Feb 11, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Former CNBC anchor to challenge AOC in Democratic primary

Jacob Knutson

Michelle Caruso-Cabrera (left). Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images. AOC (right). Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Former CNBC anchor Michelle Caruso-Cabrera has filed to challenge Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the Democratic primary for New York's 14th congressional district.

Why it matters: The race pits Caruso-Cabrera, a proponent of free markets and limited government, against Ocasio-Cortez, a democratic socialist and one of the most popular progressive politicians in the country.

  • The 29-year-old AOC stunned the country and the Democratic establishment when she defeated 10-term incumbent Rep. Joe Crowley in the 2018 primary.
  • Caruso-Cabrera is among a dozen total candidates — both Republicans and Democrats — who have filed to run in the 14th district.

What they're saying: "I am the daughter and granddaughter of working class Italian and Cuban immigrants," Caruso-Cabrera said in a statement, according to CNBC.

  • "I am so lucky to have had such a wonderful career and I want everybody to have the opportunity that I've had. That's why I'm running."

Go deeper ... AOC: "In any other country, Joe Biden and I would not be in the same party"

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Orion Rummler

AOC concedes Sanders may have to compromise on Medicare for All

Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders rally in Durham, New Hampshire on Feb. 10. Photo: Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) conceded Thursday that Sen. Bernie Sanders' signature Medicare for All proposal would face congressional roadblocks if he was elected president, telling HuffPost: “A president can’t wave a magic wand and pass any legislation they want."

Why it matters: Ocasio-Cortez is a vocal proponent of Medicare for All and one of Sanders' highest-profile surrogates. She told HuffPost: "The worst-case scenario? We compromise deeply and we end up getting a public option. Is that a nightmare? I don’t think so."

Go deeperArrowFeb 13, 2020 - Health
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Bernie Sanders endorsed by key progressive Rep. Pramila Jayapal

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders during a June rally in Santa Monica. Photo: Jonathan Alcorn/AFP via Getty Images

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders for president on Sunday.

Why it matters: With Jayapal's endorsement, Sanders has the backing of both CPC co-chairs, after Rep. Mark Pocan endorsed him last week. He also has the support of influential progressive Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib.

Go deeperArrowJan 20, 2020
Ursula Perano

AOC among the House Democrats boycotting Trump's State of the Union

Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) announced Tuesday that she will be among a group of at least nine Democrats who are boycotting President Trump's State of the Union address.

Why it matters: The decision to boycott the address after attending last year reflects the cognitive dissonance felt by some Democrats about granting Trump a state ceremony after having accused him of being a threat to the Constitution and national security.

Go deeperArrowUpdated Feb 4, 2020 - Politics & Policy