Ocasio Cortez is going to be a problem for our party just watch.

[redstatebluegirl]

Now she is breaking with New York leaders on the Amazon headquarters. She is itching for a fight and will make us look like morons. This is a two year win people, we did not win the Senate, we did not win the White House. She could be a lightening rod for the right, someone needs to take her aside and tell her to temper herself. Of course Bernie won't but someone in the Democratic Party should.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I suspect that the people she represents will rein her in if she goes too far.

I think we need to keep an eye on her and let things play out.

I mean, she just got elected. Jumping to conclusions is not a good idea.

[redstatebluegirl]

3. No but protesting at Nancy's office on your first day of orientation says a lot.

[Blue_true]

9. Did you watch the video of her saying why she was at the protest?

If you didn't I suggest that you do. She appears to admire Nancy Pelosi and look up to the new Majority Leader of the House.

[WhiteTara]

25. Would you give me the synopsis?

Why did she protest the person she admires?

[Hortensis]

65. Lol. Apparently to DEMAND legislative action on climate change.

Oh dear. She seems a little unclear on the concept of her new role. She's not the only one. Only 5% of her district voted at all, 11% of registered Democrats, and the Wednesday morning Ocasio-Cortez surprise may have been as much for her as everyone else.

Time will tell if she learns to appreciate the greatness of the cooperation and compromise sausage-making that is the essence of legislative democracy.

Itm, my strong suggestion would be to ignore her. Give her time. Without attention, attention-seeking politics will fail. When's the last time anyone noticed Sarah Palin?

[WhiteTara]

71. Oh my, that is definitely being confused.

She gets to make legislation, she doesn't have to beg for it. She needs to get her ass on the environmental committee and start making those laws.

[Hortensis]

75. Right. There's a lot more power inside than out.

Last edited Tue Nov 13, 2018, 06:04 PM - Edit history (1)

But is she actually interested in being on the environment subcommittee of the energy committee? I think this is the one that handles climate policy, but probably not a whole lot will be accomplished with the senate and WH still in Republican hands. She may have problems blaming the Democrats for everything, but then again maybe not. Rep. Paul Tonko's the ranking member so in line to become the new chair.

There're also environmental subcommittees under the appropriations and science committes, plus many subcommittees that undoubtedly impact on climate issues, like ag, water police, many others.

http://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/x/754026/Renewables/PostElection+Energy+and+Environment+Outlook+for+LameDuck+Session+and+the+116th+Congress:

With Democrats regaining control of the House, the introduction, consideration and House passage of ambitious bills on climate and clean energy could be possible. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has also pledged to reconvene a select committee on climate change that could lead efforts on such legislation and conduct oversight should she be re-elected Speaker of the House. However, stronger Republican control in the Senate – to say nothing of the legislative filibuster – means these bills are not likely to receive a vote in the Senate and will be primarily used as messaging instruments for Democrats.

No matter where she's assigned, she'll have a huge learning curve. Hope she appreciates it because I'm feeling jealous looking at dozens of committee names. Like a college catalog but better.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_United_States_House_of_Representatives_committees

Btw, good news regarding the science committee: Democrats are bringing back science and ousting muck and mysticism. Those fires are from global warming, not Satan's demons operating through the Democratic Party.

[ChubbyStar]

76. You are comparing her to Palin?

Do I have that right?

[WhiteTara]

83. no, my dear Chubby

you don't. She's only talking limelight

[ChubbyStar]

85. I am not your dear

And I was not asking you.

[WhiteTara]

88. Well, alrighty then.

We bow to your eminence. Get up here, Hortensis, master calls!

[ChubbyStar]

92. Begging for a fight?

Petulance is embarrassing.

[Hortensis]

95. Here I am, Chubby. The comparison was between

two highly charismatic female politicians who are both notably good on stage and who both rocketed to national stardom. It was in no way a comparison of ideology or intelligence. Palin's old enough to be Ocasio-Cortez's mother and still dumb as 2 bags of rocks.

Ocasio-Cortez is, however, very young and inexperienced and she's unexpectedly managed to land an extremely competitive and coveted position which she could lose almost as quickly in 2 years. She needs to learn really fast. First impressions and all, she's only one of many newbies needing to hit the ground running.

And after all, that group is supposed to be demanding action from her, and she's supposed to be wondering how and if she's going to be able to come through. She's about to run smack into Republican power and, one hopes, come to understand what it means for her as a U.S. congresswoman.

Oh. Forgot my Palin point: Getting media attention as an ex- isn't nearly as easy as it is while in power. Just ask Palin.

[NurseJackie]

93. Nope.

Do I have that right?

Nope. That's not how I see it at all. (But, I'm not super sensitive or easily offended by such things.)

[ProfessorGAC]

184. Come On, Star

You know that is not what Hortensis meant. And this is coming from a pal.

I didn't like her bit yesterday either. Who does that on their first day on a new gig?

Get a new job and the first thing you do is tell the VP of operations everything they've been doing wrong for 20 years?

The topic hardly matters.

[George II]

106. Demanding something of the incoming Speaker of the House even before she's been sworn in?

I thought it was the job of a Congressperson / Legislator to WRITE legislation, not demand that someone else do it. Who is her mentor?

[Hortensis]

117. That was what I was chuckling over. Kinda cute,

but she's going to discover that she's on the "buck stops here" end now.

It seems that she still has to internalize what it means to have Republicans control the WH and senate, and also to understand the significant difference between having only a majority in the house versus control of the house.

[NastyRiffraff]

123. Who is her mentor?

Good question. Someone, preferably one of the Democratic women, needs to take her in hand and tell her some hard truths. Like about behavior. And listening. And learning. She's not playing to the Berniecrats here, although she seems to be acting like it. Pelosi is a LOT smarter, and so are the experienced Democratic representatives.

[JonLP24]

149. She didn't protest

Protestors were already there she spoke to them.

I thought I trashed all these AOC threads.

[George II]

125. I don't think it's so much why she was at the protest than that she WAS at the protest.

[kstewart33]

171. She's already gone too far.

She hasn't even been sworn in, and she's made the headlines twice.

[maxsolomon]

2. I'm not that worried about it.

The Right is going to target her even if she keeps her head down. She's charismatic and attractive and a minority.

Gird your loins.

[disillusioned73]

8. Ding-Ding..

"She's charismatic and attractive and a minority. "

the problem we have is that some towards the left spectrum don't like that about her either...

[wasupaloopa]

61. Who are these "some"?

[disillusioned73]

165. Look around...

not hard to find..

[R B Garr]

145. You shouldn't keep omitting the ex-Republican connections

to Justice Democrats — who are funded by supposed ex-Republicans like Cenk Uyger — who went from an anti-Democrat Republican to an anti-Democrat “progressive,”. We know these types exist from the Mueller investigation. I’m talking about the ex-Republican aspect, so no need to ask.

[disillusioned73]

164. lol... OK

I rather align with ex-republicans that are unabashed progressives now vs so-called Dems that support Republican policy & the trump and ppl like you think the party should snuggle with... you know they exist so please don't ask who they are.. because there is a post ban contingent here that I am not falling for...

[R B Garr]

168. That's truly hilarious. The thing in common with anti-Democrat

Republicans and anti-Democrat “progressives” are that they are anti-Democrat. The Mueller report clearly shows who was used to attack Democrats, so it’s time to face reality.

So if anyone gets Trump, it’s those who went against Democrats. There’s big money in attacking Democrats. Cenk got millions from another Republican to fund his endeavors in switching from being conservative to being anti-Democrat “progressive”. They have Trump policy now, yet they still lie about Democrats. We have Trump because of that lying, so it’s pretty clear who is more comfortable with “Republican policy & the trump” (your words).

[Hassin Bin Sober]

11. The right sure is attacking her.

[ehrnst]

54. That's been reason enough for many here on DU to say Pelosi is a "bad choice."

[NurseJackie]

89. Ooph!

[Iggo]

135. Wait a minute! That's our job!

[disillusioned73]

166. The RIGHT is very triggered

by this young... beautiful, progressive Latina... it drives them nuts

[nycbos]

4. I am not a fan of hers...

... but I have my misgivings about Amazon. The city is already insanely expensive and this will make it more so.


But someone needs to take her aside. Protesting against your party's floor leader is moronic.

[Caliman73]

77. I assume that Pelosi will have a talk with her at some point before January 3rd.

She's young and full of energy right now, which is good. She just needs to understand how the best way to be effective in the legislature.

[BeyondGeography]

5. Just about every elected Democrat in Queens is against tax handouts to Amazon

and is worried about its impact on housing costs. But why let that get in the way of another DU AOC panic attack?

[Tom Rivers]

26. Not surprised. Some would rather our party do nothing with our new found power

Than actually hold our leaders and corporations accountable for abuses.

What's the point of even having power if we aren't going to advance the changes (climate change, voting rights, gun control reform, healthcare, equality, etc., etc.) that we were advocating for on the campaign trail.

Either elections have consequences, or they're just a glorified dog and pony show.

[octoberlib]

43. Republicans are in control of the Senate for at least 2 years , maybe more.

there will be no new legislation passed on climate change, voting rights. gun control reform or equality. Just a fact. I have a feeling Pelosi will still be blamed .

[Tom Rivers]

131. No, it forces their hand

Put the legislation forward, show the American people what would be accomplished if the republican Senate got out of the way. Show a direct contrast, don't do nothing just because it won't pass the Senate or would get vetoed.

[mountain grammy]

138. Agree

[Autumn]

175. Hearings on the important things, like climate change will help a lot getting it to the public.

Legislation isn't the only thing Nancy can use.

[Power 2 the People]

60. +1000

[Jim Lane]

158. But those other Democrats don't have Ocasio-Cortez's history, which riles some DUers

So, yeah, what we see is "another DU AOC panic attack". Get used to it.

Here's a handy guide:
* If you criticize Hillary Clinton, it's because you're uncomfortable with assertive women, and you're a misogynist.
* If you criticize Tulsi Gabbard, it's because you're concerned about the future of the Democratic Party.
* If you criticize Nancy Pelosi, it's because you're uncomfortable with assertive women, and you're a misogynist.
* If you criticize Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, it's because you're concerned about the future of the Democratic Party.

All women are equal, but some are more equal than others.

[BeyondGeography]

159. Nailed it

[Celerity]

170. spot on

[Hassin Bin Sober]

172. Absolutely!

[dlk]

6. Ocasio-Cortez Has Some Growing Up to Do

She’ll either figure out how to actually accomplish something in DC by channeling her energy in productive ways or she’ll move on. She won’t be able to sustain the antics for any length of time.

[redstatebluegirl]

12. I will keep this post in mind when this goes forward.

I liked her at first, but she needs to sit down and learn some things before jumping into the fray.

[lillypaddle]

63. Kind of like Avenatti nt

[spooky3]

155. I think she needs to learn what can be changed and what probably cannot

and I think Amazon is a done deal. Her energy can be very helpful if directed toward the right issues.

[YessirAtsaFact]

7. She is young enough to survive the mistakes

The party will survive and so will she.

[comradebillyboy]

35. It's often difficult to overcome a bad first impression.

[rogue emissary]

10. She makes herself look naive.

I think she'll announce she's an independent as soon as she doesn't get her way. The right will love focusing their energy on her. They won't realize it'll be Democrats that are labeled establishment or centrist getting actual legislation submitted.

[redstatebluegirl]

13. I see Independent in her future yes.

[rogue emissary]

18. Thing is, I'm fine with that.

Some people aren't joiners, and if they aren't on the outside. They don't know what to do with themselves. I find it funny the protester never thought to see if Pelosi was against their demands. They just decided to protest at one of her offices. Not realizing she had previously stated she wanted the committee reinstated.

[hlthe2b]

115. probably so... It might work out better for her if she can't be a collaborative player.

[GoCubsGo]

192. I see rude awakening in her future.

She is young and naive. Once she actually has to do her job, and she sees how the House actually works, she'll likely change her tune. And, if she actually does turn Independent, she does so at her own peril. Lone wolves don't get very far in our Congress.

[HopeAgain]

14. Maybe she is just brash enough

to advocate for what is right rather than what centrists deem to be politically expedient. 2016 was a complete disaster and 2018 was probably more about Trump than political change.

I keep thinking about how the establishment Dems probably felt the same way about the student movements in the Johnson era.

[redstatebluegirl]

16. Well I was in the student movement in the Johnson era and I never went against a

sitting Democrat. A Democrat during that time was so much better for us as antiwar and civil rights activists than any Republican, just like it is now.

[HopeAgain]

20. How is having a position on Amazon

going against Democrats? Are we electing people or automatons?

[redstatebluegirl]

22. Not as bad as her being present at the protest at Nancy's office.

We will not always agree, but it is best done in committee, and in majority meetings, not in the press where they can use it to say "see they don't get along" "there are problems in the democratic party". I need her to sit back and learn for 6 months or so.

[HopeAgain]

45. So why don't we talk about Climate Change more?

She was supporting people who want to bring attention to a world threatening problem. If she is not a third-way, centrist
Democrat, she shouldn't have to act like one. Someone needs to push and make the Democrats more uncomfortable so that we never, ever, get as comfortable as we did in 2016, IMHO. Unless you like doing the same thing over and getting the same results, that is.

[redstatebluegirl]

47. We need to, but she has no power right now.

Democrats have always been in favor of working to protect the environment. That will be on the front burner.

[HopeAgain]

53. So let's just sit back because we have no power?

Where do you think power comes from? If we sucessfully silence AOC, the party, and AOC will lose that groundswell of support she brings. Keep shooting ourselves in the foot just because we are Democrats?

[ProfessorPlum]

189. Really?

Johnson, and Kennedy before him, was largely responsible for starting/keeping us in Vietnam. and the architects of Johnson's war were his Democratic cabinet members. Nixon was hideous on the subject, but Johnson even deliberately lied (we know now) to get us further into that war.

and you never "went against" a sitting Democrat? Not even the Dixicrats of the old south?

what exactly do you think the student movement was about?

[Mariana]

190. "Hey, hey, LBJ! How many kids did you kill today?" nt.

[ChubbyStar]

15. Give her a call

Explain your reasoning, I'm sure she would welcome your opinion.

[redstatebluegirl]

17. I emailed this morning, we shall see.

[Loki Liesmith]

29. Email is pointless

Call if you want an impact.

[JCanete]

19. Doubtful. There's no way in hell that would work out for the right, because mostly,

her platform is on issues that are widely popular. If they try outrage about her advocacies, that's only going to give visibility to those solutions. If she looks inexperienced and ignorant, sure, they'll try to use that, but they aren't going to have the same purchase with her that they've had with far long-standing political voices like Pelosi and Clinton.

What exactly are you even referring to that has so far been a problem?

[redstatebluegirl]

21. Her being present at the protest at Nancy's office is my main complaint.

I see her as a grandstander, one who likes being on TV and doesn't always have the best intentions.

[JCanete]

23. It is a protest that apparently Pelosi has welcomed, and if you watched the video included, Cortez

had respectful things to say about Pelosi. Could you elaborate on your actual issue here?


And why wouldn't she use her current media popularity(which can be fleeting) to promote good progressive causes? Isn't that what somebody should do with that opportunity? Call me crazy.

[redstatebluegirl]

24. She needs to sit back and learn, this is not hit the ground running.

Most new Congresspeople who do that don't last very long, I would rather she last a while.

[JCanete]

30. I disagree, for the very reasons I stated. Her visibility is valuable to getting the issues she

cares about into the main-stream consciousness. Granted, that is rife with challenges, because she is young, and she is green.

But I don't see why she won't wont last a while. She's popular where she is right now, and I don't know how fighting and being visible can hurt her on that front.

I'm not sure why you think her promoting good issues will hurt her with her constituents. It may put a target on her back, but if its from our own side, I'm not sure why you'd be supportive of that(not that you are).

[redstatebluegirl]

34. I have been a working member of this party fore a long time "(not that you are)".

I would support her as long as she helps us put Trump and his minions where they belong, on the sidelines. Right now, she is putting an agenda forward that will help them keep their power. That I have a serious issue with. I can't have the progressive issues I want right now, I am working slowly through the system to get there. I am old enough to realize you don't get anything this way.

[JCanete]

37. What? What agenda is that? You need to make that case, cuz that sounds way out of the box to me. nt

[redstatebluegirl]

41. The agenda is a far left one, from a new member.

She needs to move slowly.

[JCanete]

49. There is nothing far left about those positions. Quit using republican framing and maybe we could

move forward.

[haele]

107. Too many people forget the Democratic Party is a Coalition. We can walk and chew gum...but...

...we often walk slowly and chew gum carefully because we have to watch where we step and don't want to trip and choke ourselves on our gum. We also are always on the lookout for the garbage can to deposit our gum in once we're done, because littering sucks.

Here's another way of putting this reality.

Republicans believe in policy bumper stickers. They cover up the flaws in the GOP leadership's "vehicle" of choice. Unfortunately, the GOP tends to be addicted to flashy lemons, so they need lots of bumper stickers and J.B Weld to keep that car running.

However, the Democratic party works with "platform planks" - different sized solutions that make a bridge to go forward as we get over issues that challenge us as a society. But to get where we need to be, everyone needs to work together and put the planks down in some form of stable pattern. We may need to go back and change planks up, move them around, but we still need to work together to go forward.

We have to work together, even if we don't exactly agree about the relative importance that someone else has placed on their particular plank. Coalitions are like that.

Haele

[kstewart33]

173. Very well said.

At times, the Dem party resembles a herd of cats. Very difficult to unify which requires compromise. And often, too many Dems don't want to compromise.

[JCanete]

48. hahahahha. Wow, so you've got nothing except an ad hominem. Okay. Glad we've cleared that up. nt

[hatrack]

162. Yes, God forbid we do anything about imploding global climate if it's "disruptive"

[KWR65]

27. She is one congress rep out of 435. She isn't that important.

[JCanete]

32. then, if you accept everythign you just said, how would she be a problem? That was your premise.

I don't think you can have it both ways.

[redstatebluegirl]

36. Because the other side doesn't care, they will latch on to her and use her as a poster child

for what is wrong with our party.

[Celerity]

163. But when people say the same about Speaker Pelosi (in terms of being

a lightning rod and a target for Fox News and the rest of RW media) people say 'Who cares? We will not be defined by Republican assholes!'.

But now with AOC it's 'OMG she is a lightning rod for Fox News and RW media! Toss her in the ocean!'

Its utter and rank hypocrisy.

This entire thing (about the protest about what AOC said) was kicked off here yesterday by a dishonest tweet that incorrectly framed what happened. It turned into a ratpack attack with literally NONE of the first attacker's having a single thing correct about what happened.

It escalated to people scurrilously attacking AOC though ultra dodgy RW guilt-by-association games where she was called a Farrakhan associate/fellow traveller and also included calls for her to be immediately primaried.

Disgusting to see on a so-called Democratic website.

[SharonAnn]

188. They'll do it anyway, at any time. Especially to women of color.

[Ciaphas Cain]

28. She's a Betty that looks like a Veronica

Nobody had a problem with her when she flew around the country stumping for people she hadn't even ever met before.

[irisblue]

42. Can you explain that analogy a bit more?

Welcome to DU
Ciaphas Cain
28. She's a Betty that looks like a Veronica

Nobody had a problem with her when she flew around the country stumping for people she hadn't even ever met before.

[octoberlib]

52. They all lost.

[TheBlackAdder]

96. In the Archies, wasn't Betty the one who often started trouble and in-fighting?

.

I believe that analogy describes someone who people like on the outside, but deep down, there's trouble.

.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

33. What is there to support about the Amazon decision?

[SubjectTrip]

112. Exactly

[jberryhill]

38. Representatives are much more focussed on what matters to their district

Which inevitably produces a range of priorities.

Let's not pretend that everyone in the caucus on the House side is supposed to be a cookie-cutter duplicate of everyone else.

[DeminPennswoods]

40. She's right to speak out on the tax breaks and other freebies

being given to Amazon. Jeff Bezos is one of the, if not the, richest people in the world. But, hey, let's hand over M$s of dollars in tax breaks denying money to everything else that needs it.

[redstatebluegirl]

44. I agree, but the people who might find a job might not.

These tax breaks have been given forever for fewer jobs. I don't like them but it is the reality we live with. My main problem with her is her being present at Pelosi's office during the protest, not matter what she said.

[vi5]

50. These are corporate HQ's...

...most of these jobs are going to be transfers from other offices, or people who are recruited and are willing to move around the country for jobs.

[DeminPennswoods]

104. Yep, I'd bet few of these jobs

go to locals.

[fescuerescue]

176. Why would that be a problem?

Those folks will still be working and paying taxes in that new locality.

And amazon isn't exactly stagnant or shrinking. They are growing amazingly fast. This means that many WILL be new jobs, and the people moving will leave open positions behind that get filled.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

67. Amazon is a publically traded company

What business they do does not just affect Jeff Bezos.

[DeminPennswoods]

105. Fine, then they don't need tax subsidies

If they want to open another office, finance and build it out of earnings.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

133. Then talk to the powers that be in NYC

However isn't that a Pennsylvania silhouette?

[DeminPennswoods]

161. I'm happy my state "lost" out

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported the state offered Amazon 4.6B in tax breaks, etc. That much money can fix a lot of broken things like roads, bridges, education. I don't believe cities and states should have to compete in contests of who can give away the most to attract business.

[SweetieD]

178. I agree. I can't believe this is even controversial. I think people just want to hate this woman

for anything. The terms of this move are really bad and will have a negative ripple effect on the community by pushing people out through the raising of rents and taxes.

[vi5]

46. Actually other Democrats are now coming around to her original position on Amazon.

SHe was the only one back in 2017 to not sign a letter in which all other Democrats in the area fell all over themselves to see whose lips fit better on Jeff Bezo's posterior.

Now that they got the gig and realize just how much the city is going to lose on this deal, the others are agreeing with her.

Whatever else you want to say about her, and yes there is plenty to criticize, on this issue she is taking the position that most Democrats should be taking which is that we should not be handing out billions of dollars to the biggest companies in the world,with no strings attached. Especially to a union unfriendly company such as Amazon and especially given that most research shows that states and areas that enter into these bargains end up losing more than they gain.

[redstatebluegirl]

51. Good grief, I am not saying Amazon is right.

What I am saying is she needs to see how the system works, she is putting herself in a position to be used by the other party to hurt ours. She needs to learn, as some on DU need to, that as much as we want change now, we won't get it now. We have to work within the system we are given. As more and more young people engage, 22 percent I believe in the last election, they can change this system they hate so much. Until then, they have to work hard within the system we have.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

66. What makes you think you know "the system" any better than AOC?

Work with the system we have been given? You mean the system that hasn’t inspired young people to vote? That system?

She went out and organized a truly grassroots campaign and go herself elected to Congress. So far I’m pretty impressed.

Maybe her bashers and critics on our side need to sit down and listen.

[Bfd]

152. Um. She had NO CHALLENGER. geezus.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

174. Not in the primary.

?itemid=12106860

[Bfd]

180. No one campaigned against her. No One. She should have had to fight the battle

KA Sharice Davids fought., in a Red District, with challengers & big names coming from out of State to campaign against her.

AOC's election was a cake walk compared to others who won against the most insurmountable odds.

These are the faces of the future Dem Party.
Nothing came easy to them in their win, & the kudos goes to these remarkable competent women fighters.

They have just proven how well equipped they are to take on the corrupt Republicans in Congress.
And THAT is the first & most urgent priority that they will be asked to consider.

They stand together under the umbrella of the Great Democratic Party.
Its not some cool campaign photo op that got them this far.

I will watch to see the same grit from the other new members.
AOC should easily be able to unite & join in support for her Party as they set out to correct the disasters from the Republican failure to this country.

We have some damned tough new electees heading into Congress.
They have already proven their strength through the tough battle they just fought to get that coveted seat in Congress.

They all come with their own personal election battle scars & they all are owed a place in the spotlight.

It was an unbelievable win for many of these new members and it did not come easily.

Their battle does not diminish hers and likewise her win does not diminish their hard fought win

Consider this.
Thank you

[MaryMagdaline]

129. You and I are usually on the same page but Ocasio might just change things

She has a Bobby Kennedy take no prisoners attitude which frankly, I have missed in our politicians. I have tremendous respect for Nancy Pelosi, and I believe she will channel all the new energy in the right direction. Nancy doesn’t get her feelings hurt. She gets things done.

[LuvLoogie]

57. The tax ensentives are happening on a state and local level.

AOC is now a federal legislator.

[vi5]

114. So she does not represent her district?

I'm sure that would be news to every rep in the house. Especially the ones we are told over and over "Need to represent their constituents!!!" I'm pretty sure her constituents are the taxpayers in her district.

[LuvLoogie]

128. Of course she represents her district, but the deal is done it seems.

As a resident of NYC she was opposed to the deal, but she had no legislative impact outside of who she voted for as her local and state representatives. As a congressman, she can effect tax law as it applies to an industry as a whole, but she can't really can't intervene on individual deals.

[vi5]

130. Wow, who knew.

It's amazing how on here Reps can go from being depicted as these all powerful, amazing figures in politics who can do so much and are allowed to voice their opinion on any number of issues, to someone who really can't do all that much and should really just...what is the phrase being thrown about so much now....."stay in their lane"? And it's funny how it all seems to depend on who is saying it and whether or not certain people like what they are saying.

A lot of interesting contradictions and....dare I say hypocrisy being laid bare on here recently. It's fascinating.

[LuvLoogie]

132. It was you who brought her up in the context of Amazon and tax give-aways.

Again that is a state and local issue as far as this Amazon deal is concerned. She is now a federal legislator. she can right laws to regulate industries. She can right laws to set their federal corporate tax rate. But she has no say over state and local tax issues other than perhaps as a vocal constituent.

NY and VA cut their deal with Amazon. It's up to the state and local politicians to make sure Amazon meets their end of the bargain.

AOC has her work cut out for her as a U.S. House member. Remember earmarks? Should we go back to that system of congressional deal-making for ones constituents. That's a sophisticated game. It's politics. Does AOC want to get things done or not?

[BannonsLiver]

186. It's really not that interesting

When one understands the roles of federal, local and state governments. There’s all sorts of info online if you need a refresher on those roles, which seems to be the case.

[Nanjeanne]

55. I look forward to her energy and passion for the causes that are dear to me. I love the diversity

in the party and excited to see some bold ideas come out of the Democrats in the House!

[Blue_true]

121. Same here. Like a puppy, she will learn to conserve her energy.

I love her intelligence and passion, hope to see her learn to channel it better.

[Meowmee]

56. Don't care for her

At all

[ChubbyStar]

59. Call her and let her know

I'm sure she welcomes your opinion.

[Meowmee]

157. I think you're missing

The sarcasm thingy, I’m not in her district, but I guess I’m allowed to have an opinion and communicate it here. Since we still have free speech etc. 😹

[Iggo]

136. Love her.

A lot.

[matt819]

58. Bull

In this era, she, or anyone else like her - Hispanic, woman, young, tough, attractive - would be a lightning rod. The RW will make her one. She impresses me as someone who will deal with this appropriately, to her benefit and to the benefit of her constituents and the Democratic Party. And what her instincts don't tell her, there are seasoned men and women available to guide her. And I would hope that the 50-year age difference between her and the party leadership doesn't drive those leaders to ignore her or dictate to her, but rather mentor and guide. What we don't need is a milquetoast-y, be seen and not heard, woman. We could be looking at a woman who could be on the national stage for quite some time to come.

[Sneederbunk]

62. I am thinking Alan Grayson.

[Thekaspervote]

156. Oh I have to agree with you!!

[kcr]

181. Spot on

He's the king of that type of performative, overly aggressive politics that don't actually get anything done. But they do serve the politician nicely at least for a short time because it does attract a fawning fan base, and they're good at getting media attention. People who love that type can't ever understand why others don't join in the love fest. AOC is storming the gates! Look, the media reacted instantly, just like it was supposed to, so things will surely happen now. Why isn't your heart all a flutter?

[LovingA2andMI]

64. Newest Attention Seeker...

What's New? However, she is one out of 435 who is likely not to have a Committee Assignment -- so in other words -- just words and protest attendance with no action.

And the media will tire of her act, eventually. Let her do what she does as it is no harm in the least, to the long term goal.

[brooklynite]

69. BREAKING: NYC Council Speaker is breaking from NYC Leaders...

He's opposed as well.

[elocs]

70. The right & Trumpsters will hold her up as the poster child representing all of the Left

and they will use her as a distraction for when things get hot for Trump. For sure Trump will do that.

[Buckeyeblue]

72. I like her spirit

She'll figure out how to reign it in. Or she won't and she'll forever be an outlier who gets nothing done.

[Joe941]

73. she may run for president

[Adrahil]

87. Not in 2020....

And let's see how she does actually doing something.

[Blue_true]

122. Too young by 6+ years. nt

[AlexSFCA]

74. I think she only cares about her district and constituents

not a bad thing; she wants to represent dramatic change from the person she replaced. I doubt she cares much about gop or other parts of the country. She is not politically savvy, she just became politician. Again, not a bad thing. What I like about her is that she is a fighter, never compramises one bit, tough and fearless young woman. Her platform is solid; she is progressive ahead of time. I predict ice will be disbanded after human right violations reports come out (maybe years from now).

[DFW]

78. She might be, but could end up being an asset, too. It's her call

She obviously is no idiot, so it boils down to a question of ego. Does she want to be what Justice Sotomayor so aptly called a "wise Latina," or does she just want to be a headline grabber for the sake of glory and attention?

It's not too late for someone to invite her to a cup of coffee and explain how things really get done in Washington. You can quietly build a consensus, find allies, become a force to be reckoned with and build a reliable faction, or you can make noise and make an ass of yourself. You can be Gabby Giffords or you can be Bella Abzug. Both were women of prominence in the House, but for very different reasons. AOC can still make the choice, and chalk her initial rabble-rousing to learning the ropes. Or, she can continue to do just what she is doing now, and become an idol to the 1% that likes the shouting and that sort of thing, and have her initiatives (if she gets any through to committee) ignored as coming from "that troublemaker." There are 435 House members. This is not a talent show starring "Alexandra and the Reps."

The window of time is closing, but she can still contain any damage. Whether she wants to or not is a different question entirely. Why a freshman congresswoman who is not even sworn in yet would think it a better strategy to pick fight with Democrats instead of Republicans is beyond me. Just who does she perceive as the enemy here? If it's the people sitting next to her on the House floor instead of the ones sitting on the other side of the aisle, then yeah, she will be a problem. But not a huge one. People get used to noise after a while.

[DinahMoeHum]

79. I'm afraid she'll go the way of Alan Grayson. . .

. . .unless she settles down, LOOKs, LISTENs and LEARNs from those who have been there before.

And BTW, she's not sworn in yet.

[NurseJackie]

169. That's a very apt comparison. It would be a shame if that happened.

[Botany]

80. In her 1st day she has become a 1st class pain in the ass. Fox News couldn't be happier.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will be used as the poster child by Fox, the GOP, and the
media as an out of control liberal democrat and this is why you shouldn't vote for
democratic candidates.

Jobs are a bad thing and Nancy Pelosi is the problem w/climate change.

[Autumn]

81. Yes it's horrible to tell the protesters we must let leader Pelosi know we have her back in

showing and pursing the most progressive energy agenda that this country has ever seen.

Yeah, lets take her to the wood shed for suggesting that.

[Yavin4]

82. She'll be much more of an asset than a problem.

It's not just about beating Trump and the Republicans in one cycle. It's about governing with a vision as well.

[David__77]

84. I like her.

She’s full of life.

[Cuthbert Allgood]

86. She is "our party"

Just in case you forgot.

[Gothmog]

90. I have never been impressed with AOC

[NurseJackie]

91. She needs to learn quickly, or she may be "one-and-done".

someone needs to take her aside and tell her to temper herself.

She needs to learn quickly, or she may be "one-and-done". I think it's more important for her to learn the ropes, do the work for her constituents rather than risking so many public missteps while trying to make a name for herself.

All I'm trying to say is, you never get a second-chance to make a first impression.

[melman]

97. ' you never get a second-chance to make a first impression'

She's making a great one from where I'm sitting. I think she's fantastic.


And also, well....all I'm trying to say is, if you can judge a person by who is against them then AOC is doing great!

[NurseJackie]

100. It's all subjective, of course, but ...

if you can judge a person by who is against them then AOC is doing great!

It's all subjective, of course, but why rely on such a superficial yardstick. I think it's more important to hold elected representatives to higher standards based on their own deeds and accomplishments (if any) compared to their missteps and mistakes (if any).

[George II]

103. Wow, that's an interesting twist on "judging someone". As for me, I based my successful career....

....on judging people for what they accomplished.

[NurseJackie]

108. Agreed! That certainly makes MORE sense than...

As for me, I based my successful career....
....on judging people for what they accomplished.

Agreed! That certainly makes MORE sense than judging someone based on who is critical of them, or who dislikes them. Honestly, in my opinion, the latter method (if you can even call it that) doesn't appear to be a very rational or intellectual way to evaluate someone. It's based more on emotion or anger. All I'm saying here is that such a subjective and emotional evaluative criteria doesn't seem to be a very reliable indicator at all.

[melman]

139. lol

[NurseJackie]

141. ...

[George II]

142. Woof, woof!

[NurseJackie]

143. Who's a good boy?!

[FakeNoose]

98. You're so right about that - her mistakes could do her in

I believe she's intelligent, and her forcefulness is already obvious. I hope she finds herself a good mentor, the name "Hillary Clinton" comes to mind. But her missteps could give her a bad rep if she's not careful.

[melman]

94. She is the best

Love her.

[pwb]

99. I don't see it that way.

She is with us and always will be. Nancy Pelosi knows that.

[NurseJackie]

111. Nobody is bashing her.

Don't bash Democratic figures, isn't that still part of the TOS here at D/U ?

Gee, I'm not sure. If only there was a way to find out. Hmmm.

[Iggo]

140. Same window "Any Dem Anywhere" went out of.

You could smell it brewing right after the primaries.

[Corvo Bianco]

102. You say problem I say opportunity

Because she is kind of scary and I need something to believe in.

[Chickensoup]

109. We are all entitled to our opinion

and we should embrace and respect that
Instead of lunching a trump style attacks
On her.
In my opinion nancy is far more of a problem if we fail to chose a new speaker.

[NurseJackie]

113. How do you figure that "Nancy is far more of a problem"?

In my opinion nancy is far more of a problem if we fail to chose a new speaker.

How do you figure that "Nancy is far more of a problem"? What exactly would be problematic about having Nancy Pelosi as the Speaker of the House? What do you have against her?

[Eliot Rosewater]

127. The nonstop ATTACKS of our LEADER on this board FUCKING INFURIATE ME

[Gothmog]

119. The GOP attacks Nancy Pelosi because she is so very effective

Not election Nancy Pelosi as speaker would be a major mistake and would make the GOP very very happy

[SubjectTrip]

110. A problem in that she is going to finally drag it out of the 90's and into the 21st century?

Good grief, the hand-wringing around AOC is so transparent...

[JHan]

118. the 90's were over a long time ago, the party has already moved beyond the 90's.

the only people I see parroting 90's nonsense are those who believe a defunct think tank called third way still has sway anywhere.

[Dave Starsky]

120. She is going to do just fine.

She's exactly what this country needs.

The more posts that I see blowing shit on her for no substantive reason whatsoever, the more I'm committed to my opinion. Your post is a perfect example. You've just made me more of a fan.

She's young, she's honest, she's smart, and she's driven to change things. And I think that's wonderful.

[Blue_true]

124. I was not happy to see her beat Crowley or get into other races.

But, I think that she is smart, passionate about the right issue and as she learns to properly channel all that properly, she is going to be a force. It was clear from her statements near Pelosi's office that she sees Pelosi as a role model, who was a fighter ahead of her time.

[guillaumeb]

126. Amazon is the new plantation, updated for the 21st century.

Bezos is a typical greedy capitalist.

[Iggo]

137. Nah.

[SubjectTrip]

144. Meanwhile, Steny Hoyer is presenting a direct threat to Pelosi's leadership chances

Already has 155 democrats backing him

Why no thread about him? Hmm?

[Denzil_DC]

148. Why are you spreading disinformation?

You posted something similar on another thread:

Just curious
Why is there no ~300 post response thread about Steny Hoyer challenging Pelosi for Speaker? Surely him have 155 democrats backing him would be more cause for concern among the Pelosi sect than a young woman of color joining a protest, right?

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=11426153

I'll repeat the reply I gave you there:

Perhaps because Hoyer is NOT challenging Pelosi?
Hoyer is standing for House Majority Leader, whereas Pelosi is standing for House Speaker!

And it's a "Pelosi sect", is it?

Hmmm. Curious indeed.

[BannonsLiver]

187. This thread is a great example of the failures of teaching civics in our schools

We’ve got people thinking a US Rep. makes municipal policy and people who don’t know the difference between Speaker and Leader.

[Bfd]

182. Source? That is not true.

Hoyer is Not challenging Pelosi

Hoyer is standing for House Majority Leader
Pelosi is standing for House Speaker!

[R B Garr]

146. Yes, agreed. nt

[SaschaHM]

147. It's about damn time someone breaks with New York's leaders.

I'm not the biggest AOC fan, but breaking from De Blasio/Cuomo is never going to be a black mark in my book, even if I supported both in their primaries/generals.

AoC is not the first Democrat to refuse to tow the party line and she won't be the last. If anything, maybe we should start looking at the line that we tow if attacking the Amazon decision is a bridge to far. Hell, it's not even a politically convenient one given that they located to practically solid blue states. That doesn't help us gain ground anywhere else.

Also, you know who else is going to be a lightning rod for the next two years? Pelosi, Schumer, and every other Democrat that dares speak up. Fuck the right.

[JonLP24]

153. +1000

[JonLP24]

150. Using Amazon is a bad example

To make your point.

In fact it makes me like her more

"Amazon is a billion-dollar company," Ocasio-Cortez wrote on Twitter late Monday. "The idea that it will receive hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks at a time when our subway is crumbling and our communities need MORE investment, not less, is extremely concerning to residents here."

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2018/11/13/politics/ocasio-cortez-amazon-hq2/index.html

[sfwriter]

154. Not worried

It looks like it was very productive. Pelosi shined. All’s well.


The right paints every Democrat to be a demon. Ignore them and support our young people.

[Onyrleft]

160. Look; the voters have spoken.

You can't kick this kid off your damn lawn.

[NurseJackie]

167. Nobody is trying to do that.

You can't kick this kid off your damn lawn.

Nobody is trying to do that. But you know perfectly well that it's reasonable to criticize anyone's impulsive or inappropriate behavior. The fact of the matter is that Congress isn't where politicians go to be trained for Congress, they need to hit the ground running and be ready on day zero. As a party we can't afford the luxury of "looking the other way" and "making excuses" for these types of avoidable situations. It's perfectly fair to call her out on them.

All I'm trying to say here is that her efforts (and/or the advice she's receiving from others) would be better all around (especially for her own growth and development) if she focused on improving her own preparedness rather than grandstanding for cameras before she's even sworn-in.

[KPN]

177. Meh. You are giving her more credit and power than she merits.

She's a youngster with strong ideals. Give her time. Either she'll gain some wisdom or her constituents will replace her in a couple of years.

The last thing we need to do right now is be afraid of how Rs will react to or use her. We can't and shouldn't be afraid of our own shadow so to speak.

[djg21]

179. Said this from day one.

She won’t play well outside of the Bronx and Queens. She will be pointed to by the Right as evidence of the radicalization of the Democratic Party. This will hurt us in the purple and red states.

[Bfd]

183. The concern for her presence is only "a threat" in the Media's need for drama.

Because the newz repeats it on a daily loop, doesn't make it truth.

I have no idea why she is given so much attention.
Who exactly is behind the media blitz. That is a better question that deserves our attention.

No one fears her in reality, as much as the Media wants that divisive message to play out.
She brings nothing to fear. She has scant power.

[DeafAngelboy23]

185. Talk to her voters

They picked her for a reason.

[struggle4progress]

191. Let her get sworn in and learn her way around DC before we start jumping on her

[disillusioned73]

194. She's gonna be a problem for the right....

Link to tweet