Democratic strategists are already jockeying over 2028 presidential contenders even as the party's current problems remain unresolved, a move seen as premature and tone-deaf.

• Potential 2028 hopefuls like Ted Cruz-style rivals are lining up consultants well before any real fixes are in place.
• Critics say the party is skipping repair work and jumping straight to the next campaign.
• The same consultants blamed for recent historic election losses are being rehired anyway.
• This pattern of recycling the same strategists despite repeated defeats is drawing mockery in Washington.

Outlook: Expect continued infighting over messaging and strategy heading into 2028, with little sign the party will change who it hires to fix its problems.