Vance Reveals 3 Democrats He Likes
Vice President JD Vance turned heads this week after revealing the three progressive politicians he has come to “appreciate” — even while insisting that no Democrat poses a real threat to Republicans in the 2028 presidential race.
In a detailed interview with NBC News, Vance discussed topics ranging from his marriage to the state of the country under President Trump’s leadership. But one moment stood out: his surprisingly candid take on three well-known progressive figures — Bernie Sanders, Ro Khanna, and Zohran Mamdani.
For conservative readers watching the political landscape, Vance’s comments offer a rare look inside Washington and highlight why the Republican Party remains united and confident heading into 2026 and beyond.
Vance on Bernie Sanders: A Private Exchange He Still Won’t Repeat
Vance said he has always found Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) “fascinating,” recalling a private conversation from his early days in the Senate.
According to Vance, Sanders told him something so surprising — and so politically damaging to both sides — that he refuses to repeat it publicly.
Vance made it clear that while Sanders has extreme ideas, he at least listens to the American people, something Vance says too many politicians have forgotten.
This subtle contrast sets the stage for what Vance believes is the biggest weakness inside the Democratic Party going into the next presidential cycle.
Ro Khanna: “Annoying,” but More Thoughtful Than Most Democrats
Vance didn’t hold back about his frequent clashes with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), calling him “very annoying” on social media.
But he also admitted something few Republicans ever say:
Khanna occasionally says something “interesting.”
Vance noted that this alone puts Khanna ahead of “most politicians,” especially those in Congress who simply repeat party talking points. For older Americans frustrated with Washington gridlock, Vance’s observation hits home.
Mamdani: A “Communist,” But Still More Engaged Than the Average Democrat
Vance echoed President Trump’s description of incoming NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling him essentially a communist.
Even so, Vance acknowledged that Mamdani’s laser focus on New York City’s affordability disaster shows he is at least hearing residents’ concerns.
Trump himself recently met with Mamdani, offering rare praise — something Vance called “fascinating.”
Vance added that the bar for political leadership today is so low that simply listening to citizens puts these three progressives above many Democratic officials.
Vance: Democrats Created the Affordability Crisis — And Their Narrative Is a “Hoax”
While Vance credited Sanders, Khanna, and Mamdani for occasionally paying attention to voters, he strongly rejected the Left’s talking points on affordability.
President Trump has repeatedly warned Americans that Democrats are using affordability as a political weapon, calling it a “hoax” and a “con job.”
Vance fully agreed.
He argued that Democrats caused soaring prices through reckless economic policies — then blamed Republicans for not undoing years of damage in less than a year.
“The hoax,” Vance said, “is pretending this is the Republicans’ fault. It’s a totally bogus narrative.”
For older Americans living on fixed incomes, this message directly addresses the real-world impact of Democrat-led inflation.
2028 Talk: Vance Refuses to Play Media Games, Stays Loyal to President Trump
With Sanders out of the picture for 2028 and Mamdani still early in his mayorship, Rep. Ro Khanna is the only one of the three occasionally floated as a national contender.
Vance brushed off the speculation.
He said he is focused on doing his job and supporting President Trump — not plotting a future campaign or seeking attention.
“You will never hear me attack the president,” Vance said. “If I run someday, people can ask their questions. But I’m not undermining the president.”
Vance also emphasized that the 2026 midterm elections will shape Trump’s second term and determine the GOP’s legislative strength — a message that resonates strongly with older conservative voters who stay highly engaged in midterm elections.
