By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Trump’s focus immediately shifted to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez following Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic primary. Trump’s attacks on Ocasio-Cortez are likely rooted in his fear of her as a formidable political opponent. Ocasio-Cortez’s appeal to younger voters, coupled with her social media presence and direct communication style, contrasts sharply with the older, less relatable Democratic leadership. Ultimately, Ocasio-Cortez’s charisma and ability to connect with voters on a personal level may provide a strong contrast to Trump and may be the secret ingredient the Democrats need to be successful.
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So, let’s talk about why AOC should run for president in 2028, even though the political landscape is complicated. There’s a lot of discussion about this, and it’s certainly a hot topic. Given the recent chatter around Zohran Mamdani’s win and the supposed fear Trump might have of facing AOC, it presents a compelling angle to consider.
First off, it’s crucial to address the elephant in the room: the widespread concern about the normalization of Trump running for a third term. That’s a non-starter. The Constitution is pretty clear on that. The focus shouldn’t be on who Trump might face if he *illegally* runs, but on ensuring he isn’t even *allowed* to. The media should stop giving this airtime. We shouldn’t be setting up a narrative that accepts his candidacy.
The main premise of this whole discussion is the idea that AOC, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, should seriously consider a presidential run in 2028. Why? Well, she has built a solid base of support and influence. Some argue she has great messaging skills and is generally well-liked. However, the consensus appears to be that she’s seen as too far left to draw in the independent voters that Democrats need. She might do better in a state-level position, focusing on the kind of influence she can have for a longer term, like a long career in Congress, as some suggest. Some people even think that she should aim for Schumer’s seat.
Now, here’s where the real debate begins. One of the biggest hurdles, according to a large portion of the conversation, is the persistent issue of sexism. Many believe, and with some very solid reasoning, that a woman, particularly a progressive woman, faces an uphill battle in a presidential election in America. It’s sad to say, but the arguments are pretty strong and it is sadly true that there are still people in the United States who would not vote for a woman no matter the qualifications. Unfortunately, there seems to be a common fear of the electorate. The concern is that this factor, combined with what some see as her “far left” label, would make it challenging for AOC to win over the voters needed for a victory. As some of these comments say, the Republicans will have a field day, eating her alive.
Some sources are adamant that Democrats need to prioritize winning. These people suggest that, regardless of their personal preference, they must pick the candidate who will actually obtain independent voters. Several commenters make it a point to mention that the last two candidates failed in the same 3 critical states and that the margin of error was tiny in those states. The best option for some is a 50-year-old white man to run against.
On the other hand, there is significant support for AOC, emphasizing her intelligence, her understanding of the issues, and her ability to connect with younger and more progressive voters. Some supporters of AOC want to point out that, even if it seems the odds are not in her favor right now, she shouldn’t let outside influences make her decisions. Some people think that she’ll be an excellent executive. Many of these people are the ones who think that AOC would be great in the role, even if the US has proven it is not likely to vote for a woman.
So, what’s the best approach? It’s complex. AOC could consider other influential roles within the political landscape, like pursuing a Senate seat or leveraging her power in Congress. This strategic move would give her time to build more significant legislative accomplishments, which, according to some, are currently lacking.
Ultimately, the discussion about AOC’s presidential potential boils down to a key question: What is the best path to victory for the Democratic party? Is it prioritizing a candidate who can win, or one who can inspire? Or perhaps, as some suggest, it’s a matter of timing. Maybe 2036 is the right moment, after she’s accumulated more experience, and perhaps after the political climate has shifted.