When discussing economic populism, she didn’t reference the usual suspects from the left like the Squad. Instead, she mentioned someone quite different: Jared Golden. “Just think about a front-liner like Jared Golden, who supports Medicare for all,” she noted. Golden, the Maine congressman, adopts a liberal stance on healthcare despite his self-proclaimed label as a “progressive conservative” in a district that leans towards Trump. “It’s crucial we move beyond the left-right divide,” Ms. Ocasio-Cortez explained. “Yes, we have untouchable topics like immigration that won’t resonate everywhere, but that doesn’t prevent us from advocating for policies that help people manage their finances.”
Golden, however, has a slightly different perspective. “People back home understand that I don’t always follow her route,” he shared with me. His approach to populism leans towards initiatives like reducing debt. Although he co-sponsored Medicare-for-all in 2019, he later withdrew his backing and now supports a model that ensures universal preventive and basic care while keeping private plans. Despite their differing paths, both of them infuse the party with renewed energy and resolve, even as many Americans grow skeptical.
The trajectory and influence of Ms. Ocasio-Cortez have become key talking points among Democrats. With her youth, magnetic personality, adept social media presence, and political acumen, she’s being viewed as the natural heir to Mr. Sanders in the progressive movement, as well as a potential 2028 presidential candidate. This reflects her significant potential, though it may seem a tad premature.
Arguably, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez stands as the most recognized progressive in office today—apologies to Bernie!—and all the controversy that entails. Her presence alone provokes a Republican response akin to their reactions to Nancy Pelosi in her prime. In fact, I see her as potentially embodying the Pelosi archetype: a staunch progressive from a securely blue district, painted by Republicans as an extreme leftist while her pragmatic and strategic skills are largely overlooked. Entering the House in 2019 as a fiery progressive voice, she’s since taken steps to build bridges within her party, even supporting more conservative Democrats in vulnerable districts through campaign contributions.
The Fighting Oligarchy tour, organized by Mr. Sanders and featuring her as a “special guest,” gathered enthusiastic crowds reminiscent of a presidential campaign: around 15,000 in Tempe, Arizona; 11,000 in Greeley, Colorado; and 34,000 in Denver. These events transcend policy or ideology; they’re fueled by emotion. The palpable frustration and anger among Democratic voters are hard to ignore these days. Just ask Chuck Schumer. Democrats alarmed by Mr. Trump are on the lookout for leaders who match their sense of urgency.
