Campaign collaboration between VP Kamala Harris and Liz Cheney has spurred discomfort among progressives, as highlighted by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Breitbart reported that during a Monday appearance on "CNN News Central," Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez voiced her unease with the strategic political partnership between Vice President Kamala Harris and former Representative Liz Cheney.
Ocasio-Cortez, known for her progressive stance, attacked Harris for embracing Cheney considering Cheney's past positions and beliefs.
The interview evolved around the questions raised by co-host Kate Bolduan, who probed into the potential repercussions of such a cross-party campaign effort on Harris’s rapport with the more left-leaning sector of her base.
Past frictions between Ocasio-Cortez and Cheney, stemming from their conflicting views in Congress, were discussed as potential sources of division among Democratic supporters.
Kate Bolduan pointedly questioned the implications of calling a known conservative figure like Cheney a "true patriot," a move by Harris that may sit uncomfortably with staunch progressives.
This action by Harris underscores the campaign's direction shift from progressive ideals towards more moderate positions, a strategic pivot aimed at broadening electoral appeal, but not without its controversies.
Ocasio-Cortez referred to some shifts in Harris's political stances, such as her evolving views on fracking, border security, and healthcare reform.
These shifts reflect a broader realignment with moderate perspectives, possibly as a tactic to attract a wider range of voters but at the cost of alienating her more progressive base.
Discussing the necessity of compromise in political alliances, Ocasio-Cortez expressed her mixed feelings about the collaboration with Cheney. While acknowledging the discomfort it causes among some supporters, she emphasized the ultimate goal of defeating their political rivals in the elections.
“Well, listen, I think there’s plenty of people that aren’t happy about that," Ocasio-Cortez admitted during the interview. She elaborated on the inherent challenges of forming coalitions, especially when it involves making alliances that could be seen as ideologically incongruent with core supporters.
Nonetheless, she stressed the importance of unity in pursuit of a larger objective—ensuring a presidential victory against the opposition.
The dialogue then shifted to the practical implications of these political maneuvers. “I know what candidate the progressive flank has a fighting chance with, and it’s not Donald Trump, it’s Kamala Harris," Ocasio-Cortez declared, reaffirming her reluctant support for the strategy despite her reservations.
Kate Bolduan’s inquiry into Harris's "evolution of positions" from progressive to moderate highlighted the delicate balance presidential campaigns must strike to appeal to a diverse electorate.
Ocasio-Cortez, having observed these changes firsthand, pointed out the tactical nature of Harris's modifications to her political stance.
The conversation concluded with reflections on the stakes of the presidential election and the overarching need for unity among varying factions within the Democratic Party.
Ocasio-Cortez reiterated the complexity of navigating these political waters, especially when faced with the pressing need to secure a majority in a highly polarized environment.