Oh, we all know it’s going to happen. It’s still early, but the pressure will become overwhelming for Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), who, despite some of her very odd remarks, isn’t as unintelligent as some might think. She’s learned a lot by staying somewhat out of the spotlight, but her actions suggest that a national campaign for her is on the horizon, and we should all brace for a long, fierce battle if she decides to run in 2028.
Initially, her winning the 2028 nomination would complete the socialist takeover. The traditional Democratic Party would disappear, replaced by a new, unhinged, and authoritarian party. The good news is that the more these individuals speak, the more voters they scare away. The bad news is that society has hit a rough patch if enough people are naive enough to think that failed policies that have wiped out hundreds of millions in Russia, China, and elsewhere could work here, among other issues. It’s a failure of our education system, though leftists are inherently historically illiterate. The refusal of the Left to challenge their ideas only worsens this slide into insanity.
For the most part, AOC stayed within the confines of New York, but now she’s organizing anti-oligarchy rallies with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), increasing her visibility through endorsements, and taking all the necessary steps to grow her profile. She has a national following, can raise funds, and energizes her base—she might win the nomination. I’m not counting her out; no one should. Vice President JD Vance knows this, partly because the Democrats have no strong bench. AOC and maybe Kamala Harris, as terrible as she is, are the only two who could mount a serious campaign. Pete Buttigieg is a no-go, Bernie Sanders is too old, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) is too regional, and most of the bench was exposed as a mile wide and an inch deep during the 2020 primaries.
Ocasio-Cortez was mocked as a bartender by our side, which I saw as a mistake. That’s the point, fellas: you could be a bartender today, and a member of Congress tomorrow. That’s America. It’s a good story, too. Sorry, but it resonates, which Joe Crowley found out the hard way.
She’s being smart, likely seeing how these Democratic Socialists of America candidates do in the midterms. If it’s not a slaughter, AOC watch is on hardcore. If they get throttled, there’s always another office she could occupy in her journey to the White House: it’s the one occupied by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) presently. AOC is young; we’ll need to track her for the next generation or so, but congresswoman for her entire career in public life? Please. If the White House isn’t in the cards next cycle, Chuck Schumer or the governor’s mansion could be next. And then from there, who knows?
What’s also true is that, like the far left, there’s always whining, and she’s no exception, namely that some of the foot soldiers of the left don’t show up to help her. And that, maybe, 2028 might not be mature enough for the party's progressive left. Still, it circles back to who, on the Democrats' side, can win or has a shot at winning?
Axios: AOC wrestles with left-wing Dems as 2028 decision looms
— Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 (@PollTracker2024) April 12, 2026
In private, Ocasio-Cortez has fumed about the criticism, believing it's unfair and counterproductive for the progressive movement.
One liberal strategist told Axios that AOC has "lamented that the left was not there…
Not Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA). It's sad to say this, but his Jewish roots disqualify him from running as a Democrat.
Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD)? No one knows who he is.
Kamala Harris? Sure, she might be more popular with Democrats than polls suggest, but she's a perpetual loser, unqualified, and afraid to make tough decisions.
Gov. Gavin Newsom's (D-CA) stock is over.
What a circus.
