Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has made her way into the hearts of liberal millennials across the nation. Her quirky demeanor, unrivaled confidence and leftist progressive platform are just some of the reasons why she has quickly gone from political newcomer to Democratic icon in a matter of months.
Since her election, the congresswoman has been heralded for establishing her so-called “girl squad” within her Congressional class and for clapping back at Republican attacks on her with unbothered fervor. I argue, however, that the true value of Ocasio-Cortez lies beyond her most distinguished attributes. Her value is instead rooted in her ability to bring humanity back into politics.
By virtue of her widespread adoration, Ocasio-Cortez has garnered a significant social media following — 1.5 million followers on Instagram and 2.1 million on Twitter. While most politicians use their social media outlets to enhance their image and to advocate for more personal and party support, Ocasio-Cortez uses the tools in a different way. Her accounts are used mainly to educate her supporters on the legislative process and to interact with them on an intimate level.
Most notably, the congresswoman streamed a video in November on Instagram Live during which she answered questions submitted by her followers about herself, her goals and the legislative process.
The real kicker came when she did this all while making herself macaroni and cheese and singing along to Janelle Monáe. This informal conference caused many people to start obsessing over the 29-year-old New Yorker.
This video is just one example of how she has managed to break down the wall between the public and the government. Ocasio-Cortez is creating a friendship between her and the public. She has made herself relatable to young people who would otherwise turn their noses up at politics. She has successfully established an e-relationship with not only her constituents, but citizens in every state. Through her simple outreach approaches, this political novice has helped America start to return to a reality where politicians actively engage with the public.
Her devotion to establishing a personal connection with her constituents has been clear. During her campaign for office, Ocasio-Cortez was known to have documented every step on social media to establish transparency with her supporters. She has also argued that she won her seat in the U.S. House of Representatives as a result of the doors she knocked on.
Ocasio-Cortez’s first pair of campaign shoes, now tattered, discolored and unusable, were added to an exhibition at the Cornell Costume and Textile Collection titled "Women Empowered: Fashions from the Frontline."
Some political traditionalists have expressed upset over her modern tendencies and casual approaches to reaching the public, but her tactics are nothing new. Her tactics are tailored to the present day. Her Instagram Live sessions and Twitter conversations are a modern-day equivalent of the fireside chats that FDR would hold in the 1930s and ‘40s. She has discovered a successful way to interact with the public and is flourishing as a result.
Ocasio-Cortez’s devotion to the public and valiant efforts to bring constituents into the legislative process are things that other representatives should look at with respect. I can only hope that Ocaso-Cortez is the start of a new wave of politicians — ones who are determined to bring humanity back into politics.
Abigail Miller is a UF political science and journalism senior. Her column appears on Mondays.
