The Latest On Our Radar: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Her impassioned environmental plea has been viewed millions of times online, but just how did a young woman from the Bronx – who was waiting tables a year ago – become the poster girl for political change in America? By Natalie Cornish The Latest Her impassioned environmental plea has been viewed millions of times online, but just how did a young woman from the Bronx – who was waiting tables a year ago – become the poster girl for political change in America? By Natalie Cornish Previous article The One Thing Tanya Plibersek And Sussan Ley Can Agree On Next article How To Get The Most Out Of Your HR Department Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (or AOC as she’s quickly become known) is the youngest female senator in US history. And she is angry. After bringing her first piece of legislation, The Green New Deal – which calls for bipartisan action on climate change – to the Senate in February, her bill was voted down without so much as a debate on the chamber floor last month. The result? AOC’s impassioned takedown of her Republican critics which has been watched by millions of people online. “This is not an elitist issue, this is a quality of life issue,” she says, directly addressing the other side of the chamber in the unflinching, eloquent manner which has propelled her to become one of the most popular US politicians in just 12 short months. Since then, AOC continues to unsettle established politicians on both sides of the aisle with her thoroughly modern approach to governing – whether that’s asking a killer question during congressional hearings, or joining a protest outside speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office on Climate Change in her first week. Her progressive viewpoint isn’t without its critics however. Some say her unwavering commitment to socialism is worrying, while others question her controversial anti-Israel stance. Even Obama, who previously endorsed her, has cautioned against viewing AOC and the faction of the Democratic party she represents as saviours without thinking “in the nitty-gritty about how these big, bold ideas will work and how you pay for them”. AOC, though, is unphased by the fanfare that currently surrounds her. Instead she is putting her advocacy into action, starting with that key passion: the environment. onourradar Best Of Future Women Culture “Never an excuse”: Why Katrina still can’t stand the smell of bourbon By Sally Spicer Culture Janine never thought divorce would mean losing her family and friends By Sally Spicer Culture “Invisible victims”: Why Conor was forced to live in an unsafe home By Sally Spicer Culture Miranda*’s mothers group helped her escape abuse. Then the stalking began By Sally Spicer Culture “We can’t change this on our own” By Melanie Dimmitt Culture “Marching forward means ensuring all our voices are heard” By Melanie Dimmitt Culture Dr Ann O’Neill’s husband committed “the ultimate act of revenge” By Sally Spicer Culture The question victim-survivors like me are tired of being asked By Geraldine Bilston Your inbox just got smarter If you’re not a member, sign up to our newsletter to get the best of Future Women in your inbox.
