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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsAOC's protest is a big nothing burger
Nancy's from San Francisco so I promise you that she's seen it all before.
The Class of 2018 is the largest group of freshman elected since 1974. And like 1974, many of our new representatives were elected out of protest against a corrupt, tyrannical administration and now want to change the old order. AOC's sit-in got some coverage, but the larger question is how Nancy and the House Democratic leadership I grew old with can accommodate a changing political landscape, especially when most freshmen were elected without being previously handpicked by the DCCC or some local party machine. It's going to be loud and it's going to be messy for a while, but let everything sort itself out.
Tom Rivers
(459 posts)It was letting it be known to our leadership that climate change is an issue we SERIOUSLY need to address (but one I'm sadly not sure we're selfless enough to address in the extent that it needs to be).
People attacking AOC for showing up to the Green New Deal protest don't get it. If the climate crisis is as bad as we believe it is, and as bad as the U.N. and actual scientific researchers tell us it is, and as bad as it very clearly is based on the insane weather patterns and wildfires over the last decade alone, then we SHOULD be PROUD of ANY representative who gets up there and actually wants to tackle this issue with the seriousness it needs to be confronted with, regardless of what toes they might step on in order to address it, and we want to know that the leadership of our party understands how urgently we need her to help us move the conversation to the left on this topic. I don't care who the Speaker is, all I care about is that they move in a truly progressive direction on this topic. If we're not here to push our agenda, especially when it relates to the single greatest threat faced by every single person on this planet right now, then why the hell are we even worried about control of power in this country? It's all meaningless if we don't take bold action on climate.
Kaleva
(36,341 posts)Squirrel!!
fescuerescue
(4,448 posts)doesn't matter if its debunked, because the point is to create negative impressions, which last long after the substance is gone.
Even this thread, which was written in the best of faith, further services the needs of those opposing her.
OnDoutside
(19,970 posts)pissed off Democratic Party supporters ?
Kaleva
(36,341 posts)"Nancy Pelosi
?Verified account @NancyPelosi
16h16 hours ago
We welcome the presence of these activists, and we strongly urge the Capitol Police to allow them to continue to organize and participate in our democracy.
338 replies 1,670 retweets 8,385 likes
Show this thread
Nancy Pelosi
?Verified account @NancyPelosi
16h16 hours ago
Deeply inspired by the young activists & advocates leading the way on confronting climate change. The climate crisis threatens the futures of communities nationwide, and I strongly support reinstating the select committee to address the crisis."
https://twitter.com/NancyPelosi
OnDoutside
(19,970 posts)better than to inflame the situation.
Kaleva
(36,341 posts)No reason to be pissed because Nancy has it under control. Explain that in simple terms to the supposedly pissed off Democrat supporters you are speaking for. Use crayons and draw pictures if you have to.
OnDoutside
(19,970 posts)irisblue
(33,023 posts)You sure you want to be that?
OnDoutside
(19,970 posts)The poster gave one to me, I replied, we all move on.
LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)I just glad none were jumping off bridges when I engaged in that bit of ethical petulance prior to becoming an adult.
irisblue
(33,023 posts)Kaleva
(36,341 posts)She praised and supports them. But for some reason, a few are angry at their actions.
Mariana
(14,860 posts)I don't think Nancy Pelosi is a liar.
octoberlib
(14,971 posts)and will keep any bill from being passed for at least the next two years?
OnDoutside
(19,970 posts)Hortensis
(58,785 posts)Last edited Wed Nov 14, 2018, 06:05 AM - Edit history (1)
by citizens shocked into action, of course. Aren't we all? The "Alexandria Goes To Congress" threads should drop sharply as she settles in and hopefully will shift to her committees' efforts to achieve what she could only call for from outside.
You made a point not usually hit about the diffusion of power away from centers over the last two decades. The DNC and RNC have largely become facilitators for decisions mostly made by individuals like Ms. Ocasio and independent power centers.
Rank amateurs elected to the Congress of the United States in one dizzying poof! aren't new, but what is new that they're not virtually all coming from wealthy, powerful families. If ignorance in legislators isn't exactly desirable, certainly more representative access to government is overall a very positive development.
In any case, you're of course right that Nancy and other leaders have plenty of experience in guiding newcomers every 2 years. Every class provides new assets to the Democratic caucus, and sometimes some real diamonds. You bet they're interested in these arrivals and want them to do well.
JI7
(89,264 posts)Celerity
(43,497 posts)a long time. She spoke to the activists briefly and said that she had Pelosi's back and Pelosi had theirs (the activists) about climate change.
The whole 'uppity young AOC lips off to Pelosi' meme is the stuff of imagination and axes grinding out agendas.
melman
(7,681 posts)There was no 'AOC protest'. That is a thing that did not happen.
George II
(67,782 posts)Cuthbert Allgood
(4,965 posts)So.........what's the outrage about AOC again? I can't keep up with reasons to hate progressives.
Autumn
(45,120 posts)Ergo she has bad relationships. Someone who is not a Democrat endorsed her. She didn't stay in her district like she was supposed to, she went off and campaigned for other people. Someone, somewhere probably has a master list . It seems that there doesn't need to be a reason to hate progressives. It's like when they say we need a different speaker Nancy needs to step down. No reason given. People dislike smart women and fear them having power.
SweetieD
(1,660 posts)People already there and promised them that their issues were important. Please reed beyond the headlines. For some reason this aoc woman is on someone's radar to be destroyed.
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)I hope she does well. and ends up helping further unity which is needed.
Maybe she will grow up?
George II
(67,782 posts)Cuthbert Allgood
(4,965 posts)Get the torches and pitchforks.
Good of you to leave off what AOC actually said, e.g. that she knows Pelosi will have their backs.
But, yeah, SCREW THE PROGRESSIVE BROWN WOMAN.
George II
(67,782 posts)....It was said that she was not protesting but "just stopped by", when in fact she was part of the protest and helped organize it.
Why did you have to bring in her race? It was not part of the discussion ANYWHERE in this discussion from the OP down to the bottom until you mentioned it. Is her race even relevant to this discussion? I don't think so but apparently you have an issue with it.
Cuthbert Allgood
(4,965 posts)And when people say anything about Pelosi or Clinton, plenty of people--you included--chime in about sexism. But now it's racist to point out the rage at a woman of color.
Yeah. Sure. It's my problem.
George II
(67,782 posts)....regardless of the race, gender, or anything else about the person.
YOU are the one who insultingly insinuated that it was based on her race. Do you know what my race is (that's rhetorical)?
Cuthbert Allgood
(4,965 posts)The point is that there is often outrage expressed on DU anytime anyone says anything about a woman. Sometimes it is on point. Often it isn't. But the same people that take outrage at any displeasure expressed about Clinton or Pelosi are the same ones that are going after this woman of color. Pointing that out does not make me racist. At all.
George II
(67,782 posts)....who happens to be Latina I'm against "a young brown woman" (as you put it), which had absolutely nothing to do with my comment, and no one else in this discussion even mentioned her race except for you.
Cuthbert Allgood
(4,965 posts)she's a woman and that I don't like women in power. Or the next time one of your buddies tells me that. I'll refer them to your words that maybe it isn't about that.
You don't like the progressive wing of the part, regardless of gender and race. I get that. It's the hypocrisy that is tough to deal with.
George II
(67,782 posts)....except you "implied" (claimed?) I was against "a young brown woman", as though THAT has anything to do with it, which is 100% incorrect.
Have a great day.
Eliot Rosewater
(31,121 posts)I predicted exactly that.
George II
(67,782 posts)...it would be the FIRST time. But I don't engage in such sweeping projections.
However, you're rather presumptuous about what I "don't like", and you're wrong (a sweeping projection perhaps?). That's like saying that if I don't like some Democrat then "I don't like the Democratic Party".
It's been fun.
NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)Partial Transcript: "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez along with a number of progressive groups including the Justice Democrats and The Sunrise Movement protested outside of the offices of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi."
So was she protesting or not protesting? The "Justice Democrats" are Cenk's own group... and if Cenk's own youtube channel (The Young Turks) is saying that she was protesting, then I'm inclined to think that she was protesting.
The suggestion that she just "stopped by" to "offer a couple of words of support" doesn't strike me as being a very likely explanation nor accurate description.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez PROTESTS Nancy Pelosi
Anyway, there it is... make of it what you will.
George II
(67,782 posts)....(reinstatement of an environmental committee) had already been decided and is in the works. Nancy Pelosi, the target of the "protest", said last week she was going to reinstate that committee.
I suspect there was another reason for the "protest".
Small-Axe
(359 posts)Not as support for Nancy Pelosi, to be sure.
Tarheel_Dem
(31,240 posts)MrsCoffee
(5,803 posts)What was the most prominent one? Step Up Or Step Aside?
NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)I was exceedingly pleased to see how Nancy Pelosi responded to it. Nancy is the real deal... she's a class act.
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)critter. I am glad we have a Democrat in the seat and all but the fact Justice Democrats supported her gave me pause...can't stand Cent. We need unity now not this sort of thing. She should distance herself from this group;
seaglass
(8,173 posts)actually give much money to candidates, I think they just slap their label on and try to sell them services. n/t
Wintryjade
(814 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)Brand New Congress, Cenk's OTHER organization ($605K)
Middle Seat Consulting ($280K)
ADP ($228K)
ActBlue ($87K)
Corbin Trent, Co-Director ($71K)
Alex Rojas, Executive Director ($63K)
Sam Briggs, Project Director ($58K)
That's more than 60% of their overall expenditures.
NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)That's the thing that really makes me suspicious. But, he's clever and most likely he's smart enough to avoid such obvious traps and pitfalls.
George II
(67,782 posts)....now look at the highest recipient of Brand New Congress' funds..........
BRAND NEW CONGRESS!
They got $605K from Justice Democrats, and then they turn around and give themselves $261K! It's a high stakes version of what you see being played in Times Square - three-card monte.
These numbers are all on the FEC.gov website.
aidbo
(2,328 posts)Autumn
(45,120 posts)She didn't even stay for the whole thing. She went to encourage the protesters in Nancy's office and to let them know that they needed to let Nancy know that they have her back if she's chosen as Speaker. Sounds like a damn smart Freshmen Congressperson to me. They protested to call on the Democrats to create a committee to make a plan to switch to 100% renewable energy and green jobs. They are a smart group of young people who obviously are concerned about climate change and recognize the fossil fuel industry has to end. And there's not much time left.
Straight from AOC's mouth and there's video.
George II
(67,782 posts)NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)Justice Democrats champions third-party candidates and movements! They even say so right on their website. https://www.justicedemocrats.com/about
Cenk Uygur is a grifter and a fraud. As it turns out, his organization:
https://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2014/04/buddy-roemer-firm-invests-4-million-in-young-turks-network-186934
By HADAS GOLD
04/16/2014 09:09 AM EDT
A firm led by former Republican governor and congressman Buddy Roemer is investing millions into The Young Turks Network to significantly increase its content, sales, and platform presence.
The investment of $4 million, with an option to go up to $8 million, came out of a conversation Roemer and The Young Turks Network founder Cenk Uygur had backstage before speaking at a conference about money in politics last year. The relationship between the conservative Louisiana politician and the founder of the progressive media outlet stemmed from both making the removal of moneys influence on politics their signature issues.
One thing led to another, and it turns out were terrific partners for one another and thats how it came about, Uygur, who also has a PAC devoted to campaign finance reform, said in an interview.
In a statement, Roemer said his firm, Roemer, Robinson, Melville & Co., LLC, has been looking for two years to find the best new media platform in which to invest.
(Continued at link...)
George II
(67,782 posts)NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)I honestly question the wisdom (or the motivation) of any politician who gets too cozy with an organization like that. Cenk Uygur is obviously a RW shill performing a role that's funded by Republicans. He's the one who founded the Justice Democrats (and although he had to resign in disgrace from its day-to-day operations, there can be little doubt that the organization is following the path and principles laid out by Uygur and his Republican masters.)
George II
(67,782 posts)again:
Not only did they try to bury it, but I see they've taken the list of the Board members off their site, too (or obscured it to the point I can't find it)
I forget if it was them or their sister organization, Brand New Congress, they supported an Independent candidate in Tennessee against a Democrat! Yes, they are no friend of Democrats and don't even pretend that they are.
NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)That would be like my son and his husband donating to the American Family Association... or their hiring Chic-fil-A to cater their wedding.
namahage
(1,157 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)"The current board of Justice Democrats is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Saikat Chakrabarti."
And this is very interesting, too:
"100% of donations will be used to build and run congressional campaigns."
At least 60% of their donations are used for contributions to another (Cenk) organization, salaries, payroll expenses, fundraising, etc.
namahage
(1,157 posts)As of July 10, the text has changed, and AOC is no longer listed.
George II
(67,782 posts)I wonder why?
Autumn
(45,120 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)...was the organizer, and you ridicule it!
Sometimes I just wonder....................
Autumn
(45,120 posts)So you are saying that AOC IS Justice Democrats and she runs it? Link?
George II
(67,782 posts)Who is running Justice Democrats? Who are the major players?
The current board of Justice Democrats is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Saikat Chakrabarti.
Autumn
(45,120 posts)Because you do? I still don't see on there where AOC organizes protests. Got a direct link?
George II
(67,782 posts)We were talking about the organizer of the protest. You said she wasn't the organizer, I said she was via Justice Democrats, of which she is one of the two members of their Board.
Then you followed with "So you are saying that AOC IS Justice Democrats and she runs it? Link?"
I provided the link (actually someone else here helpfully provided the link), and once again you're ridiculing the factual answer to your question.
You can follow the progression of the discussion in posts #36 (yours), #48 (mine), #55 (yours), #58 (mine), #64 (yours), #65 (mine), and now #67 (yours, which you just edited)
Got it?
Autumn
(45,120 posts)organized the protest in Nancy's office, not via (someone else at) Justice Democrats but her. You have been clear that she organized it, not the organization, her. Yes I can read, you are clear in your opinion of them, that's no secret All I've asked is do you have a link to where she organized the protest? You have been sure enough to argue that everywhere and in all these posts to me. All I want to see is a link. Then I will say well damn, you're right, she organized the protest in Nancy's office, I couldn't find it, I was wrong. A link is easy enough then we are done. If you don't have a link to AOC organizing the protest we are going in circles and have nothing more to discuss.
She didn't even stay for the whole thing. She went to encourage the protesters in Nancy's office and to let them know that they needed to let Nancy know that they have her back if she's chosen as Speaker. Sounds like a damn smart Freshmen Congressperson to me. They protested to call on the Democrats to create a committee to make a plan to switch to 100% renewable energy and green jobs. They are a smart group of young people who obviously are concerned about climate change and recognize the fossil fuel industry has to end. And there's not much time left.
Should leader Pelosi become the next Speaker of the House we we need to tell her that we've got her back in showing and pursing the most progressive energy agenda that this country has ever seen.
Straight from AOC's mouth and there's video.
48. Justice Democrats is the organizer. Guess who was on the Board of Justice Democrats?
58. Who said that should scare you? You said said she wasn't the organizer, I pointed out WHO....
...was the organizer, and you ridicule it!
Sometimes I just wonder....................
So you are saying that AOC IS Justice Democrats and she runs it? Link?
65. Check it out:
https://web.archive.org/web/20180323224252/www.justicedemocrats.com/about/
Who is running Justice Democrats? Who are the major players?
The current board of Justice Democrats is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Saikat Chakrabarti.
Because you do? I still don't see on there where AOC organizes protests. Got a direct link?
George II
(67,782 posts)Autumn
(45,120 posts)It was organized by Sunrise Movement.
https://www.sunrisemovement.org/
George II
(67,782 posts)Autumn
(45,120 posts)Ocasio-Cortez, the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, said she wants to show Pelosi that "we're here to back her up in pushing for 100 percent renewable energy."
"This is not about me, this is not about the dynamics of any personalities," she told reporters outside Pelosi's office. "But this is about uplifting the voice and the message of the fact that we need a Green New Deal and we need to get to 100 percent renewables because our lives depend on it."
The protest was organized by Sunrise Movement, which is mobilizing young people to fight climate change and calling for more green jobs.
Pelosi, in a statement, reiterated that she has asked her caucus to reinstate the select committee to address climate change. Democrats campaigned on a $1 trillion investment in infrastructure reform that she said will make communities more resilient and create 16 million "new good-paying jobs."
George II
(67,782 posts)Have a great evening.
Tarheel_Dem
(31,240 posts)Autumn
(45,120 posts)Last edited Wed Nov 14, 2018, 08:52 PM - Edit history (1)
She was 1 of 31 candidates they endorsed.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100211426797#post80
Not without a link showing that AOC organized the protest.
I have looked and the only thing I have found is it was organized by Sunrise Movement but I don't see her name on there.
https://www.sunrisemovement.org/
shanny
(6,709 posts)NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)fescuerescue
(4,448 posts)Everybody knows this is nothing. But some people pretend that it is, in hopes of convincing other people that it is. and some of those others end up believing it and acting on it.
That's 90% of politics right there.
Example. Trump's birthism. That was a nothing burger. Trump didn't believe it, but he pretended to believe it to get others believe it. And some did. And it put him in the running to be President and he won. Now we have a President Nothing Burger built on a foundation of lies.
fwiw, I don't think this AoC protest thing will go anywhere. But the folks leveraging this one, will continue with new, yet to be invented lies to oppose her.
disillusioned73
(2,872 posts)ismnotwasm
(42,008 posts)Nancy Pelosi handled the situation magnificently and AOC is making her first steps. Was it wise? Not particularly, but with Nancy Pelosis support, she was able to navigate what could have been, if not a disaster, a far more polarizing event.
I hope they get together and have coffee or something. AOC needs mentors and contacts, and Nancy Pelosi is a great place to start.
NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)HopeAgain
(4,407 posts)AOC has excited many millennials, including my son who voted democratic in the midterms rather than hold out for left wing parties as he has done in the past.
pecosbob
(7,543 posts)I read that it was Paul Ryan that said "The incoming speaker is getting protested by one of her freshman." Sounds like a RW spin to me...
Mistrust ANYTHING you read about Dems in the media...every word is spin, 24/7.
Gothmog
(145,554 posts)Autumn
(45,120 posts)endorsed went to encourage them in their protest. They will not forget that. The protest was not organized by her. Or the Justice Democrats.
https://www.sunrisemovement.org/
Gothmog
(145,554 posts)The link is totally uninformative. Cenk may be popular on JPR but I stopped paying attention to Cenk a very long time ago.
Again, I have not been impressed at all by AOC.
Autumn
(45,120 posts)a single fuck to give if she impresses other people or not. She impressed enough people to get elected and Obama endorsed her. Again, she impresses me. Try Google for the answers you seek.
Gothmog
(145,554 posts)You may want to watch this interview. AOC comes off as not knowing what she is talking about
These answers do not inspire confidence I like candidates who can answer questions.
I wonder what her committee assignment will be.
Autumn
(45,120 posts)Gothmog
(145,554 posts)That interview was truly sad and showed that she was not prepared.
Again, I am curious as to AOC's committee assignment.
George II
(67,782 posts)....state-wide primary in September. Very few voters were even aware of the June primary. As a native New Yorker who grew up in Queens less than a mile from the current border of the 14th District, I had no idea there was a primary. I was more focused on the Governor primary assuming all primaries were going to be in September.
People were so unaware of the primary that total turnout in the Democratic primary was about 11% of all registered Democrats in the district, the two candidates got votes from 6.5% and 5.0% of the registered Democrats respectively.
As you point out, it is a dark blue district, almost 80% of the registered voters are Democrats.
Gothmog
(145,554 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)....the Federal government forced them to move the FEDERAL primary to June. The proposal was to move all primaries (Federal and state) but the republicans blocked that, resulting in two primaries.
The first year of dual primaries was 2012. That's why so many voters, particularly those who have been voting for many years, are confused.
George II
(67,782 posts)....he's no longer openly associated with them (who knows if he's still in the background) because of some racist and sexist blog posts.
As for the Sunrise Movement website, it has very little specific information about who started the group, who is running it, etc., just general talking points, and many of the pages have a button to "donate".
Interesting that the outline of their logo is identical to that of Justice Democrats - that might be a clue as to who is behind the group.
Gothmog
(145,554 posts)I stopped watching Cenk a long time ago and I have little or no respect for him. Cenk is very popular on JPR but who is surprised by this. Cenk hates the Democrats Party and so fits in well with JPR posters
The Justice Democrats are another group who I have no use for