Chuck Todd: DNC primary calendar designed to block progressive candidates in 2028

By John Damon | Just The News Iowa

Former NBC News host Chuck Todd is raising eyebrows over the Democratic National Committee's new primary calendar for 2028, suggesting it was deliberately crafted to prevent a progressive insurgent from winning the party's nomination. Todd's comments, made Monday on his podcast 'The Chuck ToddCast,' have reignited debate about how the DNC's rules may favor establishment moderates over grassroots candidates.

What did Chuck Todd say about the DNC calendar?

Todd argued that the sequence of early primary states — starting with South Carolina and ending with Virginia — is no accident. 'The more I study this map, the more I think, whether intentionally or simply by consequence, this calendar is intended to make life harder for an insurgent progressive,' he said. 'That's its intent.'

The DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee voted Friday to make South Carolina the first-in-the-nation primary, followed by Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia. Todd noted that these states are not known for being friendly to progressive candidates, particularly South Carolina and Virginia.

Why does this matter for Iowa voters?

For Iowans, the DNC's decision is a stark reminder of the party's shift away from traditional early states like Iowa. Todd pointed out that if Wisconsin or Iowa were included in the early window, progressives would be happier. Iowa's caucuses, once a key battleground for both parties, have been sidelined by the DNC in favor of states with more moderate electorates.

This move has frustrated many Democrats who believe the party is ignoring the working-class voters who often participate in Iowa's caucuses. As one RBC member told Axios, 'The public is swinging left, and the establishment is trying to fight the winds of change.'

How does the calendar favor moderates?

Todd explained that South Carolina has not been 'very open' to progressive socialist campaigns. In 2016 and 2020, Senator Bernie Sanders won just 26% and 20% of the vote there, respectively, finishing second both times. However, Todd noted that in a crowded race, 20% could be enough to win if moderate votes are split among multiple candidates.

'There might be multiple candidates trying to win over the more moderate vote, it splinters and a progressive consolidating the progressive support in the state — well, guess what? Twenty percent is a terrible number in a two-way race. Twenty percent might be a great number in a six-way race,' Todd said.

Virginia, the final state in the early window, could become 'the last stand for the establishment to stop a progressive if indeed a progressive has the momentum,' Todd added.

What are the reactions from Democrats?

Not all Democrats are on board with the new calendar. New Hampshire Democratic Party chair Ray Buckley criticized the decision, saying, 'Today's vote shows that many party insiders have learned nothing from 2024.' He argued that New Hampshire's rigorous process has a proven track record and that the DNC's move 'moves the party further away from winning general elections.'

South Carolina Democratic Party chair Christale Spain defended the choice, saying, 'I hate that the narrative kind of seems like Well, a progressive can't win in the South.' She argued that retail politics can win there and that a candidate like Sanders could 'absolutely' succeed.

What does this mean for the 2028 election?

The DNC's calendar could shape the 2028 race significantly. If a progressive candidate like Sanders or another left-wing figure emerges, they will face an uphill battle in states that favor moderates. Meanwhile, establishment candidates may have a clearer path to the nomination.

For Iowa voters, this is another sign that the national party is moving away from the grassroots, caucus-based politics that once defined the state's role in presidential elections. As the DNC focuses on states like South Carolina and Virginia, Iowans may wonder if their voices still matter in the Democratic primary process.

Photo: Fox News