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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSilly swipes at AOC
One of the first things you learn covering American politicians is that theyre not terribly bright.
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So they talk. What do they talk about? To the consternation of donors, all kinds of stuff. Remember Ted Stevens explaining that the Internet is not a big truck? How about Hank Johnson worrying that Guam would become so overpopulated it would tip over and capsize? How about Oklahoma Republican Jim Bridenstine noting that just because the Supreme Court rules on something, that doesnt necessarily mean that thats constitutional?
Theres a reason aides try to keep their bosses away from microphones, particularly when theres a potential for a question of SAT-or-higher level difficulty in the interview. But the subject elected officials have the most trouble staying away from is each other.
Weve seen this a lot in recent weeks with the ongoing freakout over newcomer Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Lest anyone think any of the above applies to AOC, whos also had a lot to say since arriving in Washington, remember: she won in spite of the party and big donors, not because of them.
That doesnt make anything she says inherently more or less correct. But it changes the dynamic a bit. All of AOCs supporters sent her to Washington precisely to make noise. There isnt a cabal of key donors standing behind her, cringing every time she talks about the Pentagon budget. She is there to be a pain in the ass, and its working. Virtually the entire spectrum of Washington officialdom has responded to her with horror and anguish.
The mortification on the Republican side has come more from media figures than actual elected officials. Still, there are plenty of people like Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) doing things like denouncing this girl, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whatever she is for preaching socialism wrapped in ignorance. A group of GOP House members booed her on the floor, to which she replied, Dont hate me cause you aint me, fellas.
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https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-media-781571/
MaryMagdaline
(6,853 posts)How dare she represent her people?
R B Garr
(16,950 posts)Its not a one-size-fits-all situation. No double standards.
disillusioned73
(2,872 posts)great article