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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., is well positioned to become the Democratic presidential nominee in 2028, conservative radio host Buck Sexton predicted on the “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” podcast, arguing that the New York Democrat has taken a page from former President Barack Obama’s playbook.
Sexton initially entertained the possibility of Ocasio-Cortez appearing on a future Democratic ticket before going further, saying he believes she could ultimately top the ticket by toning down some of her more controversial positions.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., speaks to reporters near the House steps following a series of votes at the U.S. Capitol on July 22 in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“I say she’s top of the ticket. I think AOC could very well be the nominee,” the former CIA analyst asserted.
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Sexton was undeterred by what he described as Ocasio-Cortez’s “radical” public perception.
“She actually has been toning down the sort of crazier things, just for public consumption… She’s going to play that game.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., arrives to the U.S. Capitol for the last votes of the week on May 15. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
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“Barack Obama was like the most liberal senator in the United States Senate, and he became the Democrat nominee.”
“It’s about story,” he added.
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Sexton’s comments come as Democratic jockeying for the 2028 nomination has become more outwardly visible. On Sunday, a top aide to California Gov. Gavin Newsom took a swipe at fellow White House hopeful Pete Buttigieg over his effort to build support with Black voters in the South.
Last week, the Democratic Socialists of America’s Liberation Caucus issued a statement rejecting Ocasio-Cortez as a potential 2028 candidate for Democrats, arguing she is too far removed from the socialist agenda.
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Things are no more certain on the other side of the political aisle. Last month, a University of New Hampshire Granite State Poll indicated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is gaining ground in a hypothetical 2028 GOP nomination matchup with Vice President JD Vance.
Watch the full “Hang Out With Sean Hannity” interview with Buck Sexton and Clay Travis on iHeartRadio, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Fox News Digital’s Alec Schemmel, Hannah Brennan, Peter D’Abrosca and Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
