ALL NEWS

129 seconds that perfectly explain why liberals go wild for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Mar 27, 2019, 9:41 AM

(CNN) — On the day that the Senate rejected — by a vote of 0-57 — the broad strokes of the so-called “Green New Deal,” New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D), one of the leading voices for the legislation, went off on those who mock the effort as nothing more than an elitist fantasy.

It began when Wisconsin Rep. Sean Duffy (R) introduced an amendment in a meeting of the Financial Services Committee that would force a homelessness bill that was being debated to meet “green” standards. “The Green New Deal is one that if you are a rich liberal from maybe New York or California it sounds great because you can afford to retrofit your home or build a new home that has a zero emissions, that is energy efficient, affordable and safe,” he said.

Cue AOC. You should watch the entire two minutes of what she said, but here’s the key part:

“When we talk about the concern for the environment as an elitist concern, one year ago I was waitressing in a taco shop in downtown Manhattan. I just got health insurance for the first time a month ago. This is not an elitist issue. This is a quality of life issue. You want to tell people that their concern and their desire for clean air and clean water is elitist? Tell that to the kids in the South Bronx which are suffering from the highest rates of childhood asthma in the country. Tell that to the families in Flint whose kids, their blood is ascending in lead levels, their brains are damaged for the rest of their lives. Call them elitist. You’re telling them that those kids are trying to get on a plane to Davos? People are dying!”

The clip of Ocasio-Cortez’s speech, which was tweeted by liberal activist Brian Tyler Cohen at 8:32 p.m. Eastern Tuesday night, already has 4.7 million views. It had been retweeted almost 50,000 times and had almost 125,000 likes as of Wednesday morning.

Those are absolutely staggering numbers. But they speak to the chord that AOC has touched among liberals in the country. She is, without any question, one of the biggest stars in the Democratic Party at the moment — and that includes the roughly 73 candidates who are running for president at the moment.

(Here’s one anecdote that speaks to the Ocasio-Cortez sensation: At the SXSW festival earlier this month in Austin, Texas, the line to get into to see her speak ran the length of two full floors of a massive convention center. I went to a live taping of Binge Mode’s “Talk the Thrones” which was happening at the same time. Got to get that “Game of Thrones” content!)

And the clip above shows why. Unlike some Democrats who shrink when attacked as elitists by Republicans, Ocasio-Cortez takes that charge on directly — by leaning heavily into her own personal story. It is a remarkable story of an unbelievably rapid ascent into the upper echelons of national Democratic politics. And it is a story rooted not in fancy schools or a stack of graduate degrees but rather in AOC’s own very middle class life prior to being elected to Congress. It resonates with Democrats because it is authentic.

Then there is the fact, as the clip demonstrates, that AOC is not willing to let herself or the issues she cares about be stereotyped by Republicans. Climate change isn’t about the carbon footprint Al Gore leaves when he jets into Davos to deliver a speech, argues Ocasio-Cortez. Instead it’s about kids in places like New York City and Flint, Michigan whose lives are being negatively affected — and in possibly permanent ways by a lack of clean air and clean water.

You can see it all — the smarts, the unapologetic nature and the passionate conviction — in that clip.

For all the devotion and plaudits AOC draws on the left, she pulls in just as much derision and anger on the right. Of Ocasio-Cortez’s speech on Tuesday night, the conservative New York Post headlined their story “Ocasio-Cortez flips out after congressman calls Green New Deal ‘elitist’.” Fox News’ writeup of the back and forth was titled “AOC bristles as GOP lawmaker blasts Green New Deal as ‘elitist’ pet project of rich liberals.”

Politicians who generate passion — among their supporters, yes, but also among their opponents — are a very rare breed. And usually the ones who make the most noise in national politics. Ocasio-Cortez isn’t yet 30 years old but she’s already achieved that status.

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2019 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

All News

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

129 seconds that perfectly explain why liberals go wild for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez