Joe Crowley, 10 term congressman from New York and chair of the House Democratic Caucus, was defeated tonight by a 28 year old Latina running in her first political race. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was outspent 10 to 1 by Crowley, ran a social media based
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez confronts the Border Patrol
campaign, focused on social justice and equality. Crowley had been dismissive of Ocasio-Cortez, even no-showing TWO primary debates. Once angling to be Nancy Pelosi’s replacement and future candidate for speaker, Crowley now gets to go home with his tail between his legs after being pummeled by this young woman. Who is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. And an activist. And tough. She ran way to the left of Crowley calling for the abolishment of ICE, universal healthcare, and a federal jobs guarantee. Crowley made a huge mistake by not taking her seriously.
Yes, this is a heavily Democratic district. A Dem is going to win the general election, but this should be a wake up call to the Democratic establishment. After the shenanigans of the 2016 presidential campaign and the establishment’s continued tone deafness to income inequality, destruction of labor unions, and stagnation of wages, voters have had enough. The message is clear – Lead, or get the hell out of the way. We have a young generation coming behind us who have rejected the party machine and it’s calcified leadership.
Thank God.