Top polling expert Nate Silver believes Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also known as AOC, may become the Democratic nominee for president in 2028. Nate Silver Names AOC as his top pick. He shared this prediction during a video on his Silver Bulletin Substack. Journalist Galen Druke joined the conversation and mentioned AOC first. Silver responded with excitement, saying, “That was going to be my pick!” Both experts agreed AOC stands out among possible candidates. They both said they are “on the AOC bus.”
Polls Show AOC Is Strong With Democratic Voters
Silver explained why he thinks AOC has a real shot. He pointed to polling numbers and her appeal to younger, progressive voters. AOC is media-savvy and understands how to reach people online. That gives her an edge. Nate Silver names her media skills as a significant factor. Silver also mentioned past polls where AOC led Senator Chuck Schumer in a possible New York Senate race. This matters because Schumer is a powerful and well-known figure. Beating him in polls shows that AOC’s support goes beyond just the far-left. Silver noted that many New York Democrats are actually moderate, so her lead says a lot about her wide appeal.
AOC Has the Highest Favorability in a New Survey
Druke added even more evidence. He said that a recent Yale poll showed AOC has the highest net favorability among all Democrats listed. She scored a 62 percent favorable rating with Democratic voters. Even Vice President Kamala Harris scored slightly lower. Nate Silver names her high favorability as a crucial advantage. Druke pointed out that this shows AOC is popular across many parts of the Democratic Party. Her support is not just loud—it’s also large. That kind of popularity can help her win attention and support in a crowded primary.
Strong Support Could Help AOC in a Crowded 2028 Field
Druke believes AOC’s loyal fan base could play a big role. He said that many Democrats will likely run in 2028. That means attention will be hard to get. AOC already has a group of supporters who follow her closely. They trust her and stick with her. Druke emphasized that Nate Silver names her strong support as a key factor. This could help her rise above the noise. In his words, “She has very fervent support.” That kind of passion could help her stay in the race longer and win more votes.
Focus on Economic Issues, Not Social Fights
While AOC is a common target for Republicans, she has played her cards better than some other progressive leaders. She now focuses more on “kitchen table” issues like jobs and the economy. That’s a shift from the past. During her recent “Fighting Oligarchy” tour with Sen. Bernie Sanders, she avoided controversial social issues. Instead, she talked about money, power, and fairness. Druke said this was a smart move. Progressives have learned that economic issues are more popular than cultural ones. Nate Silver names this shift in focus as a strategic advantage. AOC seems to understand this change and has adjusted her message.
Ready for a 2028 Presidential Run
Silver said he’s not sure if AOC will run. But Druke said he thinks she will. He pointed to her recent speeches and social media posts. He believes her moves are clear signs. Nate Silver names her potential run as a significant possibility. She talks more about wealth and power now. She focuses on how the rich have taken over politics. Druke mentioned that AOC has learned from past mistakes. In the early days, she was known for bold actions like opposing Amazon’s New York headquarters and supporting “Abolish ICE.” Those moves got attention but were also very unpopular. Today, her message is more focused on the economy, and less on extreme positions.
AOC Criticizes Trump for Favoring Billionaires
Druke said AOC is now going straight at Donald Trump’s weak spot. She talks about how Trump worked closely with billionaires during his time in office. She says he served the rich and powerful while ignoring everyday Americans. Nate Silver names this strategy as effective for winning voters. Druke believes this is a smart way to win over voters. Many Americans feel the system is unfair. AOC is using that feeling to her advantage. She says Trump supports tech elites and wealthy donors. That message might help her connect with the middle class.
AOC’s Background Helps Her Represent a Diverse Party
Druke also pointed out something else. AOC’s Latina heritage makes her a strong symbol of the Democratic Party’s diversity. Unlike someone like Pete Buttigieg, who is gay but a white man from Indiana, AOC reflects the party’s changing base. She doesn’t have to prove she belongs. Nate Silver names her background as a powerful asset. She already represents what many voters look like. This helps her stand out in a party that values representation and inclusion.
Other Top Democrats Could Also Join the Race
Silver and Druke also talked about other possible 2028 candidates. They both picked Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as their second choice. Shapiro has been gaining attention and could be a strong contender. For third place, they had different picks. Silver chose Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, who just gave the longest Senate speech ever. Druke picked Vice President Kamala Harris as his third choice, even though her popularity has dropped slightly.
AOC Could Be the Future Face of the Democratic Party
Right now, AOC is young, popular, and media-smart. She speaks about the economy and avoids risky social debates. She connects with voters online and in person. She’s built strong support across the party. Nate Silver names her as a potential future face of the Democratic Party. If she decides to run, she could be the next big name in Democratic politics. And if the trends continue, she may be the one to take on the Trump political dynasty in 2028.
