The last things Americans want to see right now is AOC running the Democrat party.
Uncertainty Among Democrats: Party Struggles to Identify a Unifying Leader
In a recent CNN survey, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) narrowly emerged as the politician Democrats believe most closely represents their party’s core values. However, the tight margin underscores the deep uncertainty and division within the Democratic Party.
When Democratic voters and Democratic-leaning independents were asked to identify the leader who best embodies today’s Democratic Party values, Ocasio-Cortez received just 10 percent. Vice President Kamala Harris closely followed with 9 percent, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) at 8 percent, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY) at 6 percent.
Ocasio-Cortez Criticizes Schumer: Party Division Deepens Over Spending Bill
Ocasio-Cortez recently intensified internal party tensions by openly criticizing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (NY). She expressed strong opposition to Schumer’s support of a Republican-led spending bill that many Democrats opposed due to program cuts and increased budgetary powers granted to President Trump.
Calling Schumer’s decision a profound betrayal, Ocasio-Cortez stated this frustration wasn’t confined to progressive Democrats alone but was widespread across the party. Schumer defended his actions by claiming a government shutdown would have empowered Trump further. Still, he faces significant backlash, indicating deeper internal divisions.
Leadership Vacuum: Is the Democratic Party Lacking Clear Direction Under Republican Control?
The current uncertainty contrasts sharply with Democratic leadership preferences during Trump’s earlier presidency. In 2017, Barack Obama topped Democratic preferences with 18 percent, Sanders received 14 percent, Hillary Clinton had 10 percent, and Joe Biden held 7 percent.
Notably, 26 percent of respondents in the latest poll had no opinion or declined to name a leader, further highlighting this leadership vacuum.
The CNN poll was conducted from March 6-9, involving 1,206 participants, and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points.