Ocasio-Cortez, Allies Move to Court Establishment, Not Fight It

  • Ideological firebrands exert influence over Democratic caucus
  • AOC-led left-wing Squad pushes policy realm of what’s possible

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Photographer: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

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Leading progressives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had a choice after they won election in 2018 and expanded their ranks in 2020: challenge Democratic leaders from the sidelines, or get in the game.

Now their decision to play by Congress’ rules is giving them clout in a government under unified Democratic control with President Joe Biden.