It was a spectacle of ambition and calculated moves, with the potential "Class of 2028" contenders eyeing each other like predators in a crowded arena.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer set the tone early. It wasn’t even 9 a.m. on Tuesday, but she was already blitzing through a labyrinth of delegate breakfasts, hitting up states like Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Montana, and North Carolina in a blur of pink plaid and shimmery Converse. She wasn’t just showing up; she was making a statement, snapping selfies like a seasoned pro, her team running the photo lines with ruthless efficiency. This wasn’t just about rallying the troops for the 2024 election—it was a very public audition for the ultimate prize: the Oval Office.

But Whitmer wasn’t alone. The convention was packed with other ambitious Democrats who had once dreamed of an open primary in 2028. Now, with President Biden stepping aside for Kamala Harris, their aspirations are frozen, deferred to a future that might not materialize for another eight years—or more. They were all there, though—hustling, mingling, striving, and, at times, practically tripping over one another.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, once a leading figure in Democratic circles, played his cards close to the vest. In a stunning low profile, he skipped the big speeches and stuck to more mundane tasks like awarding California’s votes to Harris on the convention floor. It was a stark contrast to the Newsom we’re used to seeing—bold, brash, and unafraid to take the spotlight. His loyalty to Harris was clear: "Harris 2024, Harris 2028, Harris or bust," he declared. But was it genuine loyalty, or a reluctant acceptance of a political reality that’s pushed him to the sidelines?

Then there was Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who worked the convention crowd like a seasoned politician, hosting a posh "real freedom happy hour" that was as much about networking as it was about pushing the party line. But even as he demurred on his future ambitions, there were whispers among the delegates—could he be the one to break the mold, to step out of Harris’s shadow when the time is right?

But if Shapiro’s party was refined, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s was a full-blown spectacle. With a fortune at his disposal, Pritzker threw an extravaganza that could only be described as presidential—a gala for 8,000 people with open bars, acrobats, and a performance by John Legend. It was more than just a show of power—it was a clear signal that Pritzker isn’t just content being the billionaire governor; he’s got his eye on a bigger prize. And the delegates noticed. His name was chanted with fervor, “JB! JB! JB!” as he worked the room, shaking hands and making deals that could pay off big in 2028—or 2032.

As the convention wound down, one thing was clear: The Democratic Party is facing a moment of reckoning. The “Class of 2028” is not just a group of ambitious politicians—they’re a ticking time bomb, each one waiting for their moment to explode onto the national stage. And while they may be rallying behind Harris for now, don’t be fooled—this is just the opening act in a much larger drama.

They’re all playing the long game, biding their time, and waiting for their shot. In the shadows of Biden and Harris, they’re quietly sharpening their knives, preparing for the day when they can finally step out and claim the throne. The race to the White House has already begun, and it’s going to be one hell of a fight.