Former CNN political analyst Chris Cillizza warned Friday that Democratic Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett would be a “disaster” as a potential presidential nominee for the Democratic party, citing her far-left policy positions and confrontational tone.
Speaking during a YouTube livestream, Cillizza argued that while Crockett, a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus known for her sharp anti-Republican rhetoric, resonates strongly with the party’s activist base, her approach would likely alienate the broader electorate needed to win a general election.
“Jasmine Crockett would be a disaster as the Democratic nominee,” Cillizza stated directly. He drew a comparison to another prominent progressive, Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, suggesting Crockett is even further outside the mainstream. “You think that AOC could cost Democrats? Jasmine Crockett is way more to the left and tonally — she’s probably similar in terms of issues — but tonally way to the left of AOC and way outside of the norms.”
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Cillizza elaborated, “Jasmine Crockett is great if you’re a Democratic activist type. Fine, she’s saying everything you wanna hear. The problem is Democratic activists alone don’t win you the presidency or even come close.”
Crockett has gained national attention for her fiery comments, including referring to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, as “Governor Hot Wheels.”
The Congresswoman herself has previously expressed doubts about her viability for higher office due to her outspoken nature. In a March appearance on “Inside Texas Politics,” when asked about a potential 2028 run, she suggested her “authentic” personality might hinder a path to the White House.
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Furthermore, Crockett admitted in a separate March interview on “Lone Star Politics” that her current focus in Congress is more on resisting the potential policies of a second Trump administration than on advancing new legislation. “I am working to make sure that I can minimize the regress train right now,” she said, prioritizing honesty with her constituents about the political reality.
Her rhetoric has sometimes extended to international relations. In a February interview on “The Breakfast Club,” Crockett mentioned she found herself “rooting for Canada and I’m rooting for Mexico a lot” because of their opposition to the Trump administration at the time, noting they were “speaking truth to power.”
Cillizza’s comments add to a broader discussion about the Democratic Party’s future leadership. Political analyst Mark Halperin recently expressed skepticism about the party’s likely 2028 presidential contenders, calling the potential field “overrated” during an appearance on “The Morning Meeting.”
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