The media frenzy around Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, has peaked lately, with the startling suggestion she could be a heavyweight pretender for the Democratic nomination in 2028. Notwithstanding the plethora of potential nominees from the Democratic party which encompasses both veterans of past presidential races and newcomers, this speculation is eye-opening. Notably, Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg, amongst others, are in the mix for the nomination. Yet, they are overshadowed by questions hovering around Ocasio-Cortez, informally known as AOC, due to her recent endeavors.
AOC has embarked on tours of states that Donald Trump once held sway over, including Nebraska, Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada. These rallies have garnered huge gatherings which helped her amass an unprecedented campaign fund in a spurt of three months. It can be argued that her star power and immense social media following have hoisted her chances to secure the nomination.
Sceptics, however, take a dim view of her prospects, attributing it to her platform which advocates severe alterations in immigration, taxation, environmental policies, and regulations pertaining to sports. Let’s not forget her vague outlook on trade, notably with China, and her stance on the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict, which still remains shrouded.
Given these policy propositions, it would be interesting to see how she will be perceived by essential vote-pulling groups like the union members, steel workers, auto workers, farmers, and service workers. These cohorts are pivotal electoral pools for the Democratic Party. It’s clear that the stakes are high for AOC, yet it’s uncertain how she’ll fare.
Moreover, AOC’s advocacy towards immigration has drawn reproval from some quarters within the Latino community. The primary accusation implies that she prioritizes the concerns of unauthorized immigrants over those of legal citizens. This certainly paints her in an unfavorable light and deepens the skepticism towards her candidature.
In a nutshell, Ocasio-Cortez dwells in a dicey place at the present; she has a robust cyber following and undeniable vocal support. However, it’s yet to be seen how her ideology will resonate with a broader, heterogeneous elector base.
While the attention around AOC becomes almost obsessive, figures like Kamala Harris become increasingly laughable as potential competitors for the 2028 nomination. It’s amusing that despite an unimpressive record as Vice President, where she has been largely ineffectual and invisible, Harris is still considered as a nominee.
Harris lacks charisma and fails to connect with the wider public. Her approach towards fundamental issues such as taxation and immigration are flawed and unpopular. We have seen her unpopular stand, not only with Republican supporters but within the Democratic base as well.
Likewise, Pete Buttigieg, although presented as a novelty figure within the Democratic party, fails to inspire the masses. His policy inaction, poor performance, and evident inability to tackle tough issues, paint an unimpressive picture. Just like Harris, Buttigieg fails to resonate with broad segments of the voting public.
The Democratic Party’s tacit approval of figures like Harris and Buttigieg who have failed to make a solid impact on the political landscape, not just within the party, but with the wider public, is revealing. It could be considered ludicrous to propose them as serious contenders when they have shown negligible potency or political efficacy.
Sharply contrasted with these figures, AOC at least brings freshness, a certain audacity, and an undeniable ability to attract attention. Her sharp and polarizing policy proposals, while difficult to swallow for some, do add a touch of dynamism. However, her radical leftist stance poses serious questions on her ability to appeal to a broader, more moderate voter base.
In the wake of the Trump era, hardened Democrats such as the Union workers and agriculture workforce seem skeptical of such radical inclinations. The policies proposed by AOC could lead to economic instability, straining these groups and further decimating our industries.
While the exaggeration of AOC’s popularity may give some colour to the otherwise drab political palette of the Democratic party, it reveals the dearth of capable, and more importantly, popular leaders within their ranks.
With figures like Joe Biden and Kamala Harris glaring as underachievers in the echelons of power, it paints a bleak picture of the Dems. So as attention turns towards the 2028 nomination, let’s remember, a radical left or an uninspiring centrist, settles an already decided fate for the party and country.