AOC Is Not The Right Person Of 2028

As 2028 approaches, the buzz around AOC grows louder. But is she truly ready for the big stage? While her star power is undeniable, her radical track record remains a liability. From defending "Defund the Police" to calling for ICE abolition, her baggage would energize opponents and fracture the Democratic base, reminding voters she is a creature of the progressive internet, not a unifier . Her recent pivot from "Woke 1.0" feels less like growth and more like a strategic, inauthentic rebrand .Meanwhile, on foreign policy, the next administration must be serious. The US-Brazil relationship is at a low point, with Lula facing re-election amid growing tension. The US has revoked visas and imposed tariffs, but cannot afford more clumsy intervention . The playbook is simple: show respect for Brazil's sovereignty and resist the urge to meddle. The goal should be stability, not scoring political points.Guest Info: Professor Kurt Weyland is Mike Hogg Professor in Liberal Arts in the Department of Government, University of Texas at Austin.