“Um, you know, I think that, uh … this is … such a … you know, I think that this is a, um … this is of course a … a very longstanding, um … policy of the United States.”
These are words straight from the socialist horse’s mouth, from a candidate who believes she is destined for political greatness, despite her, shall I say, underwhelming ability to answer a straightforward question without sounding like a total airhead: Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. (RELATED: Munich Disaster Ended AOC’s Career)
CNN ran a long story Thursday about Ocasio-Cortez and her allies laying the groundwork for a 2028 run. Her aides are reportedly planning a fall schedule to help launch her out of her bubble of adoring progressive fans and into a bigger national mix where she can draw more attention from independents and possibly Republicans, a crucial step if she were to run for Sen. Chuck Schumer’s seat or even the presidency.
In fact, one person close to the New York congressman actually believes that Republicans will like her because of her honesty and willingness to “work for people.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 26: New York Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani, center, celebrates with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), left, and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), right, during an election rally on October 26, 2025 at Forest Hills Stadium in the Queens borough of New York City. The mayoral election will take place on November 4, 2025. (Photo by Andres Kudacki/Getty Images)
“We’re seeing an opening, definitely among swingy independents, but also among Republicans: They don’t agree with everything she says, but they believe she is honest and that she’s going to work for people,” the source told CNN. “That will be put to the test in the coming months: Will Democratic candidates in tough races recognize she is a net positive for their campaign?”
In another great nugget, CNN reported that she was “annoyed” at the backlash she received for botching her big international appearance at the Munich Security Conference in February. That quote at the very beginning of this blog? That was her response to a question on whether the U.S. should commit troops to Taiwan if China were to launch an invasion.
It was the kind of question one should be able to answer without hesitation if they think of themselves as senatorial or presidential material. And it was the kind of answer that should immediately disqualify one from holding either of those offices.
“Um, you know, I think that, uh … this is … such a … you know, I think that this is a, um … this is of course a … a very longstanding, um … policy of the United States,” she said. “And I think what we are hoping for is that we want to make sure that we never get to that point.”
If Ocasio-Cortez is the “obvious heir” to left-wing Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, one of the most popular progressives in decades, then I have a bridge to sell you. She certainly has a large fanbase. She is good at social media. But much like Kamala Harris, she lacks an essential quality: charm.
Frankly, President Trump’s answer to that very same Taiwan question would not have been befitting a statesman. But he at least would have made everyone laugh.
