AOC issues thinly veiled threat to Kamala Harris as Democrats gear up for White House fight

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez issued a thinly veiled warning to the Democratic establishment, making clear she wouldn’t step aside for any other potential presidential candidates in 2028 — including Kamala Harris.“I don’t think that my decisions would come down to deference,” Ocasio-Cortez told The New York Times when asked which factors would weigh on her decision about whether to launch a White House bid.The 36-year-old New York Democrat — the youngest woman ever elected to Congress — has yet to announce a presidential campaign, but her comments make clear she isn’t waiting for a nod from Democratic leaders or a potential primary rival before deciding her own political future.That could put her directly at odds with Harris, the former vice president, who remains among the Democrats being discussed as a potential 2028 candidate after her failed bid in 2024.California Gov.Gavin Newsom, meanwhile, has said he would not challenge Harris if she decides to run.

“I don’t know if she runs, but we’ll see,” Newsom told CNN’s Jake Tapper “But I wouldn’t run if she ran.”The White House is not the only option for the lefty congresswoman.Ocasio-Cortez could seek reelection to the House or challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for his New York seat.“Every element of this is something that’s within consideration,” she told the Times.But a presidential run would carry enormous personal stakes.“It’s very all or nothing,” Ocasio-Cortez said.“If I were to run in this cycle, and not win, I would be done.”The congresswoman said she understands that running for president could mean giving up the House seat she has held since 2019 — and potentially leaving elected office altogether if the bid failed.“And I am not opposed to that,” she said.“That, in and of itself, does not exclude the decision,” she added.

“But it has to make it worth it.”Ocasio-Cortez also appeared to acknowledge that the political window for a candid...