Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana delivered another signature one-liner this week, taking aim at Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) during a Fox News appearance where he warned that the far-left congresswoman now effectively leads the Democratic Party.

In a conversation with host Sean Hannity, Kennedy didn’t hold back, describing Ocasio-Cortez as “the leader of the Democratic Party today,” and slamming her in a way only he can.

“My personal opinion is that God gave her a billy goat brain and a mockingbird mouth,” Kennedy quipped, adding that Democrats have no real agenda beyond opposition to President Trump. “All they have is hatred for one man, even when he’s right—and that is President Trump. And I don’t think that’s healthy for them.”

The senator’s remarks were in response to Hannity noting the left’s continued lurch toward extremism, describing today’s Democratic Party as led by the Squad, “grandpa Bernie,” and radical figures like AOC and Jasmine Crockett. Kennedy agreed, arguing that their dominance reflects a dangerous lack of leadership and ideas among Democrats.

Kennedy’s latest jab echoes past comments. Earlier this month, he said AOC was “the reason there are directions on a shampoo bottle,” and joked that Republicans’ strategy should be “Operation Let Her Speak.” The comment drew laughter but also highlighted his deeper criticism: that Ocasio-Cortez represents the shallow theatrics and unseriousness of the modern Democratic Party.

Despite the barbs, Kennedy may be onto something. Ocasio-Cortez is emerging as a serious player in Democratic politics, and this week, she refused to rule out a 2028 presidential run.

In an exchange with journalist Nicholas Ballasy, AOC was asked directly if her recent campaign-style video was a preview of a White House bid. While she tried to pivot to health care policy, she stopped short of denying the speculation outright.

“Listen, it’s a video,” she said. “And frankly, I think what people should be most concerned about is the fact that Republicans are trying to cut Medicaid right now and people’s healthcare is in danger. That’s really what my central focus is.”

When pressed further, she deflected again, saying, “For me, this moment isn’t about campaigns or elections or about politics.”

Translation? It’s not a ‘no.’

Adding fuel to the fire, polling analyst Nate Silver recently said that AOC is currently the most likely Democrat to run—and win—the nomination in 2028. That prediction has sparked alarm on the right and nervous energy among establishment Democrats, who worry about her electability and polarizing image.

Still, Ocasio-Cortez’s growing influence is undeniable. Her social media army is massive, her fundraising prowess formidable, and she has built an unshakable fan base on the progressive left. For better or worse, she represents the direction Democrats are heading, and Kennedy knows it.

His scathing commentary—part humor, part political warning—underscores how far the Democratic Party has drifted from its traditional roots. And if AOC does make a serious move toward the presidency, expect many more colorful Kennedy quotes between now and then.

One thing is clear: Republicans like Kennedy are happy to draw attention to AOC’s rise. If she is the face of the Democratic future, it could be a gift to Trump and the GOP. After all, nothing motivates the conservative base like the specter of socialism, and Ocasio-Cortez may be the most visible symbol of it in American politics today.