As the 2024 presidential election draws near, a sense of fatigue and disillusionment with the Democratic establishment has begun to take hold. The party’s traditional machinery, once the backbone of liberal progress, now seems creaky and out of touch. Many within the party are clamoring for a fresh face, a new direction, and a more authentic leader to connect with the grassroots.
Enter Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the 33-year-old from the Bronx who electrified Congress with her stunning upset victory in 2018. With her meteoric rise, AOC has become a focal point for the party’s progressive wing, mobilizing a fervent base of enthusiasts who see her as the anti- establishment candidate the party desperately needs.
Now, with her third term in Congress, AOC is positioning herself to make a 2024 presidential bid. She has the stature, the momentum, and the message that could propel her to the top of the ticket. If elected, she would become the youngest president in U.S. history, as well as the first congresswoman to hold the office.
AOC’s entrance into the 2024 race would send shockwaves through the political establishment, marking a bold challenge to the old guard and the status quo. Some might view her as a long shot, but AOC has a track record of defying expectations and achieving the improbable. In 2018, she won a heavily contested primary, ousting a 16-year incumbent, and then went on to defeat a Republican in the general election. She won re-election in 2020 by a landslide.
Moreover, AOC has built a formidable support network, mobilizing a devoted grassroots organization, and has demonstrated an impressive fundraising ability. Her endorsements have been piling up, and she has a strong network of collaborators within the party. She also has a reputation as a fighter, unafraid to take on perceived foes and stand up for what she believes in.
While some worry about her inexperience, AOC is not short on conviction, and she has already demonstrated an ability to drive pet projects through Congress. Furthermore, she has been shrewd in building relationships with key players within the party, and her popularity has been recognized by polls, with many seeing her as a strong contender for the nomination.
Although she faces stiff competition from other potential candidates, including several long-time elected officials, AOC’s unique blend of progressive fire, grassroots appeal, and focus on social and environmental issues could prove difficult to match. Despite the many challenges, she carries an undeniable package that could make her a defining force in the 2024 election.