James Carville Says He’d Back AOC for President if It Came to It: ‘If You Win, You Win!’ 

Longtime Democratic strategist James Carville expressed dissatisfaction with the state of his party and explained he would support Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) for president if that’s what needed to be done.

Carville, who has been critical of Ocasio-Cortez and the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, joined Tuesday’s episode of The Beat on MSNBC. Host Ari Melber touted a survey asking respondents which politician they view as being the “face of the Democratic Party.”

Ocasio-Cortez came in first – tied with “no one” – at 26%, which was well ahead of former Vice President Kamala Harris with 6%. Melber noted, “I know this doesn’t mean much.”

“It is utterly useless,” Carville replied. “So, all the Republicans, all [they] see is AOC on Fox. So, that’s the general public’s view. That’s not the Democratic view. It means nothing.”

Carville went on to say the situation is not as dire for Democrats as is being portrayed in the media, but he does not like where the party is.

“I don’t think the party is in nearly as bad shape as it’s being portrayed to be,” he added. “Look, we lost an election. I don’t like the party. I don’t blame the party reputation for being low, but I think if AOC wants to run for president and she gets the [nomination], then God bless you. You are the leader of the Democratic Party. I mean, whoever gets that nomination is gonna be it.”

Melber seemed taken aback by the response.

“Well, here we’ve backed into some intra-party news,” the host reacted. “You heard it here first. James Carville – once a critic of the AOC podcast landscape – now says if you win, you win, and you’ve got his support.”

“If you win, you win!” Carville replied. “That’s my attitude. You win the election, you got it.”