Socialist Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), widely known as AOC, who swiftly gained prominence among progressive activists, is portrayed as a “pariah” within the Democrat Party, according to a new book titled “The Squad: AOC and the Hope of a Political Revolution.”
Even before her 2019 ascent to the House of Representatives, AOC stirred controversy among party leadership and fellow progressives. The book suggests that she clashed with party luminaries and leadership figures, setting the stage for a tumultuous relationship.
The book recounts instances where AOC, after unseating incumbent Joe Crowley, clashed with Democrat leadership. In a meeting with then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, AOC was urged to drop the slogan “Abolish ICE,” with Pelosi suggesting it had been “injected into political discourse by the Russians.”
AOC’s actions, including joining climate activists for a sit-in at Pelosi’s office, further strained relations. Despite public caution from Pelosi, the book suggests that behind the scenes, Pelosi made AOC’s political life challenging.
The book reveals text exchanges where AOC expressed frustration with Pelosi’s remarks, stating, “I have protest signs older than you in my basement.” Despite AOC’s significant social media following and viral moments, Pelosi reportedly dismissed these as mere “Twitter world” occurrences.
AOC’s relationship with Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Pramila Jayapal was also strained. The book claims that Jayapal felt “firmly usurped” by AOC and even summoned AOC and her chief of staff to a meeting, demanding that AOC “keep her staff in line.”
The book details AOC’s early voting patterns, noting her defiance against party lines on tax-related issues, causing discomfort among fellow Democrats. AOC’s support for Bernie Sanders in the 2020 primary and her appearance at the Met Gala with a “Tax the Rich” dress are also highlighted as sources of contention within the party.
The book suggests that AOC’s desire to be a consensus-builder while championing radical policies led to internal skepticism. It depicts her struggle to balance personal warmth with colleagues’ suspicions about her motives.
Despite AOC’s rise in congressional power, the book concludes that she is hindered by being “too conflict-averse” and often internalizes a sense of failure. The portrayal sheds light on the challenges faced by AOC within the Democrat Party, contrasting her public image with behind-the-scenes complexities.
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