Staff Reports
In a recent episode of political entertainment, Vice President JD Vance took aim at Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or AOC as she’s often called, after her appearance at the Munich Security Conference. Vance did not shy away from expressing his discomfort with AOC’s attempts at discussing global issues, which he described as perhaps the most awkward twenty seconds of television he had ever witnessed. Vance raised an interesting question: Does anyone genuinely believe that AOC can provide substantial insight into international policies, especially concerning our strategies in Asia and Europe? The prevailing sentiment suggests that AOC may be simply following a script written by others rather than generating her own authentic viewpoints.
After her less-than-stellar performance, AOC quickly took to the New York Times, insisting that her intentions were misconstrued, and that the whole incident had nothing to do with her future political ambitions. She claimed she could care less about running for president, adding a dash of flair by asserting her purpose was rather different—though few could decipher what exactly that purpose was. Fellow commentator Kaylee McGee White humorously wondered if AOC’s “specific purpose” was simply to add confusion to an already complex political landscape.
AOC’s attempt at an international stage has been met with skepticism, and even some of her supporters might agree that she’s better known for her social media prowess than her grasp of complex global issues. This reality is essential to recognize—having a large following on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram doesn’t guarantee that one has the charisma or knowledge needed for a successful national campaign. Voters witnessed this firsthand in Munich, leading many to question AOC’s readiness for a presidential run—should she decide to pursue one in 2028.
It seems that AOC’s blunders did not go unnoticed even amongst her fellow Democrats. In fact, some might even argue that her mishaps could be detrimental to a broader party narrative that seeks to align with respected historical figures like President Franklin D. Roosevelt. One particularly bold comparison from a socialist New York magazine suggested that AOC represents a new wave of leaders capable of championing working-class issues. However, it’s hard to imagine many trusting AOC to navigate the country through a major crisis, unlike FDR during trying times such as the Great Depression.
Meanwhile, the current political climate remains turbulent. With President Biden’s cabinet convening to strategize for upcoming elections, the GOP, represented by Vance, is leveraging recent accomplishments to highlight contrasts between past and present governance. Vance pointed out that Americans are essentially faced with a choice: return to leadership that caused significant turmoil or opt for a party that has, at least in the past year, focused on achievements like decreasing inflation and making strides in border security. The political tussle continues as both sides gear up—Republicans are ambitious about their record but face hurdles such as the persistent filibuster, which complicates legislative progress.
In essence, AOC’s introduction to international politics may have been more of a theatrical endeavor than a display of genuine expertise and wisdom. As she navigates these waters, it remains to be seen whether she’ll learn from her missteps or continue to lean on social media charisma as a substitute for substantive political knowledge. As the political playground heats up, more entertainment—and perhaps more uncomfortable moments—are sure to come.
