Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Says She's Fighting President Trump's "Illusion of Power"
Mar 1, 2025
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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the progressive Representative for New York's 14th district, dives deep into the current political landscape. She critiques President Trump's administration, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming support from working-class voters. Ocasio-Cortez tackles issues like Medicaid budget cuts and the complexities of immigration policies under both Trump and Biden. She reflects on the Democratic Party's need for accountability and justice while cautioning against dismantling essential systems that protect vulnerable populations.
Ocasio-Cortez emphasizes the Democratic Party must strategically regain the working-class support that has shifted towards Trump amid significant budget cuts.
She argues for a comprehensive and humane immigration policy, addressing outdated citizenship paths that leave many undocumented individuals vulnerable.
Deep dives
Ocasio-Cortez on Democratic Party Resilience
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez describes the current state of the Democratic Party as 'resolved,' moving past initial shock and dismay over losing power in Washington. She emphasizes the necessity for the party to adapt strategically to regain the support of working-class voters who have shifted towards Trump in the upcoming elections. Ocasio-Cortez believes that Republicans are currently underestimating the public's response to their budget cuts, particularly to Medicaid, which has far-reaching implications for voters who rely on these services. By framing the party's challenges in this light, she aims to inspire a focus on effective governance that resonates with the needs of everyday citizens.
The Appeal of Trump's Economic Promises
Ocasio-Cortez acknowledges that Trump has successfully paired significant tax cuts for the wealthy with appealing promises for working-class voters. She cites specific examples, such as eliminating taxes on tips and Social Security, which create a facade of support for everyday Americans while primarily benefiting the elites. This tactical approach has allowed Trump to forge a connection with traditional Democratic constituencies, signaling a need for Ocasio-Cortez and the Democrats to rethink their engagement with these voters. The sophistication of Trump’s campaigns in this context highlights the urgency for Democrats to articulate and champion policies that genuinely address economic inequalities.
Navigating the Immigration Debate
Ocasio-Cortez points out that Democrats face significant challenges regarding immigration, particularly as the lack of progress on this issue has hindered their support among key demographic groups. She indicates that Republicans have weaponized these concerns, framing Democrats as ineffective on immigration reform while proposing extreme measures against undocumented individuals. The representative stresses the need for a comprehensive approach to immigration, arguing that the real issue lies in the outdated paths to citizenship that leave many undocumented individuals vulnerable. Acknowledging the political consequences, Ocasio-Cortez highlights the importance for Democrats to establish a humane and just immigration policy to effectively engage their constituents.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, says she thinks Republicans have begun making mistakes... and her party is resolved to strike back.
This bonus episode of Up First was edited by Susan Davis, Kelsey Snell and Reena Advani. It was produced by Adam Bearne. We get engineering support from Neil Tevault and Hannah Gluvna. Our Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.