James Carville’s Take on AOC’s 2028 Presidential Prospects
According to longtime political strategist James Carville, if Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) chooses to run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, her chances of success are practically nonexistent.
The 81-year-old strategist expressed concerns that Ocasio-Cortez, along with other members of the “Squad,” aligns too closely with leftist policies that don’t resonate with the broader Democratic primary voters, who, historically, prefer more moderate candidates. “Let’s be clear: Democrats have never nominated the most liberal candidate—even back in 1972,” Carville remarked on the “Greta Wire” podcast. “But, you know, some people have this right-wing fantasy that the Democratic Party would actually choose a socialist, or someone like an urbanist.”
Carville, who played a significant role in Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign, acknowledged Ocasio-Cortez’s talent and her effective team on Capitol Hill. However, he seems pretty convinced that she’s not truly considering a presidential run. “I think AOC is extraordinarily talented. Her staff does a really great job. But the reality is she doesn’t have the chance needed to win,” he stated during his chat with host Greta Van Susteren.
The strategist emphasized a critical point: black voters, particularly in southern states like South Carolina, hold considerable sway in determining the nominee. He voiced skepticism about whether they would support Ocasio-Cortez, saying, “Let’s not forget who decides the Democratic nominee, and that’s black people from the South. And I have news for you—they’re not particularly liberal.”
Ocasio-Cortez is often associated with democratic socialism and seems to be a frequent name brought up regarding potential runs for higher office, whether for the presidency or Senate in the near future.
Interestingly, she generally appears in the top five rankings regarding possible candidates for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, alongside notable figures like former Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
Though she hasn’t dismissed a presidential run, the New York Democratic Party remains noncommittal about her intentions for 2028.
