Rubio, Ossoff and Ocasio-Cortez bids remain uncertain

Possible presidential bids by Marco Rubio, Jon Ossoff and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez remain open questions. Statements expressing no interest would not, by themselves, determine whether any of the three eventually enters a presidential race.

Three separate decisions

For Rubio, the issue is whether he ultimately decides to pursue the presidency. His decision would apply only to his own plans and would not clarify what the other two will do.

For Ossoff, the question is likewise unresolved until he makes his plans clear. A statement about present interest could describe his position at that moment without determining a later choice.

For Ocasio-Cortez, any possible campaign would also depend on her own decision. Comments from or about Rubio and Ossoff would not establish her plans.

The three names may be discussed together, but there is no shared decision for them to make. Each would have to decide separately whether to seek the White House.

Why early statements are not final

Politicians considering a presidential campaign often say they are not interested before later choosing to run. That history makes a clear distinction necessary between a comment about current interest and a final decision about entering a race.

Barack Obama is one example. In 2006, he said he “will not” run for president; he later entered the race and won. His experience does not indicate what Rubio, Ossoff or Ocasio-Cortez will do, but it shows why an early denial cannot be treated as a permanent answer.

A definitive answer would come from each politician stating a final decision. Until then, all three possible bids remain unsettled.