Project 2029: Biden adviser Sullivan draws fire in Democratic reset
Democrats are in the midst of creating a new policy brain trust called Project 2029, a strategic effort aimed at shaping the party’s long-term vision and regaining electoral strength. However, the inclusion of longtime party insiders, especially former President Joe Biden’s national security advisor Jake Sullivan, is causing a stir across the political spectrum.
Critics are questioning why Sullivan, who was Biden’s top advisor during the chaotic 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Biden administration’s failure to help Israel and Hamas reach a lasting ceasefire, is looking to help formulate winning Democratic policy ahead of the 2028 election. Sullivan’s role in these controversial events has led to skepticism about his ability to lead a project focused on reshaping the Democratic Party’s future.
Project 2029, modeled after the conservative Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, brings together high-profile Democratic veterans to outline a policy road map. Led by longtime Democratic strategist Andrei Cherny, the initiative includes familiar faces such as Neera Tanden, Anne-Marie Slaughter, Justin Wolfers, Jim Kessler, and Felicia Wong. However, Sullivan’s involvement has drawn particular criticism from both Republicans and progressives alike.
Despite the backlash, some Democrats defend Sullivan’s role, believing he could help unify the party. They argue that he is a historic organizer of diverse lanes of Democratic foreign policy and has the potential to bridge the gap between establishment figures and progressives. However, Sullivan’s GOP critics point to his past involvement in promoting now-debunked allegations during the 2016 election, questioning his credibility and judgment in leading a project focused on reshaping the Democratic Party’s future.
As Democrats navigate a crossroads in their party’s direction, the debate over Sullivan’s role in Project 2029 continues to divide opinions. While some see him as a unifying force, others question his ability to lead the party towards a successful future. With no clear front runner for the 2028 election, Project 2029 may serve as one of many blueprints for what a Democratic administration should strive for in the years to come.
