Inside the socialists' civil war over AOC and 2028

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's potential presidential run has ignited internal conflicts within the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), a socialist political party. These tensions revolve around who should represent the group, their core political beliefs, and whether to endorse Ocasio-Cortez, who some view as more establishment than insurgent.

Political success has drawn scrutiny, with some DSA members and strategists criticizing the current leadership's readiness for prime-time media appearances. They argue that the group is missing opportunities by focusing on radical ideologies like abolishing the Senate, defunding the Department of Defense, and dismantling the police and prison system.

DSA's Communications Director Priscilla Yeverino acknowledged that the group's past methods now attract unwanted attention, stating that its leaders are working-class individuals new to media. The party's critics highlight unforced errors made during its surge in primary successes, such as the controversial "Workers Deserve More" platform and the DSA's endorsement of Fidel Castro, leading to distance from some of its members, including Ocasio-Cortez.

The drama escalated when the national DSA voted to maintain control over the 2028 endorsement process, which some local chapters perceived as an effort to prevent a quick Ocasio-Cortez endorsement. A local DSA chapter in New York City openly protested this decision, claiming the national leadership had overturned their convention. Ocasio-Cortez has also distanced herself from the national DSA, clarifying that she is only a member of her local chapter in New York City.