Speculation continues regarding the potential political future of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., following the release of a new campaign-style video and her ongoing tour with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. The moves have fueled talk about whether the four-term congresswoman is positioning herself for a presidential bid in 2028.
The video, shared on social media this week, features AOC speaking from a stage, proclaiming, "We are one." She highlights her background, stating, "I'm a girl from the Bronx," and references overcoming perceived impossibilities, telling a rally crowd, "impossible is nothing." While the video includes a disclaimer identifying it for her congressional campaign, its production and messaging echo themes often seen in higher-office campaigns.
This public activity coincides with the "Fighting Oligarchy" tour, which has seen Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders holding rallies across the country, including in states like Idaho and Arizona. The events have reportedly drawn significant crowds, reflecting energy among progressive voters.
Recent polling indicates shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party. A Siena College survey conducted in New York state shows AOC's favorability rating at 47%, surpassing that of long-time Democratic figures like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Some political observers see this as a sign of her rising prominence.
Former White House press secretary Kayleigh McENANY, now a co-host on Fox News, has publicly suggested that AOC is considering a run for the presidency, stating she believes the congresswoman "has her eye on something bigger." Prominent pollster Nate Silver also recently named AOC as his top choice for the 2028 Democratic presidential nominee.
However, not all commentators view her as a viable national candidate. Republican strategist Colin Reed argued that while her message appeals to a segment of the Democratic base, her policy positions are "way too outside the mainstream to ever be electable at a nationwide level." He also questioned the optics of "climate warriors" traveling by private jet.
Democratic strategists offer mixed views. Some see Ocasio-Cortez as a potential leader in an "economic populism" lane as the party seeks direction. Others express skepticism, with Denny Salas suggesting she employs a "tired playbook of 'Trump-Hate'" that lacks substance and fails to offer solutions for working-class Americans or address voter concerns about education and the economy.
Despite the commentary and speculation, Ocasio-Cortez has not publicly announced plans for a presidential run. Her current congressional term concludes in January 2027.
