Article Two of the United States Constitution provides that U.S. presidents must be at least 35 years old at the time of taking office – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is 35 years old (October 13, 1989). She would be 39 years old on inauguration day – 1/20/2029 (a Saturday). ‘Theodore Roosevelt, who, at age 42, succeeded to the office after the assassination of William McKinley‘ was the youngest at this point in American history.
GOP’s power base (MAGA)
Nikki Haley was probably the last chance for the Republicans to have the first woman president. GOP’s power base (MAGA) just isn’t ready for a woman or any person of color…a simple fact. Am not saying the GOP’s power base is racist or misogynic—just saying they are not ready.
Have followed some Right and/or slanted-Right message boards (news & blog boards) since the beginning of this year, and during the primaries the MAGA members just would not allow any positive comment on any other candidate. After Trump had won the primary—then you started noticing the GOP’s power base (MAGA) quietly Shouting Down any talk of Haley or person of color as the VP.
Not long after JD Vance was selected VP the talk of him being the GOP Presidential candidate in 2028 took off. If you mentioned that Haley would be a good candidate in 2028—you generally get a negative comment in reply. If you mentioned Representative Byron Donalds as a presidential candidate in 2028—you get a ‘maybe as VP‘ or ‘he needs more experience‘ or a total dismissal.
Guess most had forgotten just how inexperienced Trump was in his first term. Knowing Trump, it is also way too early to start thinking that JD Vance will make it to the finish line at the end of this Trump term. Heck, DEM’s VP candidate Tim Walz was more viewed more ‘positively‘ than JD Vance…
‘The Catbird Seat’
After the dust had settled and Kamala Harris was definitely the DEM’s presidential candidate for 2024, I finally believed that Michelle Obama was NOT INTERESTED in ever running for the U.S. Presidency.
Started looking at the DEM’s Bench—and without Michelle Obama on it—it looked horrid!
• ‘bleary-eyed‘ Kamala Harris?!
• Gavin Newsom ‘the wealthy governor is out of touch‘
That’s the DEM’s Top Two and they can’t even keep the ‘Bench‘ warm!?
Looked around a little longer – there was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez perched quietly in ‘The Catbird Seat‘.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC)
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is an American politician, activist, and member of the Democratic Party. Many Americans instantly know her as “AOC” – possibly a bonus for politicians to be recognized so easily. She has been serving as the U.S. Representative for New York’s 14th Congressional District since January 3, 2019. Her district includes parts of the Bronx and Queens in New York City.
Notes from ChatGPT:
• Born on October 13, 1989, in the Bronx, New York City.
• Of Puerto Rican descent, she often speaks about her working-class upbringing and her parents’ efforts to provide a better life for their family.
• Graduated from Boston University in 2011 with degrees in International Relations and Economics.
• AOC gained national attention in June 2018 when she defeated 10-term incumbent Joe Crowley in the Democratic primary for her district, a shocking upset that highlighted her grassroots campaign.
• AOC has a massive social media presence, using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to communicate with her constituents and advocate for her policies.
Notes from Wikipedia:
• attended Boston University, where she double-majored in international relations and economics, graduating with honors. She then moved back to the Bronx, becoming an activist and working as a waitress and bartender.
• During college, Ocasio-Cortez was an intern for U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy in his section on foreign affairs and immigration issues.
• After college, Ocasio-Cortez moved back to the Bronx and took a job as a bartender and waitress to help her mother—a house cleaner and school bus driver—fight foreclosure of their home.
• Ocasio-Cortez began her campaign in April 2017 while waiting tables and tending bar at Flats Fix, a taqueria in New York City’s Union Square. “For 80 percent of this campaign, I operated out of a paper grocery bag hidden behind that bar,” she told Bon Appétit.
• She was the first person since 2004 to challenge Joe Crowley, the Democratic Caucus Chair, in the primary. She faced a financial disadvantage, saying, “You can’t really beat big money with more money. You have to beat them with a totally different game.”
• Ocasio-Cortez received 57.13% of the vote (15,897) to Crowley’s 42.5% (11,761), defeating the 10-term incumbent by almost 15 percentage points on June 26, 2018. The result shocked many political commentators and analysts and immediately garnered nationwide attention.
• She was outspent by a margin of 18 to 1 ($1.5 million to $83,000) but won the endorsement of some influential groups on the party’s left.
Notes on Antisemitism:
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez slams antisemitism on left, but says term is ‘weaponized to divide us’
Yea Vote on H.Res.1449 to condemn antisemitism…
The Hill article by Amie Parnes – 11/29/24
I had been piddling along with minimum research for a future post on the chances of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) becoming the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in 2028.
The piddling stopped when Amie Parnes’ – Ranking the Democrats: Here’s who the party could nominate next as president article came out.
AOC was listed at the bottom of the list—behind Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, Josh Shapiro, Pete Buttigieg, JB Pritzker and AOC at the end. Here’s notes on AOC:
When Democrats talk about the future of the party, the 35-year-old New York congresswoman’s name always bubbles to the top.
Democrats have long been impressed with Ocasio-Cortez’s ability to “cut through the BS and tell it like it is,” the second Democratic strategist said.
“She’s somebody who can cut through the noise and doesn’t talk like Washington.”
Democrats say Ocasio-Cortez would be a magnet for young voters and would have little trouble using social media, podcasts and other online tools, as she has been doing since she was elected to Congress in 2018.
Remember – this woman has ‘Pulled herself up by her bootstraps‘ and represents the ‘American Dream‘. She is not considered a traditional “Washington insider.”
Some negatives from article:
While Ocasio-Cortez was once aligned with progressives including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), she has since backed more centrist candidates.
Still, some Democrats say she still represents a more leftist wing of the party to some voters, something that could hurt her if she pursues higher office.
“She and the ‘squad’ started pushing too hard, too fast,” the first strategist said. “D.C. doesn’t work that way. And our party doesn’t work that way. We need to get back to the basics.”
Yes, she will need to move closer to center; however, one simple article from The Hill, with her at the bottom of that list, and just with her being on that list—instantly made news around the world.
Other off-shoot articles:
Former Trump Treasury official: ‘Do not underestimate’ Ocasio-Cortez in 2028
• ..citing her accessibility to voters through social media and the congresswoman’s “grassroots support.”
• “She was an early adopter of social media… so she’s connecting directly to voters”
• “However, just a word of warning to the Republicans, to my party: Do not underestimate AOC. She’s young, she’s vibrant, she’s attractive,” Crowley added.
AI Input
I’ve ran several questions thru Bing, ChatGPT and Grok AI’s during my search.
She is definitely eligible & qualified for the Office of President in America. I will list some of the AI answers to a Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez vs JD Vance in 2028:
Bing:
can Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez beat JD Vance in debate
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is known for her strong public speaking skills and ability to connect with audiences through her use of social media and grassroots support. She has been praised for her style and argumentation in debates. On the other hand, JD Vance is known for being informed, articulate, and unflappable. He has demonstrated calm and self-possession in tense debate moments.
Both have their strengths, so it would be an interesting match-up. It would likely come down to the specific topics and the audience’s preferences.
ChatGPT:
could Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez beat JD Vance in a presidential race
A presidential race between Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and J.D. Vance would be fascinating, but its outcome would depend on many factors, such as the political climate, voter turnout, the economy, campaign strategies, and their appeal to key swing states. Here’s a breakdown:
Strengths of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez:
1) Progressive Star Power: AOC has a strong national profile and is highly popular among younger voters, progressive Democrats, and those who support policies like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal.
2) Social Media Mastery: She effectively uses social media platforms to connect directly with voters and shape narratives, which could be a significant advantage.
3) Diverse Appeal: As a Latina from a working-class background, she could resonate with diverse voter groups, particularly urban and minority communities.
Challenges for AOC:
• Moderate and Swing State Appeal: Her progressive positions could alienate moderate Democrats, independents, and voters in swing states.
• Experience Criticism: Opponents could argue she lacks the experience typically expected of presidential candidates.
Strengths of J.D. Vance:
1) Cultural Conservative Appeal: Vance appeals to many rural and conservative voters, particularly in the Midwest, due to his working-class roots and views on issues like immigration and economic nationalism.
2) Electoral Viability in Swing States: His Ohio base gives him a potential edge in the Rust Belt, critical in presidential elections.
3) Populist Messaging: Vance’s focus on issues like economic inequality could resonate across party lines.
Challenges for Vance:
• Polarizing Persona: His alignment with Trump and shifts in positions on key issues might alienate some voters.
• Youth Appeal: Vance may struggle to connect with younger and more diverse voter demographics compared to AOC.
General Election Dynamics:
• Turnout is Key: AOC’s success would depend heavily on energizing young voters and progressive turnout. Vance would need to consolidate the Republican base while winning over independents and swing voters.
• Messaging: AOC would likely focus on bold policy ideas and social justice, while Vance could emphasize traditional values, economic issues, and concerns about “radical left” policies.
Ultimately, the winner would hinge on the broader political environment at the time of the election. Factors like the state of the economy, public sentiment about the major parties, and unforeseen global events would heavily influence the race.
Conclusion
Like former Trump Treasury official Monica Crowley said: ‘However, just a word of warning to the Republicans, to my party: Do not underestimate AOC. She’s young, she’s vibrant, she’s attractive.‘
I would add that she is a *LOT* smarter than the GOP makes her out to be. Certainly smarter than Kamala Harris, and we all saw how Harris beat Trump in that debate. AOC is also a strong debater, so she will be no pushover for Vance.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been compared to Barack Obama – both noted for their Charisma and Public Engagement ability – both noted for their Youth and Idealism when they entered the political scene. I would add – Barack Obama was carried along by many Communists and Harvard’s far left agenda (e.g., Frank Marshall Davis, Bill Ayers and Harvard’s law School), whilst AOC has ‘Pulled herself up by her bootstraps‘.
From her site – About:
• From an early age, the stark contrast in educational opportunities available to her and her cousins, based on their respective zip codes, made an impression on her.
• After high school, Alexandria attended Boston University, and graduated with degrees in Economics and International Relations (and tens of thousands of dollars in student loans).
• Her role in Senator Kennedy’s office provided a firsthand view of the heartbreak families endured after being separated by ICE.
• her father passed away suddenly from cancer. The medical bills and other growing expenses placed their home at risk of foreclosure. Alexandria pulled extra shifts to work as a waitress and bartender to support her family, deepening her commitment to issues impacting working-class people.