Who?
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)
LISTEN: Laslo & AOC
AOC asked:
What do you chalk up this week’s big wins for progressives in New York City to?
Key AOC:
“I think this is about ideas. This is about fighting for not just any change but actual substantive change that people are going to feel in their lives,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told the congressional press corps this week. “Are they going to see us actually take these people on, or are they going to see us take their money and look the other way?”
ICYMI — Ask a Pol founder Matt Laslo’s latest
Caught our ear:
“Are they going to see us actually take these people on or are they going to see us take their money and look the other way?” AOC said. “And I think that what we are seeing is people wanting us to take a vigorous approach in taking on Big Money.”
Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), slightly edited for clarity.
TRANSCRIPT: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (6-25-2026)
SCENE: In the wake of a big week for progressives in New York City, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez huddles with congressional reporters and games out the new direction for the Democratic Party.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: “I think this is about ideas. This is about fighting for not just any change, but actual substantive change that people are going to feel in their lives. And so, I think what people want to see is — while there may be personalities — I think what they want to see is policy.
“They want to see, are we fighting to guarantee healthcare for every American? Are we trying to raise wages? Are we tackling on these huge corporations that are, you know, price gouging us, building out AI data centers and poisoning people’s water wells?
“Are they going to see us actually take these people on, or are they going to see us take their money and look the other way? And I think that what we are seeing is people wanting us to take a vigorous approach in taking on Big Money.”
What should we ask Congress next?
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