Staff Reports
Recent polling antics from CNN reveal that a hefty ten percent of Democrats and their sympathizers have elevated Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, often just referred to as AOC, as the epitome of what it means to be a member of their party. In a remarkable display for the so-called “progressive” wing, she outpaced the competition while 30 percent still couldn’t muster a name. Right on her tail were former Vice President Kamala Harris and Senator Bernie Sanders, stirring speculation about a potential 2028 bet involving the far-left icons. Is AOC really the beacon of hope for Democrats, or is the party just lost in the wilderness?
As if the Democratic Party’s internal chaos weren’t already apparent, a recent Harvard CAPS/Harris poll highlighted that even among their own ranks, there’s dissatisfaction with the direction they are heading. Many Democrats desire their politicians to “fight harder” against Donald Trump, even when an increasing number of voters—55 percent—think their party should adopt a more pragmatic approach and seek out compromises. It’s amusing to witness a party that claims unity struggling to find its footing, while simultaneously failing to recognize that many voters actually prefer a more moderate approach.
Despite avoiding a government shutdown thanks to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, he faced backlash not just from Republicans but from his own base, too. He had the audacity to support a measure that even some Democrats suggested was necessary. The polls indicate that while the overall consensus favoured his choice—57 percent thought it was the right decision—a surprising 54 percent of Democrats would have preferred him to dig his heels in, potentially willing to let the government shut down. Sounds like a real smart strategy, doesn’t it?
Is AOC Really the Democratic Party's Leader? Here's What These Polls Say. https://t.co/5oqCO6a5wi
— Marlon East Of The Pecos (@Darksideleader2) April 4, 2025
The sentiment among Democrats about AOC isn’t exactly filled with confidence, either. When asked about her role as the face of the future party, a whopping 71 percent of voters decided that fresh leadership was necessary to avoid a repeat of 2020 in the midterms. Even among her fellow party members, a slim majority—57 percent—favored steering away from AOC’s fiery rhetoric and brand of socialism. Instead, they seem to be yearning for individuals who might just understand how to build bridges rather than burn them.
As if the Democrats needed a further wake-up call, another poll from the infamous Data for Progress delivers more bad news to the party’s war room. Only six percent of Democratic voters identified AOC as the “current leader” of their party. Instead, Harris, Schumer, and the remnants of the Obama Administration were either vying for that top spot or tied with “No one.” Perhaps it’s time for the Democrats to face facts: not even they are buying what AOC is selling.
Amid all this turmoil, there’s angst building not just for AOC, but for an aging Schumer. While AOC’s youth gives her an edge with voters looking for change, Schumer finds himself at the mercy of a party that seems more keen to embrace diversity over experience. With 69 percent of voters wishing for lighter leadership in terms of age, Schumer could quickly find himself in a precarious position—and that’s not even counting the race against younger competitors. One thing is clear: in the realm of Democratic politics, past lessens may not be enough to insulate its leaders from the wave of new demands that AOC seems to embody.
