AOC Takes CHARGE – 2028 UpHEAVAL?
At a Glance
- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined Bernie Sanders at a record-breaking Denver rally during their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour
- AOC is working to broaden her appeal beyond her progressive base while calling for Democrats to fight harder for working-class Americans
- She criticized Democratic infighting and finger-pointing following Harris’s election loss to Trump
- AOC urged Democrats not to be divided by race, identity, and culture, pushing back against Republican strategies
- Some political analysts view AOC as a potential Democratic presidential nominee for 2028
AOC and Sanders Rally Record Crowds
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently joined Senator Bernie Sanders for what was described as his largest rally ever in Denver, Colorado. The event, part of their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, drew massive crowds as the progressive leaders criticized billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and former President Donald Trump. Sanders, who confirmed he won’t be running for president again, acknowledged there are “dozens of really strong progressives” who will become future political leaders.
During the rally, Ocasio-Cortez demonstrated her efforts to reframe the Democratic Party’s internal divide not as progressives versus moderates, but as those willing to actively oppose Trump versus those taking a more cautious approach. She praised local Democrats in Congress, even those not ideologically aligned with her progressive values, emphasizing the importance of solidarity within the working class and openness to disagreement within the party.
Pushing for a More Assertive Democratic Party
Ocasio-Cortez received strong applause when calling for a more combative Democratic Party that stands firmly for working-class Americans. She criticized Senate Democrats for allowing a Republican-led spending bill to advance, suggesting the party needs to demonstrate greater resolve in policy fights. The New York representative has positioned herself as a voice for those frustrated with what they perceive as Democratic leadership’s hesitancy to engage in political battles.
As Kamala Harris’s defeat continues to reverberate through Democratic circles, AOC has taken a stand against the finger-pointing that followed the election. On Instagram, she addressed her followers directly about the importance of avoiding malicious infighting and instead focusing on preparing for the implications of Trump’s return to the White House, including tariffs, mass deportations, and potential censorship measures that could impact Americans across political spectrums.
Identity Politics and Democratic Strategy
During the Denver rally, Ocasio-Cortez urged attendees not to let Republicans “trick” them into thinking they “can be separated” by race, identity, or culture. This messaging comes as Trump has been implementing executive actions aimed at removing identity politics from public and private spaces, including eliminating DEI initiatives from universities, federal government, and the private sector—moves he argues will restore fairness and strengthen national defense.
“The only chance they have to get away with such an unpopular and hurtful agenda is to stoke deep divisions along race, identity and culture to keep us fighting and distracted. It’s not going to work anymore. Don’t let them trick us into thinking we are enemies. Don’t let them trick us into being weak and being into thinking we can be separated into rural and urban, black and white and Latino.” AOC told rally goers.
Political analyst Eddie Glaude has noted that identity politics was central to Kamala Harris’s election loss to Trump, though AOC has pushed back against this narrative. She points out that the Democratic ticket did not heavily lean into identity politics during the campaign and suggests other factors were at play. Instead, she has emphasized the need for Democrats to foster physical community connections rather than dwelling on political divisions.
Looking Toward 2028
As Democrats begin the process of rebuilding after their 2024 defeat, speculation has already begun about who might lead the party in 2028. Some political commentators, including Bill Maher, have suggested Ocasio-Cortez could emerge as a frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination. Her growing national profile, ability to draw massive crowds with Sanders, and efforts to broaden her appeal beyond her progressive base position her as a potentially significant figure in the party’s future.
As the Democratic Party works to redefine itself, AOC’s message emphasizes community engagement and preparation. “My recommendation is to join and enter community right now: whether it is church, or your knitting circle, or mosque or temple, or whether it is joining… New York City DSA [Democratic Socialists of America], or Working Families Party, an interest group — get into physical community,” she advised followers, suggesting that rebuilding connections at the local level will be critical for Democrats moving forward.
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