AOC for President?
As unimaginable as it may seem, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is being mentioned as a possible Democrat presidential candidate in 2028. That is almost as far fetched as Donald Trump running and winning in 2016 – and 2024.
Of course, it is far too early to seriously speculate, but the potential contenders are already jockeying for position – so even early speculation is appropriate.
The idea of AOC as a viable candidate is gaining credibility from a number of developments. She is drawing large crowds along with socialist curmudgeon Bernie Sanders in their joint “Fighting Oligarchy” rallies – and I doubt it is threadbare Sanders who is the primary draw.
AOC is polling well – even if it is partially due to the base of the Democratic Party shrinking. It just gives the more radical elements in the party greater influence. It is increasingly clear that the more radical wing of the Party is dominant at the moment.
When asked who Democrat voters see as the leader of the Party, AOC comes up in the number one or number two position. In horse race polls, she beats out such former favorites as former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker and others. She seems to be seriously in contention at this point. You can already purchase various “AOC for President” paraphernalia on Amazon.
Polling guru Nate Silver currently sees AOC as the odds-on favorite – someone he sees as “the most likely” Democrat standard bearer. Although his crystal ball appears to have clouded up in recent years.
Even FOX News sees potential for AOC because of her popularity with the left-wing press. Like Trump, she can command the media spotlight at will. They find her fascinating. According to FOX, “… the media is kind of obsessed with her, and they are going to follow her every move, which means she will be able to keep the attention on her throughout the primary process.”
AOC could enhance her chances by heading to the Senate over the politically wounded body of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Some polls suggest she would likely beat him in a primary. If you think two years in the Senate is not enough time to move up to the Oval Office – think Barack Obama.
Despite all the attention AOC is receiving at this moment, she has a lot of very high hurdles to overcome in the next three years – perhaps even barriers. She is a figure of the extreme left – and would not be considered if the Democrat base had not shifted so far to the left.
AOC may be popular among the voters in her shrunken, more radical Democratic Party, but too far to the left for the general electorate. She may be another George McGovern. The uber liberal South Dakota senator who won the Democratic nomination in 1972 because the Party shifted to the left. But he was too far left for most voters, and consequently, he handed the Watergate-entangled Richard Nixon a 49-state landslide victory.
Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Kamala Harris in 2024 suggests that the American public is still right of center – and will be for the foreseeable future.
AOC understands the problem. In her recent public appearances, she is no longer pounding the drum for her hitherto far left agenda. No more talk of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. She no longer talks of defunding the police – or eliminating Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE). She appears to have abandoned some of the more onerous aspects of the Green New Deal.
Yes … it is hard to imagine AOC being a serious contender for the democratic presidential nomination in 2028, but politics is a strange business. Ironically, Trump may be AOC’s best example of an improbable – seemingly impossible — candidate taking home the victory. However, that bit of political lightning is not likely to strike twice.
So, there ‘tis.
The idiots in this country would love to have that commie cunt for president
You of course are referring to Krusty Gnome?
Dude, I am surprised you think AOC a long shot. I think it depends how much more you are willing to help her move forward. Pelosi is basically gone, Schumer just does not have the fire in the belly, Jeffries is still an unknown, and you freakin trashed Biden, your one great hope for moderation. I do like Mayor Pete, but he seems to keep his light under a bushel, perhaps no fire. I was hopeful for Newsome, but the debates, the foreign road trips, pretty amateur PR stunts not well played. I mean when DeSantimonious breaks even on a debate fight you picked, come on dude, get some seasoning.
AOC came in hot, got slapped down fast by Pelosi, learned, came back when Pelosi stepped down, got slapped down by the press and party, and now is under Bernie’s wing. Let’s face it, Bernie is likeable. Not votable, but likeable and perhaps AOC can take his mentoring. She is smart and perhaps is getting the seasoning to pull off taking the left as well as a lot of the party’s center. You never know. But she is outTrumping Trump on the rally circuit.
Every year you lose more of us moderate, centrist, Democrats and gain more progressives with your actions. Some of it is aged based, we are dying out, and new blood is coming online. You just keep pushing the newbies farther to the left.
If you continue to not throw us even a scrap of red meat, or even a bone, she will gain more power. As you push, as you exclude us, more and more of the center will move farther towards the progressives.
If you continue to not give us reasonable seats at the table, she will gain more power.
Your total lack of transparency only adds to her story as hide and lie about your actions.
Your lawlessness and willing to pardon your buddies, believers, family and friends who break the law adds to her story.
Perhaps very soon, your economic collapse or constant chaos will really push folks hard. Or perhaps your reactions to demonstrations and protests will continue her rising tide.
I think it’s really up to you, but sure looks like we are turning more progressive at a faster and faster rate. As you void habeas corpus and disappear folks, you create more progressives. As you take your chainsaw to popular programs for the people, you create more progressives. I can even agree on some of the cuts, but your process is just awful. No stated plans, much confusion and chaos, and even if you do good deeds, spitting in our faces just creates more progressives.
I really do think you are in the area of: be careful what you ask for. OR ask yourself: would AOC be out there if Harris won? Keep up the good work.
Two years, minus 100 horrid days of hell.
What’s in your wallet, your 401K? I had my best year ever, heh, heh. Course Joe says I dunno no stinkin economics……
How are those polls going? Perhaps time to run some more “look how bad Joe Biden was” stories…..
Larry AOC could not do any worse than DJT is doing now. Also, AOC speaks with abetter English vocabulary selection than Trump. AOC is not depressing to watch. You and Trump would question where she was born like Obama was.
Trump is messing with America and that’s a greater wrong that America won’t tolerate him perpetrating again.
Felons are perpetrators who do not belong in the highest elected position of our government. I am embarrassed to have him occupying the people’s White House. Trump degrades every surface he touches and issue he considers.
You say he is pugnacious which means his personality is rougher than ol’ corn cob.The word mendacious accurately puts a frame around Trump. He quantifies the measure of lier, untrustworthy, undependable, and offensive. These are but a few descriptive words that begin with mere tracings of the man whose first and last thought is about himself and his superiority above every other human being, especially Putin. His problem is he demands verification of his view He has people around him who fear what he will do. So, they give him what he desires. It’s called placating the madman for their own good.
Trump is a deficient individual who has not the self awareness required for managing every thought that comes into the brain of his.Pugnacious personality is the result of Trump’s issues with anger, lack of self control, exaggerated self-identity, and an ego the size of Texas.
Trump based developed his personality condition over his life time for whatever his reasons and at age 79 his condition is only going to worsen. When Biden’s party judged he was not fit to lead the country due to age related disability. The leaders of his party stepped up and made the decision that removed him from the ticket.
The time is coming for President Trump when the same must be arranged by constitutional means. The wellbeing of us all is in jeopardy and the country’s place in the international community begin restoration.
Trump’s behavior while attending Pope France’s Funeral was inappropriate as well as his choice of blue instead of black suit and tie. He appeared to be making a statement of individuality. The cool silent reception given him by all in attendance was an indication of his standing among world leaders. We the people only stand in the world’s eyes as is our President’s standing.