As the current presidential term progresses, interest in the 2028 presidential election is becoming more pronounced among U.S. adults. A CNN-SSRS poll conducted from December 4 to 7 indicates that half of respondents are contemplating the upcoming election, with 22 percent stating they have thought about it 'a lot' and 28 percent 'some.' However, two-thirds of participants did not specify a preferred candidate, highlighting a general uncertainty in the electorate.

At a recent AmericaFest event, Vice President JD Vance was identified as a strong candidate to succeed President Donald Trump, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term due to the 22nd Amendment. Vance, at 41, represents a younger generation of political leaders, and attendees expressed confidence in his potential candidacy as a continuation of Trump's political legacy. On the Democratic side, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was noted as the most likely nominee, surpassing California Governor Gavin Newsom in popularity among attendees. Shapiro, at 52, has downplayed his presidential aspirations, focusing instead on state governance, yet his recognition in Pennsylvania could be pivotal in returning the state to Democratic control.

In the polling data, Republican respondents showed some interest in Vance, with 11 percent naming him as a potential candidate. Other Republican figures mentioned included Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 2 percent and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at 1 percent. Notably, Trump was also named by 1 percent of respondents, despite his ineligibility to run again.

On the Democratic side, Newsom led with 6 percent support, followed by former Vice President Kamala Harris at 3 percent, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 2 percent, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 1 percent. The poll also revealed that qualities such as honesty and compassion are highly valued by voters, with affordability and cost-of-living issues ranking as primary concerns.

The discussions at AmericaFest also touched on the future of conservatism post-Trump, with expectations of a consolidation around candidates favored by Trump. The potential for a competitive Democratic primary was acknowledged, with Shapiro seen as a viable candidate against more progressive figures like Newsom and Ocasio-Cortez. Overall, the evolving political dynamics in the U.S. suggest significant implications for both major parties as they prepare for the upcoming election cycle.