Dem Strategist Carville Shreds Ocasio-Cortez, Says ‘Woke’ Won’t Win Elections

Democrat strategist James Carville recently delivered some harsh news and a reality check to the Congressional group known as ‘The Squad’ during an interview, essentially asserting that their left-leaning ‘wokeness’ will not aid the party in winning elections.

This informal coalition includes Democratic Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ayanna Pressley, and Ilhan Omar, although it was once larger. Former Representatives Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush were defeated by fellow Democrats in the 2024 election, underscoring the point Carville was making.

In an interview with Joanna Coles from The Daily Beast, the strategist criticized AOC and Sanders’ ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour, which has attracted significant crowds nationwide, labeling it as ‘counterproductive.’ He argued that it reinforces the perception of the Democratic Party as ‘old,’ ‘coastal,’ and ‘urban.’

‘I have a brilliant idea,’ he remarked sarcastically. ‘Let’s send an 83-year-old and a congresswoman from Queens out into the country.’

‘You know what they fail to do? Win elections,’ he stated regarding Ocasio-Cortez and ‘Independent’ far-left Senator Bernie Sanders, who traveled the nation on a ‘Fight Oligarchy’ tour. ‘They have never defeated a Republican!’

‘Progressives only manage to impress other journalists. They have never won against a Republican. Tell me when anyone from that faction has ever contested against a Republican. All right,’ he continued, emphasizing that their leftist perspectives are disconnected from the majority of Americans.

‘That’s the issue. So everyone goes and says, okay, Bernie has run for president twice. He lost both times. He lost even more the second time. But when I appear on cable television or podcasts like this, the entire Democratic Party is represented by AOC and Bernie. You know, Jackie Rosen is nonexistent,’ he expressed with frustration.

‘Tammy Baldwin is nonexistent. Ruben Gallego is nonexistent. Alyssa Slotkin is nonexistent. I am never asked about them. What about AOC? What about it?’ he lamented.

A visibly frustrated Carville remarked that there is ‘an abundance of potential candidates.

Coles questioned him regarding the significance of “name recognition” for individuals such as Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Sanders. However, Carville, who is confident that the Democrats will be well-positioned for success in 2028 despite current polls indicating historically low approval ratings for the party, was unimpressed.

“I am not at all concerned about the Democratic Party’s nominee lacking sufficient recognition by the time election day arrives. This is not even the summer of 2025. The election is scheduled for the fall of 2028,” he stated.

“Why on earth must we outline an entire program and a comprehensive list of potential presidential candidates? The truth is, we do not need to. That is unnecessary. Timing is crucial. And so, well, fine, AOC has recognition,” the irritated strategist remarked.

“Do you have any idea how many times AOC is mentioned on Fox News in a single day? I certainly do not. Go ahead. A lot. Correct. And she represents a Democratic district with a plus-25 rating. Every time you observe a Democrat out there shouting and banging the podium, ask yourself, have they ever defeated a Republican? Is that truly the case? Because if you know me, you understand that there is one and only one noble purpose in politics,” Carville explained.

“And do you know what that is? Winning the election. That is our reason for existence. Therefore, we will not win the election in the summer of 2025. There is no need for us to attempt that. What we must do is position ourselves as the party that is genuinely trying to assist those who are striving to succeed. Meanwhile, those they are trying to help are already well-off. You see, achieving the American dream is not feasible with a 7% mortgage rate,” the strategist concluded.