Former CNN star Chris Cuomo took aim at Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) during his Thursday broadcast, advising Democrats to reconsider rallying behind her as she seemingly lays groundwork for a 2028 White House bid.
Cuomo, who is now a host on NewsNation, made it clear he sees Ocasio-Cortez, who has been touring the country with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), as a poor choice for national leadership.
He criticized her limited legislative record in Congress and pointed out that most of her political traction seems to stem from her strong social media presence rather than policy achievements.
“AOC has done nothing meaningful in Congress. She’s done it all on social media,” Cuomo said. “And she’s one of your leading names and who’s going to be president?”
He went further, branding the congresswoman as an “80/20 loser,” suggesting her political stances appeal to a small fringe rather than a broad coalition of American voters.
🚨NEW: @ChrisCuomo WARNS Dems it’s foolish to elevate “socialist” AOC as top presidential contender🚨
“AOC has done nothing meaningful in Congress. She’s done it all on social media. And she’s one of your leading names and who’s going to be president? … She’s an 80/20 loser… pic.twitter.com/nwO2K3ghcn
— Jason Cohen 🇺🇸 (@JasonJournoDC) April 24, 2025
In Cuomo’s view, she consistently finds herself on the wrong side of public opinion, siding with a vocal minority on key national issues.
“Do you not get this concept of 80/20? She’s an 80/20 loser all day long,” he stated, arguing that Ocasio-Cortez aligns herself with just 20% of the public while 80% remain opposed to her brand of politics.
Cuomo accused her of targeting a niche of outrage-driven activists instead of appealing to mainstream voters.
“She’s clearly catering to a minority,” he said. “She’s her own version of MAGA. She’s looking for an outraged enclave.”
He questioned her ability to govern effectively, portraying her as someone more concerned with ideology than results.
“She’s not about the majority, she’s not about consensus. She’s not about solutions,” Cuomo said. “She wants government to give you everything. She’s a socialist in a capitalist society. What are you thinking!?”
Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl around Ocasio-Cortez’s future ambitions, as many observers believe she’s positioning herself for a Senate run or perhaps a presidential campaign in the next cycle.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) may soon find himself fending off a primary challenge from the congresswoman, particularly as his approval numbers continue to dip.
Fueling further speculation, Ocasio-Cortez released a campaign-style video last Friday on social media that looked and sounded more like a presidential preview than a congressional promotion.
The footage, taken during a recent visit to Idaho with Sanders, featured the congresswoman speaking to an enthusiastic crowd.
“Idaho, I am so touched being here. I’m a girl from the Bronx. To be welcomed here in this state, all of us together, seeing our common cause — this is what this country is all about,” she said in the video, which was posted on X.
Do not let them trick you into thinking we are enemies.
Do not let them trick you into thinking that we can be separated into rural and urban, Black and white and Latino.
We are one. pic.twitter.com/5rfXO1oJAT
— Team AOC (@TeamAOC) April 23, 2025
During her remarks, Ocasio-Cortez also highlighted her humble beginnings, reminding supporters of her pre-Congress life as a waitress and urging them to challenge Republican dominance.
“Idaho, I know that looking around here, it can feel impossible for Republicans out here to be defeated. That’s not true. It’s simply not true,” she said. “And from the waitress who is now speaking to you today from this podium, I can tell you impossible is nothing.”
The video ended with scenes of crowd interaction and wide smiles typically seen in presidential hopefuls’ launch videos.
On the other side of the aisle, talk about President Donald Trump potentially seeking a third term sparked chatter after his campaign released a $50 red hat bearing “Trump 2028” branding.
But White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the significance, laughing off questions about whether the president had plans to run again beyond a second term.
“It’s just a hat,” Leavitt told Axios’ Mike Allen, adding that Trump “was asked and answered this question yesterday – it’s not something he’s thinking of, though I hear the hats are flying off the shelves.”
Still, Trump hasn’t completely dismissed the idea. In a recent Time Magazine interview, the president was asked about theoretical loopholes that could allow a former two-term president to re-enter office in a different capacity.
“I’d rather not discuss that now, but as you know, there are some loopholes that have been discussed that are well known,” Trump said. “But I don’t believe in loopholes. I don’t believe in using loopholes.”
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