so wait, this isn't an existential election that could kill our democracy? why are we planning for 2028 already?
It's not soo much about that...yes this year's election is important however, in regards to the Democratic Party's agenda, 2028 was and is supposed the year of the new regime meaning “out with the old and in with the new”.
2028 is the year where newer, younger, and fresher Dems lead the party into a new stage/agenda and 2024 was going to be the last of the old regime with Biden leading the swan song setting the stage up for the new era. That's why a lot of the older Dems have slowly started to defer to the younger ones.
Kamala, Gavin, Gretchen, etc are all a part of the new regime. That's why Gavin has made it clear he's not interested right now, and Gretchen has been pretty quiet possibly hinting that she's not interested either. That's why if Biden steps down Kamala would be next in line but I don't she wants it either, not because she isn't confident in herself but because she like the others is waiting for 2028 so they each can better position themselves and approve upon their agendas and potential campaigns to have a better chance.
Right now isn't the best for them, especially with the short amount of time left we're almost in August...which is why the major Dem candidates that could take over if Biden steps down aren't supportive of the idea of Joe stepping down.