speaking on condition of anonymity, called the move “a betrayal of trust at the highest levels,” accusing Harris and Buttigieg allies of “plotting a political coup before 2028 even begins.”

Others, however, defend the early maneuvering as “strategic foresight.” A former Obama campaign aide told reporters, “Every serious party plans its future. What’s happening now is not betrayal — it’s preparation. The party knows Biden won’t run again, and someone has to lead the next chapter.”

Still, the leak has exposed deep insecurities within the Democratic establishment. Members of the Biden 2024 reelection team, many of whom remain influential within the party’s fundraising network, are reportedly furious that major donors are “already moving on.”

Obama’s Circle Reportedly Divided

Perhaps most striking is the apparent divide within Barack Obama’s political network — once the unifying force of the modern Democratic Party. Some close to the former president are said to be quietly supportive of a Harris–Buttigieg ticket, viewing it as a natural evolution of Obama’s legacy of diversity and generational change.

Others, however, are warning that such a move risks alienating key constituencies, particularly working-class and centrist voters who helped Biden reclaim the White House in 2020. “There’s a real fear that the party is turning into a personality contest,” one insider said. “If this becomes about loyalty to factions instead of policy, Democrats could hand 2028 to the GOP on a silver platter.”

The Biden Camp Fights Back

In response to the leaks, several figures close to the president have begun pushing back aggressively. Reports indicate that White House aides have contacted donor networks urging unity and warning against “premature speculation” that could undermine the administration’s ongoing agenda.

One senior Biden adviser dismissed the rumors as “distractions designed to create drama.” However, the tone inside the West Wing reportedly shifted after a second leak surfaced — this time detailing private polling commissioned by Democratic megadonors testing the Harris–Buttigieg ticket against hypothetical Republican contenders like Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley.

Voters React as Party Fractures Deepen

Across social media, the revelations have sparked a firestorm of debate among Democratic voters. Some praise Harris and Buttigieg as the future of the party — a symbol of youth, progress, and diversity. Others see the reports as proof that Washington elites are once again trying to “engineer” the next nominee rather than letting the base decide.

Political analysts warn that the timing of the leaks could not be worse. With key policy battles still unfolding in Congress and the 2026 midterms looming, public perception of disunity could severely damage the Democrats’ image of stability and competence.

The Road to 2028 Begins Early

Whether the Harris–Buttigieg alliance is real or exaggerated, one thing is clear: the jockeying for 2028 has begun far earlier than expected. The Democratic Party now faces a crucial test — can it manage the ambitions of its rising stars without tearing itself apart?

For now, both Harris and Buttigieg have remained publicly silent. But behind closed doors, according to one Democratic insider, “the knives are already out — and the countdown to 2028 has officially started.”