Latest news with #Ocasio-Cortez
Fox News
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Crockett criticizes AOC and Bernie Sanders' 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour for making it about themselves
Firebrand Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, privately trashed her far-left colleagues Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., accusing them of not being team players and going on tour simply to promote themselves. In May, as Crockett was eyeing a bid to become the senior Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, she met with fellow Democrat, Oregon Rep. Maxine Dexter. During the meeting, Crockett was asked about her relationship with Ocasio-Cortez, according to a new profile in The Atlantic. Dexter had concerns that Crockett could have conflicts with party leadership, much like Ocasio-Cortez did when she first came to Congress. The Texas lawmaker replied that, unlike AOC, she did not want to "burn it down" and that she was more committed to working to advance the Democratic Party as a whole. She pointed to AOC and Sanders' "Fighting Oligarchy Tour" as a "good idea," but one that ultimately was constructed just to boost the brands of the two lawmakers. AOC and Sanders have been crisscrossing the country on the tour, bringing their left-wing message to crowds of thousands. "[The tour] kind of makes people be like, 'Oh, it's about them, right?' Instead of the team," Crockett said. Crockett ultimately withdrew from the race for the Oversight Committee spot after comments she made regarding supporting a potential Trump impeachment sent shockwaves through swing-district Democrats. Crockett has a history of making insulting comments about Republicans and Trump. She was accused of mocking wheelchair-bound Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as "Governor Hot Wheels" in March. "We in these hot a-- Texas streets, honey. Y'all know we got Governor Hot Wheels down there, come on now! And the only thing hot about him is that he is a hot a-- mess, honey!," she said at a March Human Rights Campaign event in Los Angeles. Crockett infamously got into a nasty fight with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., which featured both lawmakers lobbing schoolyard-level insults. The shouting match began when Greene insulted Crockett's "fake eyelashes." Things only devolved from there, with the Texas Democrat launching into a verbal assault about Greene's "bleach-blond, bad-built, butch body." Crockett went on to sell merchandise based around the insults. Crockett, Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Hill
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hill
President Ocasio-Cortez isn't as far of a reach as it once was
In a move that surprised many on both sides of the political aisle, progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) recently voted — with an overwhelming majority of House Democrats and Republicans — to support funding for Israel's Iron Dome defense system. To be sure, Ocasio-Cortez's vote made little difference to the final tally. The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), which could have cut U.S. support, was shot down 422-6. Nevertheless, voting to support continued funding was extremely revealing for what it says about Ocasio-Cortez's grander ambitions. Indeed, not only did her vote mark a clear break with other members of the progressive 'Squad,' who made up five of the six objections. More importantly, it positioned Ocasio-Cortez closer to the Democratic mainstream at a time when her name has been brought up as a candidate for the Senate, and potentially even President. Further, this vote positions the congresswoman well vis-à-vis Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who trails Ocasio-Cortez by 19-points (55 percent to 36 percent) in a poll reported by Politico. This is not the first time Ocasio-Cortez has broken from the progressive wing in order to strengthen her candidacy for higher office, although it is the most serious. In 2021, in the wake of another war between Israel and Gaza, Ocasio-Cortez publicly lobbied against Iron Dome funding only to reverse course and vote 'present.' At the time, MSNBC called her actions a bid to 'preserve the possibility of challenging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.' Much like that vote, Ocasio-Cortez has maintained her image as a critic of Israel, but one who recognizes its right to exist and to self-defense, albeit her recent statements make it clear that she has an extremely narrow definition of 'self-defense.' This position, much closer to the wider Democratic Party and national electorate, is also in stark contrast with other progressive rising stars, such as Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, the front-runner to be New York City's next Mayor has said Israel should not exist as a Jewish State, expressed support for the anti-Israel Boycott, Divest, Sanctions movement, and who has taken a decisively one-sided view to Hamas's Oct. 7 attacks as well as the ensuring war. And yet, given the vastly different circumstances between the 2021 vote and present day, Ocasio-Cortez's July 18 vote carries considerably more weight. For months, even as many have doubted Ocasio-Cortez's viability for statewide or national office, she has travelled the country, drawing thousands to her rallies. Even in red states and districts, voters are coming out to see her. At one rally in Plattsburgh, N.Y., a district represented by Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Ocasio-Cortez reportedly drew a full 10 percent of the entire town. In that same vein, she has shown herself to be unmatched at fundraising ability. According to a Wall Street Journal analysis, Ocasio-Cortez has raised $15.4 million this year, nearly twice as much as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and 23 times more than Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), the longest serving woman in the House. Moreover, virtually all (99 percent) of Ocasio-Cortez's contributions have come from individuals — her average donation in the second quarter was just $17 — rather than big-spending political action committees. Tellingly, almost three-quarters (72 percent) of her contributions have come from out of state, with a significant share also being spent on advertising in states other than New York. In fact, at this point — three years out from the 2028 elections — Ocasio-Cortez is seemingly more popular, marketable and noteworthy than former President Barack Obama was three years before the 2008 election. Obama, it will be remembered, was not even included in polls during the summer of 2005. His first appearance in a national poll came that December but was still considered such a longshot that his next appearance did not come until October of 2006. Conversely, the Race to the White House polling aggregator shows Ocasio-Cortez (12 percent) in fourth place, and she's consistently a top five finisher in individual polls. Polymarket even shows her having the second-best odds, 17 percent, behind only Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) at 21 percent. Additionally, in Democratic primaries, the left-wing of the party tends to dominate, giving her a considerable boost, particularly given the enthusiasm she tends to generate among this group. Taken together, it increasingly appears that Ocasio-Cortez's growing national appeal supports her growing political ambitions. However, as I've stated elsewhere, there are legitimate reasons to doubt whether her viability for higher office corresponds with her aspirations. Aside from her age, she will turn 39 three weeks before the 2028 election, and inexperience, Ocasio-Cortez's political leanings could alienate a sufficient number of swing voters. The 2024 election indicated that Americans, including a significant number of Democrats, do not want a far-left Democratic Party, and Ocasio-Cortez has historically been squarely on that side. Likewise, even if she is taking steps to quietly move to the center on some issues, she may be underestimating the potential damage it may do among her own base of support. Just days after the vote on the amendment, a far-left group defaced Ocasio-Cortez's Bronx office, painting 'Ocasio-Cortez funds genocide' in red paint. Her campaign advisor has also said that they've received death threats due to her vote. Without downplaying the seriousness and inexcusability of political violence, it is doubtful that the far-left would stay away if Ocasio-Cortez began to be considered a legitimate frontrunner in the next three years. Furthermore, were she to become the party's nominee for either the Senate or the presidency, there is likely a 'built in' vote among Democratic voters who would support the party, regardless of the candidate. That's especially true given that she addresses critical needs for Democrats — their lack of fresh ideas, new faces and overall lack of energy. Of course, this is certainly not to suggest that she will be the nominee. She may very well decide that making a run at the Senate first makes more sense. Her appeal may also begin to fade between now and 2028. Ultimately, the prospect of Ocasio-Cortez becoming Democrats' 2028 presidential nominee is not out of the realm of reason, and even looks considerably more plausible than it did just one year ago. Douglas E. Schoen is a political consultant who served as an adviser to President Clinton and to the 2020 presidential campaign of Michael Bloomberg. He is the author of 'The End of Democracy? Russia and China on the Rise and America in Retreat.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Market of sweethearts': Frustration grows over sex trafficking crisis in NYC district; AOC missing in action
Frustration is boiling over in Queens, where residents, business owners, and civic leaders are accusing representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of ignoring worsening conditions along Roosevelt Avenue, a stretch now infamous for rampant prostitution, illegal vending, and growing gang activity. 'I have not personally seen Ocasio-Cortez since she's been elected. I have not seen her in the community,' these were the words of Rosa Sanchez, president of the Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition. 'I have seen her in a parade — that's it.' Locals say they've been pleading for help as their community, the infamous 'Market of Sweethearts,' spirals into disorder. They claim the congresswoman, who represents a portion of the troubled corridor, has been missing in action. Sanchez said the rise in unlicensed street vendors, some allegedly peddling stolen goods, has put law-abiding shopkeepers on the brink, while victims of sex trafficking are left to suffer without political support. 'You have young women held against their will. They're being sex trafficked. This is not normal,' she said. 'Our community is suffering,' she further told the New York Post. Despite a recent NYPD operation, called "Operation Restore Roosevelt," many believe the efforts were only temporary. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold 2021 Cars Now Almost Free - Prices May Surprise You Unsold Cars | Search Ads Learn More Undo Though crime dipped 28% during the 90-day crackdown, residents say the relief didn't last. Within weeks of police scaling back, illegal vendors returned, and the familiar signs of lawlessness reappeared. Mauricio Zamora, leader of the Neighbors of the American Triangle, told the New York Post that the AOC has 'never' taken meaningful action on the area's core issues. After meeting with Ocasio-Cortez last Friday to discuss the crisis at Corona Plaza, Zamora claimed the congresswoman shifted the blame, saying that broader crime enforcement was the responsibility of the mayor, NYPD, and city officials. That response has not satisfied many in the community, especially when other lawmakers are seen taking more proactive stances. Bronx representative Ritchie Torres, for instance, has openly called on Mayor Eric Adams to clean up The Hub, another hotspot plagued by open-air drug use and prostitution. Many Queens residents say that they've simply never seen their representative. 'No, I have never seen AOC here. I've seen the local city councilman [Francisco Moya]. I've seen the police. I've never seen AOC,' said Jenny Leo, 54, a pharmacist on Roosevelt Avenue. Leo said the situation isn't worsening, but neither is it improving. David Ortega, manager at Bravo Supermarket, said, 'People are stealing meat and beer and laundry detergent. The police come and they take them outside,' he said. 'Two times recently the thieves tell me that they're going to wait for me when I leave. They're not afraid. It is not changing. It is the same.' He added, the AOC 'doesn't come here.' Concerns over gang activity are also escalating. Residents say migrant gangs have exploited the area, emboldened by a strained city infrastructure. In response, local leaders previously appealed to federal authorities, urging the FBI and Homeland Security to step in. Last month, federal officials announced charges against a migrant gang accused of running brothels, selling fake IDs and drugs, and assaulting rivals, all from a base of operations along Roosevelt Avenue. Prosecutors say the gang funnelled money to an illicit network in El Salvador. Former city councilman Hiram Monserrate, now an activist in East Elmhurst, believes more needs to be done, and quickly. 'We want our Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to use her platform to bring in more police officers to stabilize the area. We want our community back,' he said. Monserrate credited the NYPD for the temporary drop in crime but warned that reduced enforcement has left the corridor exposed again. He also called for the return of the 100 state troopers that Governor Kathy Hochul deployed last autumn to support the NYPD. 'We need them back,' he urged. Ocasio-Cortez's team defended her record, saying the congresswoman is 'focused on solutions not credit.' In a post on social media platform X, Ocasio-Cortez said, 'Happy to be back in Corona Plaza to continue our team's conversations with vendors and local business owners about our coordinated efforts to make Roosevelt Avenue a safer and cleaner place.' Spokeswoman Karla Santillan cited Ocasio-Cortez's efforts to fix streetlights, clean up Corona Plaza, and improve sanitation, noting her participation in a community meeting last week. 'The congresswoman is focused on solutions not credit. She has done multiple cleanups of the plaza on the other side, and on the official side has worked with DOT to fix street lights and improve sanitation,' said Santillan.
New York Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
AOC ripped as her NYC district is overrun by 'Market of Sweethearts'
Queens residents, merchants and civic leaders blasted US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for being missing in action in the fight to clean up the infamous 'Market of Sweethearts'. Locals along the Roosevelt Avenue corridor have begged for help as the area has been plagued by rampant prostitution and illegal street vendors — fueled in part by gangs who got a foothold in the area due to the city's migrant crisis. 'I have not personally seen Ocasio-Cortez since she's been elected. I have not seen her in the community,' said Rosa Sanchez, president of the Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition. 'I have seen her in a parade — that's it.' Advertisement 4 Queens residents and local leaders blasted Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for not working to clean up the infamous 'Market of Sweethearts' and other issues in her district. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno Part of the avenue is in the heart of the district that the high-profile Democrat represents in the US House of Representatives, while part of the neighborhood crosses into Rep. Grace Meng's district. Despite efforts of the NYPD and the city to clean up the troubled corridor, illegal vendors and merchants still have a foothold — sometimes peddling items stolen from local stores, locals said. Sanchez said the unlicensed vendors are putting legitimate merchants out of business while young women forced into sex work who are getting no help from politicians. Advertisement 'You have young women held against their will. They're being sex trafficked. This is not normal,' said Sanchez. 'Our community is suffering.' Mauricio Zamora, head of the Neighbors of the American Triangle, said AOC has 'never' been helpful on the area's biggest problems as residents and businesses try to take Roosevelt back. Zamora met with Ocasio-Cortez last Friday about the illegal vending in Corona Plaza but he claimed the congresswoman said larger crime issues should be addressed by the mayor's office, the NYPD and city elected officials rather than her office. By comparison, Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres has led the charge and personally called on Mayor Eric Adams to clean up a notorious open-air drug market full of junkies and prostitutes in his district in the Bronx, called The Hub. Advertisement 4 Alleged sex workers seen on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens in the 'Market of Sweethearts' on July 27, 2025. New York Post The Post visited the Roosevelt Avenue neighborhoods again on Sunday — and immediately spotted prostitutes under the elevated No. 7 subway line. Twenty three residents and local merchants told a reporter they have never seen AOC in the neighborhood. 'No, I have never seen AOC here. I've seen the local city councilman [Francisco Moya]. I've seen the police. I've never seen AOC,' said Jenny Leo, 54, a pharmacist at Mi. Farmacia at 90-15 Roosevelt Ave. Advertisement 4 Illegal vendors on the sidewalk on 91st St. near Roosevelt Ave. in Queens on July 27, 2025. New York Post Leo said the situation along Roosevelt is 'not getting worse but it's not getting better either' after the police launched a targeted crackdown in the area for 90 days, part of Operation Restore Roosevelt. It's been a familiar story, with illegal vendors flooding the streets again about two weeks ago after the surge of law enforcement tapers off. David Ortega, 50, manager of nearby Bravo Supermarket, said little has changed. 'People are stealing meat and beer and laundry detergent. The police come and they take them outside,' Ortega said. 4 The street vendors often sell items shoplifted from local stores, according to residents. New York Post 'Two times recently the thieves tell me that they're going to wait for me when I leave. They're not afraid. It is not changing. It is the same.' Through it all, he said AOC 'doesn't come here.' Advertisement Local leaders sent letters to the Trump administration asking the FBI and Homeland Security to intervene and break up the migrant gangs and lawlessness on Roosevelt Avenue. Last month, the feds charged a gang of illegal migrants with extorting brothels, beating up rivals and selling drugs and phony IDs along Roosevelt Avenue to finance an illicit network based in El Salvador. Much more needs to be done and residents in the corridor could use AOC's help, said former Councilman Hiram Monserrate — a neighborhood activist who used to rep the area and resides in East Elmhurst. Advertisement 'We want our Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to use her platform to bring in more police officers to stabilize the area. We want our community back,' Monserrate said. Monserrate said the NYPD put a dent in the lawlessness during its 90-day Operation Restore Roosevelt operation. But the department scaled back its presence after the surge, he said. Crime dropped 28% amid beefed up police enforcement, the mayor said last month. Gov. Kathy Hochul last fall also dispatched 100 state troopers to assist the NYPD along Roosevelt. Advertisement 'We need them back,' Monserrate said, referring to a larger police presence. Ocasio-Cortez's rep on Sunday defended her advocacy to improve the quality of life along Roosevelt Avenue in Corona-East Elmhurst, particularly citing a meeting the congresswoman attended with constituents last Friday about the proliferation of vendors in and around Corona Plaza. 'The congresswoman is focused on solutions not credit. She has done multiple cleanups of the plaza on the other side, and on the official side has worked with DOT to fix street lights and improve sanitation,' said Ocasio-Cortez congressional spokeswoman Karla Santillan. Advertisement She referred The Post to AOC's statement on X about the meeting. 'Happy to be back in Corona Plaza to continue our team's conversations with vendors and local business owners about our coordinated efforts to make Roosevelt Avenue a safer and cleaner place,' Ocasio-Cortez said.
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
AOC should have paid more for Met Gala dress, House ethics panel says
The committee suggested the representative should make additional payments of $2,733.28 from her personal funds to compensate for the fair market value of certain expenses and $250 to compensate the Met for her partner's meal and if she does, they would consider the matter closed. "The congresswoman appreciates the committee finding that she made efforts to ensure her compliance with House Rules and sought to act consistently with her ethical requirements as a member of the House. She accepts the ruling and will remedy the remaining amounts, as she's done at each step in this process," said her Chief of Staff Mike Casca in a statement provided to USA TODAY. According to the report, Ocasio-Cortz made proactive steps to comply with the House gift rule, which limits the size of gifts members of Congress may accept, by arranging to pay for various services and to "rent" apparel out of her personal funds that might normally be loaned or gifted to Met Gala participants. More: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez might have violated House rules with Met Gala gifts, watchdog says But the committee found that she failed to fully comply by accepting free admission for her partner - the House gift rules at the time only allowed free admission for a spouse or child - and by failing to pay full fair market value for some of the items worn to the event. "The Committee did not find evidence that Representative Ocasio-Cortez intentionally underpaid for any goods or services received in connection with the Met Gala," the report states. Instead, it states that she relied on the advice from counsel to determine fair market price and payment discussions were made through a campaign staff member. The committee found evidence suggesting that the designer may have lowered costs in response to statements from Ocasio-Cortez's staff and that payments from her personal funds were not made on time or in some cases until the investigation began. According to the report, Ocasio-Cortez told the committee that she was not informed by staff about the late payments or attempts to collect them. The committee report said it found no evidence that the congresswoman was aware of the late payments. "The Committee did not find any indication that the delays in making payments wereintentional or that Representative Ocasio-Cortez was aware of the extent to which they occurred," the report states.
