Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez refused to rule out a potential primary challenge against Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer during a CNN town hall Wednesday — but it was her verbal slip-ups and awkward exchange with Sen. Bernie Sanders that stole the spotlight.

Pressed by moderator Kaitlan Collins on whether Schumer “should not be worried” about a possible run, the New York Democrat fumbled. “I, mean – no,” Ocasio-Cortez said haltingly, before adding, “I don’t think this is about anything.” Sanders quickly jumped in to rescue the moment. “We have a country that is falling apart!” he exclaimed, slamming the media for focusing on “horse race” politics over policy.

The congresswoman, laughing uncontrollably, echoed Sanders: “This is what we’re talking about! This is what we’re talking about!”

Moments earlier, Ocasio-Cortez had vented frustration with questions about her political ambitions. “I’m sick of talking about these horse races,” she said. “Instead of talking about healthcare, wages, and having air that is drinkable — I mean, air that is breathable and water that is drinkable.”

The gaffe quickly went viral, with clips circulating widely online. A grinning Sanders appeared amused, but the White House was not.

“This is who Dems sent out to explain why they shut the government down,” Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson posted on X.

The federal government has been partially shut down since Oct. 1, with Senate Democrats — including Schumer — refusing to back a short-term GOP funding measure.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)