Ocasio-Cortez Says Ambition Is to Change Country When Asked About 2028 Run

The congresswoman made the statement at a political forum in Chicago on Friday. Democratic strategist David Axelrod posed the question during a conversation he hosted at the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics. “What’s funny is they assume my ambition is a title or a seat,” the Bronx US House representative replied.

“My ambition is to change this country. Presidents come and go. ” “But single-payer healthcare is forever,” she added, in reference to the kind of national healthcare platform she has long supported over the private system entrenched in the US. Ocasio-Cortez then listed a living wage, workers’ rights and women’s rights as similarly enduring priorities.

A Harvard CAPS/Harris poll taken in April showed support among Democratic voters for former vice-president Kamala Harris at 24 percent, California’s governor at 12 percent, and former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg and Ocasio-Cortez each at 9 percent.

Ocasio-Cortez said she wakes up each day asking how to meet the moment as conditions change. She described her decision-making process as observing the conditions of the country and choosing actions that move it closer to a desired future.

Her comments at the forum came days after she appeared on a podcast with comedian Ilana Glazer. In that discussion, the congresswoman addressed entrenched economic, racial and social inequalities. ” Ocasio-Cortez said.