The Briefing Room

General Category => Politics/Government => Topic started by: mystery-ak on January 11, 2019, 06:54:31 pm

Title: Exasperated Democrats try to rein in Ocasio-Cortez
Post by: mystery-ak on January 11, 2019, 06:54:31 pm

 Exasperated Democrats try to rein in Ocasio-Cortez

The effort is part carrot, part stick. But it's far from clear the anti-establishment political novice can be made to play ball.

By RACHAEL BADE and HEATHER CAYGLE

01/11/2019 05:03 AM EST


Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is already making enemies in the House Democratic Caucus — and some of its members are mounting an operation to bring the anti-establishment, democratic socialist with 2.2 million Twitter followers into the fold.

The effort, described by nearly 20 lawmakers and aides, is part carrot, part stick: Some lawmakers with ties to Ocasio-Cortez are hoping to coax her into using her star power to unite Democrats and turn her fire on Republicans. Others simultaneously warn Ocasio-Cortez is destined for a lonely, ineffectual career in Congress if she continues to treat her own party as the enemy.

“I’m sure Ms. Cortez means well, but there’s almost an outstanding rule: Don’t attack your own people,” said Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.). “We just don’t need sniping in our Democratic Caucus.”

Incumbent Democrats are most annoyed by Ocasio-Cortez’s threat to back primary opponents against members of their ranks she deems too moderate. But their frustration goes beyond that: Democratic leaders are upset that she railed against their new set of House rules on Twitter the first week of the new Congress. Rank and file are peeved that there’s a grassroots movement to try to win her a top committee post they feel she doesn’t deserve.

more
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/01/11/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-democrats-establisment-1093728 (https://www.politico.com/story/2019/01/11/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-democrats-establisment-1093728)