By Matt Underwood Ocasio-Cortez eyeing Senate or White House bid? Well, it seems the political rumor mill is churning, and the name on everyone’s lips, or at least in their Reddit threads, is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The buzz is, could she be setting her sights on a higher office, perhaps the Senate or even the White House? The opinions, as you might imagine, are as varied as the voters themselves.
The idea of her taking on the Senate, especially to shake up the status quo, is a popular one. Many feel she could bring a much-needed dose of progressive energy and challenge the entrenched establishment. Folks are clearly hoping she’d take a run at removing some of the older guard. The common sentiment is that the Senate is a good stepping stone, a place where she could hone her skills and build a stronger platform for a future presidential bid. The chance to get some of the “old school” Democrats out of there is something most can agree with, even those who are unsure about her chances at the very top.
However, the White House is a different beast. There are many who believe she might face an uphill battle, citing concerns about the country’s readiness for a progressive woman as president. This is where the discussion gets tricky, with some pointing to lingering misogyny and sexism in American society. The argument goes that, unfortunately, the nation isn’t quite ready to elect a woman to the highest office. Others believe that she needs a bit more experience before she’s ready for the top job.
On the other hand, there’s the argument that she’s already a known quantity, and that’s a strength. She has consistently stood for the same issues, maintaining values that resonate with a growing segment of the population. Some believe the primary process would allow her to push the direction she wants for the party, even if she doesn’t get all the way to the top. Even if she doesn’t win the presidency, her presence in the primary could influence the party platform and bring about meaningful change.
The “experience” argument, however, is also brought up in this conversation. The idea that experience is a requirement, and that young people can’t do certain roles, is something that has been said for many different politicians of color. It’s clear from the comments that the discussions surrounding AOC’s possible campaigns are complex, influenced by various factors. It appears that an environment where a potential run is on the horizon means this conversation will continue.
There’s the perspective that perhaps the timing isn’t right. The political climate is already volatile, with a lot to fix. Another suggestion includes a hypothetical ticket, with a “middle of the road white male” as the presidential nominee, and AOC as a running mate to ensure a win. This kind of thinking is a part of the conversations surrounding her and her choices, as well.
Regardless, there’s no denying that Ocasio-Cortez is a force to be reckoned with. Her ability to connect with voters, her unwavering commitment to her principles, and her knack for shaking up the political landscape make her a captivating figure. Whether she chooses to pursue the Senate or the White House, one thing is certain: she’s going to make waves.