Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s participation at the Munich Security Conference this weekend has fueled speculation about the possibility she could be thinking about running for president.
The lawmaker said she will attend the event because “it’s very important” that counterparts across the world “see the full spectrum of representation, leadership and thought of the United States.”
She will take part in two panels. One will discuss the “rise of populism” and another one the “future of U.S. foreign policy,” her office detailed.
Matt Duss, and advisor of AOC on foreign policy, said the lawmaker has been “ounding the alarm that people are hurting” around the world.
“Governments are failing. When people can’t find jobs or afford basic needs like housing and health care, they will turn to easy solutions like blaming immigrants, blaming LGBTQ people. This is driving right-wing populism,” he added.
Ocasio-Cortez has not publicly addressed the possibility, but pollsters have been including her in the list of prospective candidates for the 2028 election with varied results.
In this context, colleagues reacted to her trip, especially considering she has spent most of her time in Congress focused on domestic issues. “”I’ve always said that she is a national and an international voice. She’s young, articulate, clear-headed, represents not only the present but the future,” Rep. Adriano Espaillat told NBC News.
“I predict someday she will become president of the United States. I’ve called her ‘madam president’ before,” he added.
Another colleague in the House added to the speculation. “If she wanted a future in the Senate, she could have that future in the Senate. But I think she’s looking at something much broader than that.”
She went on to say that friends, allies and advisers are “asking the right questions and pushing her in the right direction where that is a possibility.”
Originally published on Latin Times
