Ocasio-Cortez Electrifies Democrats with a Passionate Address

CHICAGO — In a powerful speech at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) delivered a scathing critique of former President Trump, labeling him as a “two-bit union buster” who would “sell this country for a dollar.” Her remarks resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring her influence within the Democratic Party.

Ocasio-Cortez was also among the first prominent speakers to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza, highlighting the devastating toll it has taken. She noted that an estimated 40,000 people have died in Gaza in the ten months since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis. The congresswoman praised Vice President Harris for her relentless efforts to broker a regional ceasefire.

While Ocasio-Cortez has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, she has shown some restraint compared to others on the left when it comes to directly challenging the Biden administration on the issue.

What stood out most during Ocasio-Cortez’s speech was the overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from the audience. Despite facing constant criticism from Republicans and conservatives, the 34-year-old congresswoman remains a beloved figure among progressive Democrats, particularly within her generation. The crowd at United Arena erupted in chants of “AOC!” as she took the stage, creating an electrifying atmosphere unmatched by any previous speaker, except Vice President Harris, who made a surprise appearance earlier in the evening.

Ocasio-Cortez also cleverly turned a frequent conservative jab into a moment of empowerment. Responding to the often-heard refrain that she should “go back to bartending,” she asserted that she would gladly do so, adding, “There’s nothing wrong with working for a living.”

Her speech also aligned firmly with mainstream Democratic values. She lauded Harris and her vice presidential nominee, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), as champions of the middle class. Ocasio-Cortez also expressed her gratitude to President Biden for his service.

Despite her progressive solid credentials, Ocasio-Cortez notably refrained from calling for Biden to step aside following his challenging debate performance against Trump on June 27, signaling her support for the administration during a crisis.