A recent report suggests Democrats are grappling with an identity crisis after their crushing electoral defeat, with a lineup of potential 2028 presidential contenders that reflects just how shaky their footing has become. Among the names floated by insiders is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a choice that speaks volumes about the party’s dwindling bench strength. If this is the best they can muster to challenge Republicans, it’s no wonder they’re feeling, as one strategist put it, “lost and rudderless.”
At the top of their list, predictably, is Kamala Harris. The vice president, who suffered a decisive loss to Donald Trump, is still being hailed as the party’s frontrunner. Despite enjoying near-universal media cheerleading, Harris failed to connect with voters, raising serious questions about her viability. Yet, she remains the Democrats’ best bet, which says a lot about their current state. Following Harris are California Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg—figures who seem tailor-made for elite cocktail parties but not exactly the Midwest diner crowd.
Democratic operatives are reportedly scrambling to figure out their next steps, with one strategist openly comparing the party’s current predicament to the post-2016 fallout. The feeling of being “lost and rudderless” is palpable, particularly when AOC’s name begins circulating as a potential candidate. While insiders tout her ability to “cut through the noise,” many question whether her knack for social media theatrics translates into presidential material. Even The Hill, which compiled the list, admits there’s no concrete evidence she’s planning a run. Still, the fact her name is floated at all underscores the party’s desperation.
Not everyone within the Democratic ranks is sold on the Ocasio-Cortez hype. Critics argue that the progressive “Squad” she leads has alienated moderate Democrats and overplayed its hand. One strategist bluntly stated that Washington politics and the Democratic Party require a bit more finesse than AOC’s brash, fast-paced style. Polling data seems to agree. Ocasio-Cortez currently sits at a dismal 1 percent in hypothetical matchups, tied with relative unknowns like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and, yes, even comedian Jon Stewart.
The reality is, AOC’s chances of running in 2028 are about as credible as her infamous “handcuffed” protest stunt. If anything, her future might lie in hosting late-night television rather than leading the free world. Democrats who believe Harris—a candidate already seen as embodying the performative politics of the Squad—couldn’t gain traction might want to rethink doubling down with a Squad member herself. For now, the idea of an AOC presidency feels more like a punchline than a serious strategy, highlighting just how far the Democratic Party has to go to rebuild after its latest drubbing.
