By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Senator Bernie Sanders suggested that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez could be a potential presidential candidate in 2028, citing her authenticity and strong political skills. Sanders observed her effectiveness on the campaign trail, particularly during their recent “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, which drew large crowds. The progressive wing of the Democratic Party is looking for a successor to Sanders. While she currently has a 12% chance of clinching the nomination, she has been involved in the public conversation, and has recently suggested mockery as a way to counter the MAGA movement.
Read the original article here
Bernie Sanders Floats AOC As Potential 2028 Presidential Contender: ‘Very Good Politician’ is a statement that has sparked a lively discussion. The core of the conversation revolves around whether Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or AOC as she’s widely known, is a viable candidate for the presidency in the near future. While the initial prompt came from an interviewer, Bernie Sanders’ positive assessment of AOC’s political abilities has fueled the debate.
A common sentiment expressed is a clear admiration for AOC. Many commenters express that they would enthusiastically vote for her, recognizing her energy and progressive policies as vital for the country’s direction. However, this enthusiasm is frequently tempered by a dose of pragmatism. A significant portion of the responses indicate a belief that the American electorate, at this moment, is not ready to elect a woman, particularly one as progressive as AOC.
The concept of “electability” surfaces repeatedly. Some believe that, regardless of AOC’s qualifications or the merits of her policies, she would face an uphill battle due to societal biases. The argument often references the failure of female candidates in recent presidential elections as evidence of this. These voices stress the necessity of selecting a candidate perceived as more palatable to a broader spectrum of voters, even if it means sacrificing some of the progressive ideals AOC represents.
There’s a strong undercurrent of frustration and resignation regarding the perceived biases within the electorate. Several contributors lament the fact that factors unrelated to a candidate’s abilities, such as gender and race, seem to play a decisive role in the outcomes of elections. The tone often expresses a sense of disappointment that the country isn’t further along in overcoming these prejudices.
Many within the conversation advocate for strategic thinking regarding AOC’s political path. A frequently suggested strategy is for her to first secure a Senate seat, gaining more experience and influence before considering a presidential run. This would allow her to build a stronger foundation and potentially overcome some of the “electability” challenges she might face in a presidential campaign. Some even suggest she should replace Schumer, a suggestion fueled by the idea that Schumer may be too complacent.
The discussion acknowledges concerns of the DNC and the Democratic machine. The party’s internal dynamics and donor influence are considered, with some suggesting that AOC’s progressive views could make her a disruptor, similar to Bernie Sanders, potentially fracturing the party if the DNC were to allow her to implement her views. The sentiment is that a less democratic process might not allow a more progressive candidate to succeed.
Beyond the specific comments about AOC, there’s a wider commentary about the Democratic party and its future. Some argue that the party needs to evolve and become more responsive to its base, while others express a more pessimistic view of the American political landscape, suggesting that the system is broken or that valid elections will soon become a thing of the past. The call to adopt a new name for the party suggests a desire for reinvention and breaking away from complacency.
There are differing opinions on who might be a more viable candidate. Some names mentioned include Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky. The emphasis is on candidates who can attract voters across the political spectrum, even if it means presenting a more moderate image.
In essence, the comments reveal a complex interplay of admiration, pragmatism, and frustration. While there’s strong support for AOC, there’s also a clear understanding that running for president in 2028 would be an incredibly challenging undertaking. The future of AOC’s political career, and perhaps the direction of the Democratic party, are seen as being intertwined with the electorate’s willingness to embrace a progressive candidate and overcome deep-seated biases.