Fox News contributor and former Trump White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany is already looking ahead to the next presidential cycle—and her prediction underscores a growing concern on the Right: Democrats may try to mimic President Donald Trump’s political playbook after years of vilifying it.
In a promotional video shared by Fox News on X and captioned, “We asked our talent to share their predictions for 2026!”, McEnany kicked off the segment with a bold forecast. According to McEnany, Democrats—despite routinely attacking Trump’s unconventional style—are quietly preparing to copy the very strategy they once denounced.
“Happy 2026,” McEnany said. “Here’s my prediction: there will be a Democrat who tries to emulate and copy the Trump playbook—meaning they will declare their candidacy for the presidency before the end of next year.”
McEnany named California Gov. Gavin Newsom as the most likely Democrat to break with tradition and launch an early White House bid, followed closely—perhaps uncomfortably closely—by former Vice President Kamala Harris.
“I believe that Democrat will be Gavin Newsom,” McEnany continued. “And shortly thereafter—though I don’t want to scare everyone—I believe Kamala Harris will declare shortly after in 2027. We’ll see!”
Democrats Imitating Trump?
The irony of McEnany’s prediction is hard to miss. For nearly a decade, Democrats and legacy media outlets have castigated President Trump for disrupting political norms, launching early campaigns, dominating media attention, and speaking directly to voters outside traditional party structures. Yet as Republicans consolidate behind Trump-style populism, Democrats appear increasingly eager to borrow from the same rulebook—early announcements, personality-driven politics, and nonstop media exposure.
Newsom, the progressive governor of California, has long been rumored to harbor national ambitions. His frequent appearances on cable news, high-profile red-state visits, and aggressive messaging against Republican governors have fueled speculation that he is positioning himself as the Democratic Party’s next standard-bearer.
Harris, meanwhile, remains one of the most polarizing figures in modern Democratic politics. After a historically weak vice presidency marked by staff turnover, low approval ratings, and policy misfires—particularly on immigration—Harris has been cautiously testing the waters for a political comeback.
A Tense California Power Struggle
Adding intrigue to McEnany’s prediction is the longstanding rivalry between Newsom and Harris, two California Democrats whose careers have frequently intersected—and occasionally clashed.
The relationship has often been described by political observers as “frenemies.” While publicly supportive, both figures clearly view one another as obstacles on the path to higher office.
That tension surfaced last summer during Newsom’s appearance on Pod Save America, shortly after Harris replaced President Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket. Asked about the abrupt switch, Newsom responded with thinly veiled sarcasm.
“We went through a very open process, a very inclusive process,” Newsom quipped. “It was bottom-up—I don’t know if you know that. That’s what I’ve been told to say!”
The remark was widely interpreted as a jab at Democratic leadership and their handling of Biden’s exit, reinforcing GOP criticisms that Democratic “democracy” often amounts to backroom decision-making.
Harris, for her part, took a swipe at Newsom in her campaign memoir 107 Days. She recalled calling Newsom to secure his support after Biden dropped out of the race—only to receive a terse text message.
“Hiking. Will call back,” Newsom reportedly replied.
“He never did,” Harris added pointedly.
Signs of a Harris Comeback?
Despite her past struggles, Harris has been making calculated moves that many Democrats—and Republicans—see as the early stages of a 2028 presidential run.
According to Axios, Harris has been “stepping toward” another campaign, citing her expanded book tour, renewed engagement with Democratic donors, and a high-profile appearance before the Democratic National Committee earlier this month.
Reporter Alex Thompson noted that after lying low for much of the year, Harris has suddenly reemerged on the national stage—raising eyebrows within her own party.
“After embarking on a 2024-focused book tour,” Thompson wrote, “Harris made several moves this week that many Democrats see as the beginnings of a 2028 campaign.”
DNC Chair Ken Martin has also offered unusually warm public praise for Harris, further fueling speculation.
