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Up First from NPR

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Says She's Fighting President Trump's "Illusion of Power"

Mar 1, 2025
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.
24:25

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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  • She argues for a comprehensive and humane immigration policy, addressing outdated citizenship paths that leave many undocumented individuals vulnerable.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.

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