Several far-left figures in the media are upset that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez lost her bid to become the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee.
Virginia Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly defeated Ocasio-Cortez in a vote taken by the Democratic caucus on Tuesday by a margin of 131-84. The day prior, the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee voted for Connolly over Ocasio-Cortez by a margin of 34-27.
As noted by Mediaite, several Democrats and progressives whined about House Democrats’ decision.
MSNBC’s Joy Reid reacted to the loss by declaring that “At this point almost nothing the Democratic Party does makes any damned sense. They are hanging onto their gerontocracy and consultant class at the expense of their most loyal voters. And let’s just be clear, they’ll be fine while our communities pay the price.” READ MORE BELOW
Progressive news outlet The Intercept also lamented Ocasio-Cortez’s defeat, with co-founder Glenn Greenwald tweeting, “The refusal of Democratic Party leaders to learn any lessons — even after they just lost 1,000 seats under Obama, then Trump won — is just stunning. They don’t care even about staying in power, let alone responding to the needs of voters.”
These reactions highlight a growing frustration among some progressives with the Democratic Party establishment. Ocasio-Cortez, a vocal advocate for progressive policies such as the Green New Deal and Medicare for All, has become a symbol of the left’s push for change within the party. Her defeat in the leadership race is seen as a setback for those hoping to see more progressive voices in positions of power within the Democratic Party.
However, it is important to note that Ocasio-Cortez still holds a significant role within the party as the vice chair of the House Oversight Committee. While she may not have secured the top position, she continues to have a platform to push for her policy priorities and hold the party accountable.
The reactions to Ocasio-Cortez’s defeat also highlight the ongoing tension within the Democratic Party between the more progressive wing and the establishment. Many progressives feel that the party is not doing enough to address issues such as income inequality, climate change, and healthcare. Ocasio-Cortez’s loss in the leadership race serves as a reminder of the challenges facing the progressive movement within the party.
Despite this setback, progressives are likely to continue pushing for change within the Democratic Party. Ocasio-Cortez’s defeat may be a disappointment, but it is not the end of the road for the progressive movement. As long as there are voices advocating for change and holding the party accountable, there is still hope for a more progressive future within the Democratic Party.
