'My Ambition is to Change the Country' - AOC | Drudge Retort

Sunday, May 10, 2026

'My Ambition is to Change the Country' - AOC

The New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez answered a question about potentially running for higher office in 2028 by declaring: "My ambition is to change the country."

Posted by Corky at 04:30 PM | 50 COMMENTS | permalink

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Speculation has swirled around Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a possible contender for president in 2028.

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-- USA TODAY (@usatoday.com) May 9, 2026 at 8:00 PM

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"Ocasio-Cortez then ran through a litany of her other signature policy positions, saying:

"A living wage is forever, workers' rights are forever, women's rights, all of that, and so anyways ... to a finer point to your question is that when you aren't attached, when you haven't been like fantasizing about being this or that since the time you were seven years old, it is tremendously liberating."

Later in the exchange, Ocasio-Cortez said she wanted to "make decisions from a place of how are we going to change the country".

Ocasio-Cortez's evocative response to Axelrod " once an adviser to the former Democratic president Barack Obama " comes amid early jockeying among her party for its 2028 presidential nomination.

That is bound to kick into a higher gear after the midterm elections in November determine the lay of the political land for the rest of Donald Trump's second presidency."

;;

Right now, only Obama (any Obama) polls well for 2028 Pres election.... none of the other leading Dems look like shoo-ins.

"Early 2026 polling suggests former President Barack Obama remains highly popular, with hypothetical 2028 matchups showing him leading Donald Trump by double digits (e.g., 44% to 33% or 52% to 41%).

Despite this popularity, Obama is constitutionally barred from a third term by the 22nd Amendment."

#1 | Posted by Corky at 2026-05-09 09:54 PM

Her interview:

www.youtube.com

#2 | Posted by Corky at 2026-05-09 10:11 PM

She has nowhere near the chops for POTUS. Probably not the Senate, either, especially if she's replacing a long time national leader (even if it's past time for him to go).

She needs to first show leadership qualities IN THE HOUSE before thinking she's ready to move up a level.

What has she done? Seriously, what accomplishments and qualities has she shown beyond social media sound bites and edgy yet in the end useless "progressive" angst?

#3 | Posted by jpw at 2026-05-09 11:31 PM

The phony Democrats (AKA AIPAC-ers or corporation protectors) will argue AOC isn't "mainstream" enough to win higher office.

The rightwing will bleat "Hah! This is why you Democrats always lose! Dems have to pick someone centrist" (AKA a milquetoast corporate candidate who will maintain the decrepit status quo).

Republican House Leader Mike Johnson fully expected Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to denounce NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani (D) last year.

Hakeem Jeffries didn't, but finally endorsed his fellow Democrat just before Election Day.

US Senator Chuck Schumer (D-Israel) didn't endorse fellow Democrat Zohran Mamdani and probably voted for Andrew "AIPAC" Cuomo on Election Day.

In 2025 US Senator John Fetterman (D-Israel) kept sliming the Muslim candidate, his fellow Democrat.

Recall what happened to US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) during his presidential campaign in 2016.

All of this is what AOC will face, on top of her being a Latina.

Zohran Mamdani (D)

#4 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-05-10 03:17 AM

If Trump tries for a third term and the Supreme Court OKs it, Obama should definitely step up.

AOC is infinitely more qualified for POTUS than Trump, btw

#5 | Posted by hamburglar at 2026-05-10 04:52 AM

If no AIPAC connection, you got my vote.

#6 | Posted by fresno500 at 2026-05-10 10:11 AM

#6 And if the Democrat has an "AIPAC 'connection'" will you then vote for the Republican (with or without an AIPAC connection)?

#7 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-05-10 11:11 AM

#7 Nope. I won't Vote at all.

I can't speak for Fresno500.

Nobody is Entitled to Anyone's Vote.

I don't Positively affirm the Leadership status of People who support Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing.

The Democratic Party Could change their ways to get more votes. Kamala could have allowed Palestinians a Vioce at her acceptance of the Nomination. Instead, she allowed no Palestinian Voices to be heard there.

Why don't you pressure THEM to Stop helping Mass Murder?

Why is Israel a Kingmaker in the US anyhow?

#8 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-05-10 11:53 AM

She needs to embrace the Cortez part of her identity and go full Consquistadora.

If she seriously has presidential ambitions, waiting until it's "her turn" or has "right amount" of experience is the most foolish advice she could follow.

She needs to learn from and avoid the mistakes made by the wishy-washy candidates like Clinton and Harris, as well as the one-note candidates like Sanders who were basically just running to be passive-aggressive.

#9 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-10 11:58 AM

#8 So, you prefer Republican rule across America.

"I'm not Participating in the Elections.

Nobody in either party represents me.

If that helps the Republicans, I don't give a shit.

I'm not voting for people who help Killers.

It's that simple.

#33 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-05-03 04:43 PM

#10 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-05-10 12:06 PM

The Democratic party has been Captured by the Oligarchs and big business.

They no longer represent Labor or the poor.

Both parties represent Big Money Alone.

Everything else is just Pablum to Placate the Rubes.

The Republicans embrace Racism and Christian Nationalism.

The Democrats Represent Anyone who pays them Enough.

Both Parties Represent Israel.

#11 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-05-10 12:10 PM

#11 "Both Parties Represent Israel."

So?

You're basing this on just what, exactly?

Your ignorance?

Yeah.

That would explain it.

Your ignorance.

#12 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-05-10 12:12 PM

What happened to the "Public Option"?

Why did Obama bail out the Bankers who caused the 2008 Recession but let the Borrowers lose everything? Why did no Bankers go to jail? The S&L Scandal sent almost 1000 people to Prison in the 1980s.

Why is Universal Healthcare politically Unfeasable?

The Democratic Party represents the same People the Republican Party represents.

RICH JEWS BEFORE EVERYONE ELSE.

#13 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-05-10 12:18 PM

How Democrats are STILL better than Republicans...

.... bad as they may may be, they hold certain advantages and are more likely THAN THE ONLY OTHER PARTY IN A TWO PARTY SYSTEM... to vote for things like healthcare, education, and campaign finance reform.

;;

"Arguments for the Democratic Party often highlight stronger economic performance, with higher job growth, lower unemployment, and greater GDP growth under Democratic administrations.

They advocate for a social safety net, civil rights, and environmental protection, while recent polling suggests they hold advantages on health care, abortion, and race-related policies."

more

Making the 'Perfect' the enemy of the better than the other Party is also still a self-destructive policy.

#14 | Posted by Corky at 2026-05-10 12:20 PM

My Ambition is to Change the Country" - AOC

Don't the people in America get a say?

It's an odd statement. Why not say, "My ambition is to make America what Americans want it to be"?

#15 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-05-10 12:25 PM

Why is Universal Healthcare politically Unfeasable?

Because it's unfeasible financially and medically.

#16 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-05-10 12:26 PM

Both Parties Represent Israel.

Makes sense, Israel appears to be a great country, surrounded by people and a religion that wants to end them.

#17 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-05-10 12:27 PM

Why do Both Parties Prop up a Genocidal Bigot Squatter Colony?

They Do this while Americans go without basic Necessities.

Both Parties are equally Complicit.

Why is noticing this "Antisemitic"?

#18 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-05-10 12:27 PM

"Why not say, "My ambition is to make America what Americans want it to be"?"

Keeping it concise and conveying the message of a change from the status quo is a better communicative technique.

#19 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-10 12:30 PM

#18 You clearly missed out on the lesson about Leadership, onepigheadedironaut.

#20 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-05-10 12:30 PM

#18 RICH JEWS BEFORE EVERYONE ELSE. #13 Posted by the antisemite, Effeteposer.

#21 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-05-10 12:32 PM

Everyone wants to end Russian meddling in US politics.

The Entire US power structure revolves around helping Israel kill anyone they want to.

Including Waging Wars Of Aggression on their Behalf that benefit Americans,... Not At All.

It's almost like America has becomne a Slave of Israel.

How did this Happen?

Mr. FRIEND?

#22 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-05-10 12:33 PM

#22 RICH JEWS BEFORE EVERYONE ELSE. #13 Posted by the antisemite, Effeteposer.

#23 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-05-10 12:34 PM

-Because it's unfeasible financially and medically.
#16 | Posted by oneNut

Countries with successful Universal Healthcare:

"Many countries have achieved successful universal health care (UHC), characterized by high life expectancy, quality care, and equitable access.

Key examples include Germany, France, Japan, Canada, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Taiwan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.

These systems often utilize either a single-payer model or a regulated multi-payer system to provide coverage for their citizens.

Top Examples of Successful Universal Health Care Systems:"

more

You know who else has 95 percent Universal Healthcare?

China:

INut remains your Free Universal Reverse Barometer!

#24 | Posted by Corky at 2026-05-10 12:37 PM

Why would I Like people who Kill for Personal Gain?

People who Erase the very Identity of their Enemies while CLAIMING GOD gave them the Right to do so?

"Antisemitism" is a Big Hobgoblin that Ends Careers and destroys Credibility just by Accusations Alone.

It's the McCarthyism of our Times.

Eventually McCarthy got Told to Shut the Hell Up.

That time is Coming for Israel and their "Lobby".

Can't happen soon enough.

Look at the Trends.

Israel is more Hated than Hamas at this point.

For Good Reason.

#25 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-05-10 12:41 PM

"You know who else has 95 percent Universal Healthcare?"

Only if you define "universal healthcare" as enrollment in the most low-quality, basic services, while the cost of treatments for serious conditions are sky-high in comparison to local incomes. Unless this is the type of UHC you are promoting (which I doubt), it doesn't support your argument.

#26 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-10 01:30 PM

"while the cost of treatments for serious conditions are sky-high in comparison to local incomes."

That's true everywhere. That's why insurance exists.
You ever heard of cancer? You think the cost isn't sky-high compared to local incomes?
I don't understand how you are this economically illiterate.

#27 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-05-10 01:32 PM

"RICH JEWS BEFORE EVERYONE ELSE."

You make statements like this, and yet you can't figure out why people think you're antisemitic. You're either trolling or clueless or both.

#28 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-10 01:40 PM

And I'll say it again - Democratic candidates can champion all the so-called progressive policies that they want, but they still need to have the equivalent of a "Sistah Soulja" moment, where they unequivocally call out some of the extremism or extremists on the left.

#29 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-10 01:55 PM

#29 Sentinel says, "...where they unequivocally call out some of the extremism or extremists on the left."

It wouldn't matter.

Republicans/MAGA will continue to lie about it regardless.

#30 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-05-10 01:57 PM

Why is Noticing something everyone Sees considered "Antisemitic?

It's getting kind of ridiculous at this point.

Why are we fighting a War of Aggression for Them? There's nothing in it for Most Americans.

Who benefits from the Money Race in politics?

Who Gets Whatever they want even though they're a Foreign Power?

Who Gets Standing Ovations from BOTH PARTIES in Congress?

Who gets the ICC sanctioned for bringing Appropriate Indictments For Crimes Against Humanity?

Who Ignores International Law with Impunity and if anyone Squawks about it their Reputations and Employment Opportunities are Damaged by Accusations Alone?

It ain't Iran.

It ain't Russia.

It ain't China.

It ain't anyone in Europe or South America.

Gee, it's just So Mysterious why this Attracts Negative Reactions.

Especially when the Party being Favored is Killing and Stealing without any Limits.

Maybe its Not Antisemitism,.. It's just people seeing Injustice and Cruelty and being Appalled.

Israel Claims to Represent All Jews.

Is it Antisemitic to Take them at their Word about that?

#31 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-05-10 02:08 PM

#18 RICH JEWS BEFORE EVERYONE ELSE. #13 Posted by the antisemite, Effeteposer.

#32 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-05-10 02:09 PM

- the extremism or extremists on the left.

Leave it to Sentinel to spotlight exactly the most concerning problem in this country today.....ahahahahaha!

#33 | Posted by Corky at 2026-05-10 02:09 PM

She has nowhere near the chops for POTUS.

Hilarious.

Continue to enjoy Trump.

He's got all the chops for POTUS.

#34 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-05-10 02:22 PM

AOC wasn't necessarily talking about running for the Presidency; she may well be talking about House Leader or another position.

If Michelle is smart enough to know, as she said, the country isn't ready for her, it's certainly not ready for AOC.

The best electable Dem option would be Obama, who's gone more public recently with the Mid Terms coming up... if only he could run again.

He might even be humble enough to go VP, but he's indicated Michelle might have him neutered if he did anything of the sort.

#35 | Posted by Corky at 2026-05-10 02:29 PM

You make statements like this, and yet you can't figure out why people think you're antisemitic. You're either trolling or clueless or both.
#28 | Posted by sentinel

Are you referring to SSentinel's favorite pastime of posting Swastikas?

#36 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-05-10 02:34 PM

The best electable Dem option ...

... doesn't exist.

#37 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-05-10 02:35 PM

= posting Swastikas?

Now you've gone and done it! Denial paragraphs incoming!!

#38 | Posted by Corky at 2026-05-10 02:36 PM

Why is Universal Healthcare politically Unfeasable?

Because it's unfeasible financially and medically.
#16 | POSTED BY ONETRUMPER

Is that why the top 32 out of 33 nations have figured it out?

The only reason it's "unfeasible" is because Rich Americans have taught white Americans that if there was universal healthcare, black and brown Americans would be able to benefit from it.

Then idiots like you blindly repeat that it's "unfeasible" in America.

Meanwhile. A billion a day for a war in Iran to distract from Trump being in the Epstein files is ... totally feasible!

You fucking brain damaged moron.

#39 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-05-10 02:43 PM

Only if you define "universal healthcare" as enrollment in the most low-quality, basic services, while the cost of treatments for serious conditions are sky-high in comparison to local incomes.

You just described healthcare now.

I'd rather pay for it with my taxes and let everyone have the same access as me regardless of income.

Hey. I'm not greedy. I'll share my shitty healthcare with all of them!

#40 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-05-10 02:51 PM

Healthcare in America is more expensive than other nations due to our for profit medical system.

But it's not better. Especially when you're poor. Because then it's nonexistent.

#41 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-05-10 02:58 PM

"Leave it to Sentinel to spotlight exactly the most concerning problem in this country today.....ahahahahaha!"

I spotlighted exactly why certain candidates lost to someone like Trump.

#42 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-10 03:55 PM

"= posting Swastikas?"

Oh look, now you and bit-miner Snoofy are running deflections for the Effete antisemitic sock puppet.

Because trying to educate people about the true meaning of the symbol as it's still used by the vast majority of non-Europeans is no different from making broad statements about "the Jews", in your minds.

#43 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-10 04:04 PM

- educate people about the true meaning of the symbol

Most people here already knew the origins of the symbol prior to you gracing us ad nauseum with your magnificent superior knowledge of such.

#44 | Posted by Corky at 2026-05-10 04:14 PM

"trying to educate people about the true meaning of the symbol"

Oh great.

I've summoned a college kid in a Che t-shirt and he's lecturing us "The USSR wasn't true Communism!"

#45 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-05-10 04:19 PM

AOC is tapping into - alomg with whatever else she encounters - strong currents of progressivism. The socio-political climate seems to be getting prepped for transformative times.

#46 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-05-10 04:28 PM

#45
We've met? Lol.

#47 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-05-10 04:30 PM

#45 Doc says, "The socio-political climate seems to be getting prepped for transformative times."

Perhaps.

But the socio-political climate we "enjoy" today is the product of 55+ years of moving the Overton Window, following a carefully laid out plan.

Not sure anything but a cataclysmic event (WWIII, World-wide Great Depression II) will produce that event.

And without 55+ years of moving the Overton Window the other direction, where will be end up?

#48 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-05-10 04:34 PM

#48
That old Overton Window (and the many OWs), like those dogies on the TV Western Rawhide, keeps "rollin', rollin', rollin.'" And it often does seem to move, as you've suggested, back-and-forth. Along-the way, its slide/glide may encounter resistance of a most formidable and determined sort. Having done the Sixties and at the end stood in its metaphorical ashes, let me suggest a cautionary and enduring Chinese observation: "Better to be a dog in times of tranquility than a human in times of chaos." Or, as the carnies advise customers climbing aboard the Slingshot: "Buckle up!"

#49 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-05-10 04:59 PM

#49 When discussing the Overton Window I always use this example:

In the 1970s, if a politician advocated giving taxpayer money to churches, the voting public would have been aghast.

Today those things that are euphemistically "charter schools," often sponsored by a church, your tax dollars and my tax dollars go to them. They're called state vouchers

That didn't happen overnight.

#50 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-05-10 05:15 PM

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