By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following Donald Trump’s threats against Democratic lawmakers, particularly Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, the story has continued to develop, increasing Kelly’s visibility. Trump’s social media posts, suggesting the lawmakers deserved the death penalty, triggered investigations by the Pentagon and FBI into Kelly and the group’s actions. Kelly has seized the opportunity to denounce Trump’s comments and push back against the threats through extensive media appearances. As a result, Kelly is gaining prominence and has positioned himself as a potential rival in the future, creating an unintended consequence of elevating the senator.
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In attacking Mark Kelly, Trump is elevating a 2028 contender. It’s a fascinating dynamic, isn’t it? The more Trump targets someone, the more they potentially gain visibility and, ironically, support. It’s like a reverse Midas touch – everything Trump criticizes might actually turn to gold for the person on the receiving end.
Kelly, it seems, is viewed by many as a solid potential presidential candidate. His background, his experience, and his perceived integrity resonate with a lot of people. The fact that he’s an astronaut is a huge plus for some, adding an almost mythical quality to his profile. It’s a unique angle, something that definitely makes him stand out in the political landscape. The general consensus appears to be that he has an impressive resume and an admirable personal story.
However, the path to the presidency isn’t just about qualifications and achievements. Charisma, or “it” factor, is incredibly important. Many believe Kelly might be lacking in this department, potentially hindering his chances of winning a primary. Whether or not he could rally the support needed, and whether he could effectively appeal to a broad range of voters, are the key questions.
The political leanings of his potential base is also a factor. Some voters express frustration with moderate candidates, longing for progressive policies like Medicare for All and comprehensive action on climate change. Whether Kelly could garner the support of the more progressive elements within the Democratic party is a critical question that would affect his chances.
There’s a recurring theme of generational change, as well. A lot of people are tired of seeing the same old faces, the same old policies, and the same old approaches to politics. The desire for a younger leader, someone born after 1980 or even 1985, is palpable. This generation could offer new perspectives and different strategies.
The strategic dimension of Trump’s attacks also comes up. The perception is that Trump’s criticisms, regardless of their intent, could inadvertently boost Kelly’s profile, making him a more formidable contender. It’s almost as if Trump is doing Kelly’s campaign team’s work, building name recognition and attracting attention.
There is a sense that Kelly has the potential to attract voters across the political spectrum. His perceived integrity, coupled with his impressive credentials, could appeal to independents and even some conservatives. He might check a lot of boxes for people who vote based on “vibes” rather than rigid adherence to policy positions.
On the other hand, a war hawk mentality will make it difficult for him to secure the support of the progressive wing of the party. Moreover, his fundraising is seen by some as an issue.
The bottom line is that while Trump’s attacks might inadvertently help Kelly, the ultimate success of a 2028 run will depend on several factors. It’s about how he navigates the political landscape, how he connects with voters, how well he can articulate a vision for the future, and if he can successfully harness the momentum, Trump’s attacks might provide.