The Search for the next Obama

[Ancestral Republican]

The next Obama will be even more of a progressive, because the thing that inspires turnout like he did is inspiring for the future. AOC is a good candidate even though she also inspires near-hysterical hatred from the Gmacs of the of the world who are really offended by the thought of dirty poors having access to doctor's appointments, plus the Republicans really do hate her, but they obviously hated Obama too. I'm not sure if that's what she wants to do, though. She may very well follow Pelosi's career trajectory and be speaker in 20-30 years. Who knows? But it's not going to be some retread or random NPC that people pick because he/she checks the right demographic boxes. People aren't going to vote for Castro because they're Latino and they're supposed to. (even though he would make a good president)  They're going to vote for a politician who speaks to them and has policy proposals that address their problems. Tio Bernie was hugely popular with Latinos for that reason, even though he's a New York Jew representing Vermont.

[Ancestral Republican]

The Democratic party should not be looking for the next Obama. They should be looking for an authentic candidate that fits the voter's values the best without pandering to corporations. The new candidate should also be in touch with the younger community, which is where the party's strength lies, and should NOT alienate whole swaths of the United States.

Another Obama is not needed. What is needed, is another good candidate who is connected with the people.

Her name is AOC.

AOC is wayyyy too polarizing to be the next Obama. She has hardly any appeal outside of major cities and young people. I like a lot of what she fights for, but her messaging can be godawful at times. She is good at garnering media coverage, but she's just too hated and extreme

That assumes the electorate and the American political landscape will be identical in 20 years.