What is the significance of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez?
This is the 28-year-old socialist who beat the heir to the throne for Democratic Congressional
leader in New York.
Are the Democrats experiencing a 'tea-party of the left' moment where the establishment is shaken up by radicals? Could it be even more significant in that American politics is set to experience real structural changes years down the line? Certainly, there will be replacement Bernies, if nothing else.
For those who don't know, I'm a British political activist and very much involved in the movement around Jeremy Corbyn, Britain's Labour Party leader. I see the DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) as a US version of Momentum, so I kind of feel a kinship here.
It strikes me that the Democrats are united in opposition to Trump but in little else. There seems to be a division between party elites who accept corporate donations and have classical liberal policies and a more progressive radical base. I don't think most American Democrat voters are socialist in the classical sense but nonetheless, I think there is a political message here which will resonate.
I also think that Ocasio-Cortez is extremely impressive as a candiate. She has excellent politics, as well as charisma, authenticity and self-confidence. If I was an activist in this room, then I would walk through walls for that person:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAb2QMw9h_w]
leader in New York.
Are the Democrats experiencing a 'tea-party of the left' moment where the establishment is shaken up by radicals? Could it be even more significant in that American politics is set to experience real structural changes years down the line? Certainly, there will be replacement Bernies, if nothing else.
For those who don't know, I'm a British political activist and very much involved in the movement around Jeremy Corbyn, Britain's Labour Party leader. I see the DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) as a US version of Momentum, so I kind of feel a kinship here.
It strikes me that the Democrats are united in opposition to Trump but in little else. There seems to be a division between party elites who accept corporate donations and have classical liberal policies and a more progressive radical base. I don't think most American Democrat voters are socialist in the classical sense but nonetheless, I think there is a political message here which will resonate.
I also think that Ocasio-Cortez is extremely impressive as a candiate. She has excellent politics, as well as charisma, authenticity and self-confidence. If I was an activist in this room, then I would walk through walls for that person:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAb2QMw9h_w]
41-45, M
