So this is the Washington welcome for America's youngest woman ever elected to Congress

[bigtree]

Peter Daou @peterdaou 1h1 hour ago
WELCOME TO THE PATRIARCHY, @Ocasio2018

So this is the Washington welcome for America's youngest woman ever elected to Congress: mistaken for a spouse, then an intern, then having some disgusting creep comment on her outfit. And it's still November.
#OcasioCortez

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Link to tweet

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[PatSeg]

1. A very young Joe Biden

was mistaken for an intern or an aide when he first went to the Senate.

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

2. +1

[bigtree]

3. fun fact

...we can ignore the misogyny now.

[brooklynite]

15. I was working security at a DNC meeting in 1982...

...and I stopped Biden because he didn't have his credentials, and I had no idea who he was.

(I reminded him of that story when I had lunch with him a few years ago)

[PatSeg]

31. Really?

That is so cool!

[saidsimplesimon]

41. Biden is someone

I would love to have lunch with, Jill should be there.

[DownriverDem]

27. Really?

I don't think she looks like an intern or aid. Dumb people there.

[PatSeg]

33. No she doesn't

In Biden's case, he looked too young to be a senator.

[Autumn]

4. The lies, innuendos, smears and twisting of associations used to demean her? She frightens them.

Good.

[Power 2 the People]

22. Spot on Autumn

[DownriverDem]

28. Ah

Bernie is not a member of the Democratic Party.

[Power 2 the People]

43. Ummm...non sequitur much??

[mahatmakanejeeves]

5. She's 29 years old. The average age of newly-elected Democrats is 45.5.

That's a big drop from the last freshman class.

If there were a graph of the ages of the freshman class, there would be this one dot waaaaaaaay over on the left. That would be AOC.

Freshman class of Congress is looking younger, more female: Today's talker

USA TODAY Published 2:00 p.m. ET Nov. 12, 2018 | Updated 11:03 a.m. ET Nov. 13, 2018
....

Diving deeper into the data, Democratic gains come largely on the backs of Democratic winners who are increasingly younger, browner and definitely more female. The average age of newly elected Democrats, for example, dropped a staggering 7.7 years — from 53.2 to 45.5 years — from only one Congress prior. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York is slated to be the youngest member at 29 years old. How much will this age phenomenon impact Democratic choices for party leaders where the frontrunners (Nancy Pelosi of California, Steny Hoyer of Maryland and Jim Clyburn of South Carolina) are all in their late 70s? We will soon find out.
....

She is much closer in age to interns and staffers than she is to the other members of the freshman class.

Full disclosure: a coworker and I used to go over to eat at the Senate cafeteria. The place was chockablock with interns and staffers. She would fit right in.

She can walk up North Capitol Street to the Walmart on H Street NW and try to buy beer. She'll get carded. I'll put that in writing. I just did.

Even more full disclosure: I have bought beer at the Walmart on H Street NW.

[libdem4life]

6. Exhibit #1 of the true experience of women everywhere at some time, more or less.

What a cockfest. But I love that she hits back every time. Of course, it's all about her clothes...maybe her hair is too gorgeous and long...too sexy a body ...and 29 years old???

She's got them digging deep...young, minority, smart, intelligent, strong, pushes hard for the issues she was elected for/her job, capable (thus, hand-wringing by BOTH parties). I love that he uses the term "Patriarchy" ... dogwhistled for centuries. Let's face it...AOC is "uppity" and elbowed her way in front of her "betters". Like anything else would have worked...at least in this decade.

America seems to think that words on paper (founding documents, ammendments, etc.) take the place of or muffle the still-prevalent cultural inner demons of misogyny, bigotry, racism, sexism, inequality which still fester in much of the political system...on BOTH sides.

[Celerity]

44. so good!

[libdem4life]

45. Why, thank you. n/t

[rainin]

7. I'm not sure it's about age. I bet it has a lot to do with how she carries herself.

Once she gets her footing, this will stop, I'm sure.

[spooky3]

52. I'm not so sure. Many women have had this experience.

I live in the DC metro area and while it is better than many places, in part because there are many professional women here, there still is sexism. For example very recently a medical office employee called me “dear” and a minute later said to a male client “have a good day, Mr. Smith.”

[yardwork]

67. It's sexism, pure and simple. Every professional woman experiences this.

I know.

[Danascot]

8. Hey AOC,

You won
You're the future
They're the past
So fuck 'em!

[2naSalit]

9. So EVERYONE is supposed to instantly recognize her

upon her arrival? Hmmm. I think she has expectations that will take time to achieve. I laud her for pointing them out but...

I don't doubt that there is misogyny and other problems with sexism but she seems to expect that it all changes when she arrives. Complaining on the twit machine isn't likely to help her advance. I think a little maturity would be helpful in her case at the moment. I think she has a chip on her shoulder that will end up being a problem if not checked.

Entering the building with a blowtorch doesn't make for many allies in times of need.

[bigtree]

11. the maturity thing

..how sad that you've judged her based on this smidgen of events, as having 'a chip on her shoulder' and in need of a 'little maturity.'

It's just one slam after the other with critics.

I think it's all projection. That's my view, and the slams just endear me to her all the more. She's an excellent counterpuncher, and I'm enjoying watching her drive so many people to distraction.

I pay an inordinate amount of attention to Congress, and Rep. Cortez is operating within a long tradition of Democratic advocacy and activism, now with an opportunity to advance her ideals into action or law.

Rep. Cortez is a solid Democrat and she's going to be an effective legislator. I'm certain this, more than anything else, is what animates her strident critics to these negative personalizations. These critics don't seem to have any interest in railing against the other members for their behavior, so I'm going to excuse myself for regarding insults of the congresswoman like you offered as nothing but partisan claptrap.

[2naSalit]

12. Basing my opinion on

what I've been seeing, even during her campaign. I think there is some projection coming from the reports I'm seeing and I'm also noticing that she has a bit of a world view of her role that I don't agree with. I would have voted for her if I lived in that district but I think she also is green and possibly making some avoidable mistakes that may be hard for her to overcome.

There is not one politician on this planet whom I would back 100%... they all have flaws, I think this one will be under a microscope and I hope she is able to weather that without a lot of errors. Unfortunately, I think she'll be making some of those errors early on because of her methodology.

[libdem4life]

46. Consider her Republican "peers"...including The Cretin.

So respectful and genteel and proper. You don't take a knife to a gun fight or what we have now, a nuclear politic-holocaust.

I still suspect that misogyny is the base factor...the Washington Post (I think) writer called it for what it is...Patriarchy. A woman doesn't get an inch without extremes. Women were marginally recognized in 1920. I think it's high time to find some more guns, like AOC...maybe before 100 years rolls around.

[phleshdef]

53. Most of her critics seem to be jealous of her. IMO.

[LiberalLovinLug]

39. I wonder what "having a chip on her shoulder" would be defined from her personality

if she were a man?

According to Websters a 'chip on ones shoulder' is defined as:

"to have an angry or unpleasant attitude or way of behaving caused by a belief that one has been treated unfairly in the past"

Personally I don't see the anger or unpleasant attitude. And I also would think any belief of unfair treatment has not been about her own personal self, but the many other marginalized.

I do see a fierce determination, an unwillingness to alter her principles, and bravery in the onslaught of negativity from the right and even some status quo Democrat voters.

[maxsolomon]

10. Her age makes her incredibly unusual for a Congressperson. It's just a fact.

She is the same age as most aides. Most in DC are acculturated to NOT see her as a person in a Leadership role - look at the age of most Senators. Approximately ancient. That's what is NORMAL. It's not a grand conspiracy; it's Human Nature.

The slams on her clothes, however, are sexist and deserve a snide clapback. You can look like a professional for <$100 if you go into H&M. The old people the Right is trying to convince to roll their eyes at AOC have no idea what Fast Fashion even means.

Everyone will recognize her very soon, since she's becoming a hate magnet for the right (and weak-kneed DUers).

[libdem4life]

47. Here's a tip...when I was young and broke and got my first professional job

my well-dressed and educated niece told me in a whisper once...I get them all at the Thrift Store. You just have to know how to shop.

And guess what...I found name brand, perfect, high end clothes that needed no more than professional dry cleaning or washing. The higher class the city, the better the clothes...I'd even travel. $200 suits for $20, kid you not.

When I started, I was 21. I had such a classy wardrobe that when I could afford it, I still shopped there. I got compliments and a couple of folk even asked me how I did it, I never let out a peep. It was too much fun gaming the system.

What if that is what SHE is doing????? LOL.

[maxsolomon]

49. If anything, NYC designers are throwing clothes at her

Because she's fucking awesome.

No need for a Thrift.

[yardwork]

68. She is! The article quotes her - she says she's skilled at buying resale!

I did exactly the same thing when I was starting out! In fact, I still have a beautiful and comfortable pair of Ferragamo pumps that I bought for $70. Never been worn. Fit perfectly.

[libdem4life]

69. Yes, it's a learned skill. I, too, still have clothes and shoes from way back then.

Mostly because I have so many, they aren't used that often...some of them. Those I didn't wear, I'd give to Goodwill. Then shop for my casual clothes. The high end items are mostly at consignment-type stores.

[ismnotwasm]

13. People need to let her get to work

I, so far, am not a fan. I never am when I see rock star syndrome—but it’s getting ridiculous. She does attract attention, but it doesn’t have to be all bad.

My Rep. has her back.

Link to tweet

?s=21

[lunatica]

14. That won't last long.

She’s going to be one of those feisty women who won’t sit down and shut up. Everyone is going to know who she is very quickly.

[coconut22]

16. I see republicons

Are having a hard time accepting diversity. I don't care so you?

[violetpastille]

17. The future of politics

Probably looks a lot like Instagram.

I'm not comfortable with the level of lookatmeism I'm seeing from AOC, but meanwhile Yemen starves and the planet burns.

There are bigger problems, iow.

[bigtree]

20. if I posted something of substance from her

...you'd likely ignore it.

So, not buying the concern she's neglecting Yemen and the planet burning.

[violetpastille]

29. I reread my reply.

It's lacking some clarity.

I am not comfortable with the lookatmeism I'm seeing from AOC.

BUT There are WAY bigger problems for us to chew on.

In other words better stated, she can do her thing. I'm not going to have a problem with her just being.

(And we can wear red lipstick and think about global issues at the same time.)

I wouldn't ignore something of substance from her. I want to think the best of her. She's interesting.

[bigtree]

32. I was attempting to be facetious

...to hide my obvious pique at some of the responses.

I look forward to posting something more than trivial stuff about the newby rep..

demmiblue posted a good article above deconstructing the social media efforts:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1016220200

[violetpastille]

35. Still, the point is taken.

We crave bright and shiny. And then we get mad. "Not so bright. Not so shiny. Not so fast."

I have the attention span of a gnat (not incidentally) but I will give that article a look.

[Small-Axe]

34. I'm with you. I hope AOC shows half the competence in drafting legislation that she does...

in drawing attention to herself.

Thus far her command of the issues is less than impressive, but she's great at getting a spotlight.

*Sigh*

[bigtree]

48. she's in lock-step with the incoming Speaker

...on House action to address climate change.

thread:

Link to tweet

I'm not really going to pretend you actually want to know what she intends, legislatively and how she's organizing as we speak to achieve the agenda she outlined in her election campaign.

well, maybe I'll play along a little >>> https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/the-revolutionary-strategy-hidden-in-alexandria-ocasio-cortezs-instagram-feed/2018/11/15/d17ddd1c-e84d-11e8-a939-9469f1166f9d_story.html?utm_term=.8818c7f0defe&tid=sm_tw

[Small-Axe]

51. Any links to video clips where she defends her positions against an interlocator...

who questions her positions?

Thus far, I've seen her crumble whenever she's asked to defend her positions.

I'd love to see that she's got what it takes to make her case. Got anything?

[bigtree]

58. so you're an opponent of hers

...you'll need more than vague innuendo to come at her.

You won't get far trying to bait me into debating the worst of your imagination, so go find your own vid and make a post about it if you're determined to press this nonsense against her.

[Small-Axe]

59. No asked you a legitimate question. You respond with insults.

If you can't supply links to any clips where she defends her positions well, then OK.

I've seen several where she became quite discombobulated.

I'd love to see an instance where she does well. That's not baiting you.

Bye, bye.

[bigtree]

60. I called it like I see it

...if you want to debate AOC's policy positions, try doing that on a thread about her policy positions. On this thread, this is hijacking and baiting.

And you don't need me to flesh out this debate you're having with your imagination.

[Small-Axe]

61. Oh bullshit.

Cut the crap.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

63. ignored; bye

[ProfessorPlum]

65. Go to The Young Turks YouTube channel

And search on her name and you will find videos where they feature AOC responding, usually with incredible accumen, to tough questions.

[maxsolomon]

50. Concern, noted.

"Welcome to DU".

*sigh*

[Bfd]

55. ++++ a million I'll wait with you.

Anyone can be a rock star with a good pr coach behind them.
I have'nt seen much of it either, as you say.

What's real, appears when the celebrity wears off .

Hardly the 1st time we'e seen this show in politics

[Caliman73]

70. That has always been US politics. Now fed directly to you.

Ocasio-Cortez is from a new generation that knows how social media works. It is different from the newspaper model, the network broadcast model, and even the 24 hour cable news model. It is a paradigm shift that people are going to have to get used to.


Since when did the US ever care about Yemen or anything other than our very own back yard burning? Most people in the US could probably not even find Yemen on the map even if you told them it was in the "Middle East". You are right, we should care about Yemen, and Syria, and many other places. We should care about the planet burning. AOC brought some attention to that during her freshman orientation when the climate change young people were sitting in in front of Nancy Pelosi's office. She got slammed for that, remember? Mostly because it was reported that AOC was "protesting in front of Pelosi's office".


There is value in young people pointing out the very real ageism, racism, and sexism that exist in politics in this country. There is value in the Parkland students saying, "Look at me, my friends were killed by a guy who got hold of an AR-15 and gunned down students. We need to visit the issue of gun violence."

People called MLK Jr. a Prima Donna and attention seeking because he got in front of the cameras, and got himself arrested.

We need to not be so quick to judge and dismiss, based on instant media coverage of a couple of events.

[Vinca]

18. When she's much older she'll look back on this with a smile on her face.

[ecstatic]

19. I'm sure anyone of color working at the Capitol experiences the same thing

I'm actually getting sick of all the AOC stories coming out, and she seems to feed into it with her social media posts. Focus on learning the job, please!

[bigtree]

21. I'm posting because I'm sick of the slams on her

...like people claiming she's neglecting her job.

[lunasun]

25. As one of those any persons of color , I am glad it's getting press even if some would rather

ignore, or accept

[Retrograde]

38. Carol Mosley Brown had a similar problem

The first Black woman elected to the Senate, she had a hard time getting on the "Senators Only" elevator in her early days.

[demmiblue]

23. I just posted a really good article from WaPo, if you would like to read it:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1016220200



This is another one (that I didn't post):

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2018/11/14/what-narrative-about-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-gets-wrong/?utm_term=.48da1efd15bb&tid=sm_tw&noredirect=on

[bigtree]

26. the first one

...is a great article.

It evidences just how determined her critics are to portray her as disruptive or arrogant.

It also shows just how AOC is organizing aggressively within and along traditional Democratic party lines. I think its her absolute determination that causes some to dismiss her as 'immature' or foolhardy for pressing so hard for what she believes in.

Funny how most folks would agree that there are serious blockages in our political process hindering progressive initiatives, many obstacles within our own party politics. Yet, there's this reflexive scolding of AOC for being vocal and insistent about achieving progressive change.

I think the opposition to her is clearly about her progressive politics, not the negative personalizing used in attempts to diminish her voice and influence.

[EffieBlack]

24. I'm less offended by the assumption that she's an intern than that she's a spouse

She DOES look very young. But anyone who thinks she's old enough to be married to a Member should consider that maybe she IS a Member.

[spooky3]

54. If she's wearing her ID where others are, I am not inclined

To give security a pass on either grounds.

I wonder what they have typically assumed with white male people her age.

[EffieBlack]

62. I don't think she was talking about Capitol Police - she was referring

to people giving her directions. Capitol Police rarely make that mistake with anyone wearing their Member pin - although I'm not sure if she has a pin yet since she's not yet a Member. But there's surely some way CP has to identify the incoming Members, so I doubt they're the ones mistaking her directly a spouse (who have their own pins) or an intern (who have staff intern badges).

[spooky3]

64. Ah, I see. But it you look at the photos she is wearing

A badge with a neck cord.

[TheBlackAdder]

30. Disgusting creep! Perfect. Scarry, I think she might be talking about you.

[bringthePaine]

36. no worries

ha ha ha, no sweat, she can handle this bullshit! to paraphrase a
grand band: “Never Mind The Bollocks”

[The Liberal Lion]

37. Dear Alexandria

As a friend to your cause may I give you a little advice: Haters gonna hate so go give 'em hell. They try to mock you because they fear you. Make them fear you even more.
WE GOT YOUR BACK!

[lostnfound]

40. If she was a Republican woman, the welcome would be different also

She’d be assumed to be a designate voter for the billionaires, like the paid Republican stooges, and people wouldn’t be attacking her, they’d be saying how great it was that the Republican were recruiting young female talent. “Is Ocasio-Cortez a sign of the end Republican Party?” Or “Who says the GOP isn’t diverse?”

[saidsimplesimon]

42. Her district selected her and she deserves

Last edited Sat Nov 17, 2018, 09:00 AM - Edit history (2)

a fair shot at success, imo. She needs a politically mature mentor who will give her advise and help her negotiate the Washington and Congressional labyrinth.

I read into this tweet a bit of self-pity and insecurity. The media will always be looking for a story, at her expense is fair game.

From my business background, if you are the new kid on the block it is your job to make nice with your team, to show some humility, to be willing to listen and take advice.

[Hortensis]

66. Agree. And agree.

I suspect a problem may be that she imagines and/or is told that she must seize the moment, to become a great national leader. She is incredibly nowhere near ready for that, of course, but I don't think she knows it. She doesn't lack ambition, which isn't bad, but that seems to be coupled with a profound lack of respect for what should be respected.

That "Green New Deal" idea she wants to be a whole new committee under her has a catchy title worth using at some point. But the rest of the package is huge and extremely wide ranging, at least Tennessee Valley Authority scale, if not quite New Deal, and experts say it's inadequately thought out and unworkable. It'd be powerful, though. It'd replace dozens of committees already tackling what it covers with Alexandria's very good idea and people.

Oh, well. I really envy those going into the 116th. The feeling of purpose and excitement must be thrilling. I hope Ocasio comes to understand what a great thing she has the opportunity to be a worthy part of. She wants a movement. Here it is.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

56. would it hurt them so much to ASK?

All it takes is asking her where she's trying to find.

[libdem4life]

57. Remember..".Men and women can both dance, but

women have to do it backwards and in high heels."

But then, without us, they wouldn't even be here. Sometimes they need reminding...demurely, of course. Not.