Back in June 2015, many were chuckling at the thought of New York businessman Donald Trump actually running for president. It felt almost surreal that he believed he could outmatch seasoned Republican politicians. Critics were certain that “Divine” Trump wouldn’t stand a chance against Hillary Clinton in the general election. Yet, in reality, they seemed disconnected from the pressing issues facing the nation.
Fast forward to 2016, and Trump came charging in with a powerful message that hit home for millions across various backgrounds. He wasn’t your typical politician, which gave him an edge. His real-world business experience and previous successes added to his appeal.
Trump had the last laugh, realizing that the journalists and so-called experts dismissing him were part of an established elite—those who had been entrenched in Washington for ages. More importantly, he sensed that everyday Americans resonated with his message.
As we approach the end of 2025, it feels a bit like déjà vu. Now, we’re back to laughing at the idea of multiple Republican candidates running for office while Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Democrat from New York, might actually defeat the GOP nominee in 2028.
But will AOC really run in 2028? Or could she strategically use her media presence to gain visibility for a Senate bid instead? Perhaps those aren’t the right questions. Maybe what’s more crucial is whether the Democrats can nurture left-leaning populists.
The answer? They need to try.
Populists often succeed because they possess that elusive “IT factor.” Back in 2015, Trump had this in abundance, paired with a relatable outsider perspective that helped him win elections.
Today, figures like AOC and New York mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani are pushing similar socialist messages that resonate with many. They’re bold in their assertions, placing blame on the wealthy for societal issues. While plenty of Republicans scoff at such ideas, history shows that this approach can be effective. They don’t need to convince everyone; they just need to sway enough people to create a ripple effect in their local areas.
There’s a significant shift happening, largely among younger Americans who are increasingly skeptical of authority figures. There’s also a troubling trend of demonizing those with differing beliefs, especially Republicans and conservatives. It’s hoped that more moderate voices on the left will denounce this unhelpful behavior. Yet, the undercurrents of change seem to be gaining momentum, especially among younger voters.
Is this shift effective? Absolutely.
Just recently, Gallup noted a growing discontent with capitalism among Democrats and independents. Following that, Politico reported a concerning trend titled “Poll: Capitalism is fading… and Socialism is rising.” For Republicans, the warning is clear: more voters might align with socialist figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez over traditional politicians like Chuck Schumer or Nancy Pelosi.
So, my advice to Republicans chuckling at the prospect of AOC and her populist peers becoming key Democratic players? They need to pause and focus their efforts on crafting strategies for the upcoming elections in 2026 and 2028.
