Welcome back to Person of the Paper! In this issue, I am covering a very influential politician and leader in recent media: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, more affectionately known as AOC. She is the youngest woman and Latina to ever serve in the United States Congress. She is a passionate activist, kindhearted leader, and well-known for her social media presence. Additionally, there is talk of her being a potential 2028 presidential candidate.
AOC first drew attention from her 2018 Democratic primary win against Democrat Joe Crowley, achieving her volunteer-based campaign that she herself dubbed “a long shot from the start”. A member of the Democratic Socialists of America, she has backed many bills prioritizing fighting climate change, creating jobs, and combating social injustice. Before her Congressional position, she worked in the Massachusetts senator’s office, helping those abducted by ICE by being the only Spanish speaker involved. She has “carried the progressive torch” throughout her role in politics and has made many breakthroughs for the underprivileged throughout her career.
Recently, AOC has been in the spotlight for her unapologetic criticism of the Trump administration, especially surrounding ICE officials and their shocking violence. She is currently considering a presidential run, with her main opponent being Vice President JD Vance, who will also be running in 2028. When interviewed about her competition, Cortez responded, “Let the record show: I would stomp him. I would stomp him!”
Like any woman, Cortez has received concerns and criticism about a potential presidential run. People worry about her age; at 36, she is a very young politician, especially considering President Trump’s approaching 80th birthday. There is also some thought among Democrats that they shouldn’t run a woman for a while after their losses with Clinton and Harris in the last two elections. However, despite this criticism, Cortez has an equal amount of support. Many Democrats say that she is in the same lane as Socialist Bernie Sanders, and that he would be passing her the torch to continue a campaign with his policies. One Democratic strategist said that “She is the only candidate [they] can think of right now who has a path out of the primary.”
Whatever the opinions say about AOC, I believe that she will be someone to watch in the next two years. With many supporters and an active media presence, she has a determination to succeed and support the citizens of America. Only time will tell….
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5692659-ocasio-cortez-presidential-bid/
https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/alexandria-ocasio-cortez
